GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida High School Athletic Association celebrated the newest members of the Florida High School Athletic Hall of Fame presented by Herff Jones on Sunday, September 20, welcoming eight distinguished individuals into the Association’s 36^th induction class.
 
“This was a great night celebrating the very best of Florida high school athletics,” FHSAA Executive Director Craig Damon said. “These eight individuals have made an incredible impact as student-athletes, coaches, officials, and administrators in the sports they have represented throughout their careers. We’re proud to welcome them into the FHSAA Hall of Fame presented by Herff Jones.”

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The eight members of the 36^th FHSAA Hall of Fame class are:

• Jean Bonnici Allender, a pioneering Florida high school-athlete who, under Class of 2011 Florida High School Athletic Hall of Fame coach Robert Iamurri at Naples High School, compiled a 69–3 pitching record and led her team to three state championships in 1991, 1993, and 1994. As a freshman in 1991, Allender was the winning pitcher in the state championship game, finishing the season 14–1 and earning First Team All-Southwest Florida honors in both 1991 and 1992. In 1993, she secured her second state title, highlighted by a three-inning, no-hit relief appearance with five strikeouts. That season, she helped lead Naples to a 13–0 record, posting a 0.16 ERA, striking out 97 batters, and batting .432 with 10 stolen bases. She was named Southwest Florida Player of the Year. In 1994, Allender completed a perfect 19–0 senior season, capturing her third state championship and leading Naples to back-to-back undefeated title runs, including 13 shutout victories. Her senior year featured a 0.00 ERA, two no-hitters, and a perfect game, along with a .493 batting average, 20 RBI, and 20 runs scored. She again earned All-Southwest Florida Player of the Year honors and was selected as both the Class 3A and overall Softball Player of the Year by the Florida Athletic Coaches Association. She was also the first female recipient of the Collier Athletic Club’s Winged Foot Scholar-Athlete Award and was named Florida Dairy Farmers Player of the Year and a First Team All-American. Following her high school career, Allender continued her success at Stetson University, where she became a two-way standout and was inducted into the Stetson Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004. She was the 1998 ASUN Player of the Year and a four-time First Team All-ASUN selection as a pitcher, also earning Second Team honors as a third baseman. She concluded her collegiate career among the program’s all-time leaders in multiple offensive and pitching categories. Allender’s impact on Florida high school softball is lasting and profound. She exemplifies the highest standards of athletic excellence and has made an extraordinary contribution to the sport. 

• Matt Brunson, an esteemed football coach with more than three decades of experience, has built a distinguished legacy as one of Northwest Florida’s most respected leaders in high school football. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to developing student-athletes and advancing the game, serving as head coach at three high schools and compiling an impressive 288–85 record. His coaching journey includes stops as Defensive Coordinator at Baker High School (1992–1996), Head Coach at Vernon High School (1997–2000), Head Coach at Crestview High School (2001–2010), and a return to his alma mater as Head Coach at Baker High School (2011–2021, 2024–present). Across these tenures, Brunson has led programs to 22 state playoff appearances, 13 district championships, 12 regional championships, three FHSAA State Runner-up finishes, and two state championships. At Baker High School, he elevated the program into one of Florida’s most consistent contenders, highlighted by a historic 2020 state championship which was the first football title for Okaloosa County in 25 years. A former standout linebacker at Baker High School (1983–1986), Brunson was part of one of the most dominant eras of the program, including three consecutive state championships and a state-record 42-game winning streak. His coaching success has been defined by his ability to build culture and instill discipline, accountability, and character in every program he has led. Brunson’s excellence has been recognized with numerous honors, including Class 1A Florida Coach of the Year (2020), Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year (2000 and 2002 in Classes 1A and 3A), 12 FACA District Coach of the Year awards, and nine Playground News/Daily News Coach of the Year selections. Beyond championships and accolades, his legacy is the impact he has made on generations of student-athletes, developing young men of character whose influence extends far beyond the field.   

