In conjunction with UNCW's 50th anniversary celebration in 1998, the UNCW Athletic Hall of Fame was created to honor former student-athletes, coaches, administrators and benefactors.
The charter induction of the UNC Wilmington Athletic Hall of Fame took place on Saturday, May 9, 1998, with the induction of six members: former athletic director William J. Brooks, men's basketball player Gene Bogash, women's swimmer Janet Johnson, men's swimmer Sam O'Leary, benefactor Raiford G. Trask and baseball player Carl Willis.
Inductions take place every two years on campus and a total of 37 individuals have been honored in eight ceremonies. The ninth induction is scheduled for February of 2012.