Georgia State Athletics announced the 2025–26 class of the Georgia State Athletics Hall of Fame on Tuesday morning, recognizing four former student athletes whose careers helped shape the legacy of Panther athletics.
The 2025–26 inductees include R.J. Hunter from men’s basketball, Patechia Hartman from women’s basketball, Ulrick John from football, and April DeCoste from volleyball. Each honoree is being recognized for outstanding achievements, lasting impact on their respective programs, and continued representation of Georgia State beyond their playing careers.
“These individuals represent the very best of Georgia State Athletics,” Director of Athletics Charlie Cobb said. “They competed at the highest level, elevated their teams, and left a legacy that continues to inspire our student athletes today. We are proud to welcome them into our Hall of Fame.”
R.J. Hunter
Men’s Basketball | Guard | 2012–2015
One of the most decorated players in program history, R.J. Hunter built a legacy defined by scoring excellence, late game poise, and sustained national recognition.
Hunter was a two time AP All America honorable mention in 2014 and 2015 and earned Sun Belt Player of the Year honors in both seasons. He was also a two time All Sun Belt First Team selection, a two time NABC All District 24 First Team honoree, and a two time finalist for the Lou Henson Award.
He made an immediate impact as a freshman, earning CAA Rookie of the Year honors in 2013, All CAA First Team recognition, and selection to the Kyle Macy Freshman All America Team. He was named CAA Rookie of the Week six times and earned Lou Henson National Player of the Week honors on Feb. 4, 2013.
Hunter remains Georgia State’s all time leader in points, free throws made, free throw percentage, three pointers made, three point attempts, and field goal attempts. His 688 points during the 2014–15 season remain a single season program record.
During his senior season, Hunter averaged 19.7 points per game and delivered one of the most iconic moments in NCAA Tournament history, scoring 12 of Georgia State’s final 13 points to secure a first round upset over Baylor with a game winning three pointer in the final seconds.
Patechia Hartman
Women’s Basketball | 2002–2005
Patechia Hartman is one of the most accomplished players in Georgia State women’s basketball history. Her No. 3 jersey was retired in 2006.
Hartman was a two time Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year and a two time first team all conference selection. She led Georgia State in scoring in consecutive seasons and earned eight Atlantic Sun Player of the Week honors.
She remains the only player in program history to record at least 1,500 points, 400 assists, and 200 steals and ranks among the program’s top five in multiple statistical categories.
Following her collegiate career, Hartman played professionally for 12 years in domestic and international leagues before transitioning into coaching. She is currently an assistant coach at Georgia State.
Ulrick John
Football | Offensive Line | 2010–2013
A member of Georgia State’s inaugural football team, Ulrick John helped establish the foundation of the Panthers football program.
John was a four year letterwinner and two year starter who anchored the offensive line during Georgia State’s transition into the Sun Belt Conference. In 2013, he earned honorable mention All Sun Belt recognition.
He became the second Georgia State player selected in the NFL Draft when he was chosen by the Indianapolis Colts in 2014 and went on to play five seasons in the NFL. John earned a Super Bowl championship with the New England Patriots in 2019.
He returned to Georgia State to complete his degree, graduating in 2023.
April DeCoste
Volleyball | Setter | 2001–2004
April DeCoste is one of the most dominant setters in Georgia State volleyball history.
She became just the second player in NCAA history to record over 5,000 career assists during the thirty point scoring era, finishing with 5,339 assists. She holds multiple Georgia State records, including single season assists and assists per set.
DeCoste earned ASUN Freshman of the Year honors in 2001 and was selected to multiple All Conference teams. Following her playing career, she transitioned into coaching and earned conference Coach of the Year honors at Wesleyan.
The Georgia State Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025–26 will be formally inducted during the Golden Panther Awards later this year. Additional details will be announced by the department.
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