• Edward “Teddy” Dupay, a pioneering student-athlete who ranks among Florida’s most accomplished high school basketball players, he starred at Mariner High School from 1994 to 1998, setting a state record with 3,744 career points that remains unbeaten to this day. He led Mariner to a Lee County Athletic Conference (LCAC) championship as a freshman and, as a sophomore, averaged 25.3 points per game while earning Second-Team All-State honors and guiding his team to a 32–2 record and a berth in the FHSAA State Championship game. As a junior, he was named First-Team All-State in Class 5A after averaging 28.9 points per game. Dupay capped his career with a historic senior season, averaging 41.5 points per game to earn Florida’s “Mr. Basketball” honor. He recorded four 50-point games, including a 70-point performance in a state playoff game, and set the City of Palms Tournament record with 56 points in a single game. He earned McDonald’s All-American honors in 1998, winning the three-point shooting contest, and finished his prep career holding five national scoring records. His accolades also include the McDonald’s All-American Wooden Award, two Parade All-American selections, Basketball Times National Holiday Season Player of the Year in 1997, and Gatorade National Player of the Year in 1998. At the University of Florida (1998–2001), Dupay was a standout guard who finished third in program history with 188 career three-pointers, including three streaks of at least 15 consecutive games with a made three-pointer. Under Coach Billy Donovan, he helped lead the Gators to the 2000 Final Four and National Championship game, as well as SEC Championships in 1999–2000 and 2000–2001. He earned Associated Press All-American honors and was a two-time AP All-SEC selection. Dupay has continued to impact the game through the Teddy Dupay Basketball Academy, where he serves as a coach and trainer, mentoring young athletes and helping them develop both on the court and in life through discipline, confidence, and teamwork.

• Ray Evans, an esteemed baseball coach with more than 30 years of experience, compiled a career record of 559–251–2 during his tenure as a Head Coach. He served as head coach at Miami Beach Senior High (1989–1998), Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High (1999–2003), Charles Flanagan High School (2004–2018), and Dr. Phillips High School (2019–2021), and has served as an assistant coach at Windermere High School since 2022. Over a 33-year head coaching career, he guided programs to 17 district championships, four regional championships, and three state championships, while making 10 regional championship appearances. In 2010, his Charles Flanagan team was named National Champion by Baseball America, and Evans was recognized as the Baseball America National High School Coach of the Year. His teams consistently competed at the highest level while setting a standard of excellence statewide and nationally. Evans has earned numerous coaching honors, including four Sun-Sentinel Coach of the Year awards, four Miami Herald Coach of the Year awards, and three NFHS State Coach of the Year selections. He was named Florida Dairy Farmers 6A Baseball Coach of the Year in 2010 and received FACA Coach of the Year honors in 6A (2006, 2011), 8A (2015), and 9A (2017). He was inducted into three halls of fame: National High School Baseball Coaches Association (2021), High School Baseball Network South Florida (2023), and Florida Athletic Coaches Association (2025), acknowledging his distinguished career. An active member of the Florida Athletic Coaches Association and a national speaker and board member for the National High School Baseball Coaches Association, Evans has contributed significantly to the development and education of coaches across the country. Under his leadership, programs achieved championship success while consistently exemplifying the values of hard work, perseverance, and character. He has helped develop student-athletes into responsible, respectful leaders in their communities and has served as a mentor to countless coaches, leaving a legacy on the game at both the state high school and national levels.

• Henry Lawrence, a trailblazing student-athlete in Florida high school athletics, Lawrence is remembered not only for his excellence on the field, but also for his courage and leadership during a time of significant social change. He played varsity football at Lincoln Memorial High School in Palmetto, Florida from 1966–1969, excelling on both sides of the line of scrimmage as an offensive tackle and defensive end. As the only public high school for African Americans in Manatee County prior to desegregation, Lincoln Memorial was a cornerstone of the community, and during his tenure, Lawrence earned All-American honors along with numerous All-County, All-Conference, All-District, and All-State selections. During school integration, Lincoln Memorial was converted to a middle school, and Lawrence completed his senior year at Manatee High School in 1969. Despite entering as an All-American prospect, he faced limited opportunities within a program that marginalized Black student-athletes. After raising concerns with school leadership, he endured consequences for speaking out, yet remained committed to his team, demonstrating resilience, discipline, and leadership while advocating respect and unity. Lawrence continued his career at Florida A&M University (1970–1973), earning Second-Team All-American and First-Team Little All-American honors in 1973. He was selected in the first round of the 1974 NFL Draft (19th overall) by the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders and went on to a distinguished 13-year career as an offensive tackle, earning two Pro Bowl selections (1983, 1984) and winning three Super Bowl championships. He was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2023. Beyond his playing career, Lawrence has remained deeply committed to service, delivering motivational presentations throughout Florida and supporting his youth foundation through health fairs, back-to-school initiatives, football camps, and outreach to at-risk and incarcerated youth. His journey is defined by perseverance through adversity, leaving a legacy on the game and in the lives of those he continues to inspire   

• Mona Osborne, a decorated contest official from Palm Beach County with nearly 30 years of experience, has dedicated 22 years to officiating high school baseball and 5 years to officiating high school football, earning widespread respect for her professionalism, consistency, and commitment to the games. Mona is the only female umpire in the history of FHSAA Baseball State Championships to have worked that level. She has also officiated numerous state regional games. In addition, she has served as a state baseball evaluator at several FHSAA State Championship events, contributing significantly to the development and advancement of officiating standards across Florida. Osborne is the only woman to umpire the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Baseball All-Star Series (2016) and to be chosen by the FHSAA as a state baseball evaluator and clinic trainer (2012).  After 5 years of officiating college baseball, she stepped away to focus on her role as Training Coordinator for her local high school baseball association, representing the FHSAA, where she fully realized her passion for teaching umpires. She has coordinated many FHSAA three-man umpire clinics for playoff games throughout Southeast Florida. She co-authored the FHSAA three-man mechanics manual for high school baseball in 2014, helping to advance officiating standards statewide. Furthermore, she helped coordinate an MLB clinic for non-professional umpires and helped in other statewide baseball associations, playing a key role in developing officials across the region. In 2008, she was part of the only all-female umpiring crew to work a Major League Baseball Exhibition game between the New York Mets and the University of Michigan, opening the Mets’ Spring Training season. At the international level, reflecting her standing in global competition, she was selected to represent the United States as an umpire at the Women’s Baseball World Cup held in Japan in 2008. She was subsequently appointed to officiate as the plate umpire for the Championship Game. She officiated the World Cup again in Viera, Florida in 2018. Mona received FHSAA’s Active Official of the Year (Baseball) honors in 2011 and was named FHSAA Official of the Year in 2018. In 2024, she received the Diamond Achievement Award from the Florida Minority Baseball Alliance in recognition of her lasting impact on the world of baseball and her contributions to women playing baseball. Osborne dedicated her career to improving officiating and enhancing the student-athlete experience. Serving the FHSAA and its member schools for 22 years as an umpire, trainer, evaluator, and assignor, she has made a lasting and transformative impact on the development and integrity of high school baseball in Florida.

• Joshua Saunders, a pioneer in high school girls’ flag football, has compiled an outstanding 300–34 record over 20 seasons as head coach at Robinson High School in Tampa. During his tenure, he has captured 11 FHSAA State Championships since 2014, including an unprecedented run of 10 consecutive titles from 2016 through 2026, along with 12 regional championships and 14 straight district titles. Robinson High School’s 11 state championships stand as a national benchmark for girls’ flag football, achieved during an era in which Florida has sanctioned and developed the sport since the early 2000s. Since 2025, Saunders has been the 17U Head Coach of the U.S. Girls National Flag Football Team, after serving as 15U assistant coach and helping win two junior gold medals. He serves as head coach of the University of Florida Women’s Club Flag Football team as well, guiding the program to seven NIRSA National Championships (2018, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026). His leadership includes previous service on the NIRSA Editorial Board and current service on the USA Football Flag Football Competition and High-Performance Committees.  In 2022, the Robinson High School team led by Saunders participated in a competition at Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, which was broadcast on the NFL Network. Saunders is also a member of the Girls Flag Football Elite 11 staff and serves on the Tampa Chapter Board of the National Football Foundation. He has been Flag Football Chairman for the Florida Athletic Coaches Association since 2015, boosting statewide participation, clinic involvement, and expanding All-State recognition to over 200 athletes. Additionally, he serves on both the FHSAA Flag Football Rules Committee and the FHSAA Flag Football Advisory Committee, contributing to the governance and continued development of the sport across Florida. A five-time Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year and recipient of the 2020 PCA Tampa Bay Regional and National Double-Goal Coach Award, Saunders has elevated girls’ football to the national stage. His legacy is defined not only by championships, but by the student-athletes he has developed, the standards he has set, and the future he has built for the sport.

• Tammie K. Talley, a pioneering athletic administrator, has served as the District Athletic Director for Duval County Public Schools since 2012, overseeing 42 schools, more than 3,000 coaches annually, and nearly 14,000 student-athletes. Her leadership career began as Assistant Athletic Director at Paxon High School (1992–1993), followed by Athletic Director at Paxon (1993–1998) and Mandarin High School (1998–2012), where she built a sustained record of excellence across multiple programs. She also served as head volleyball coach at Paxon (1992–1998) and Mandarin (1998–2012) and led Mandarin’s girls flag football program from 1998–2012, contributing significantly to the growth of multiple sports. Throughout her tenure as District Athletic Director, Talley has demonstrated visionary leadership in athletic program development and coaching education. She established districtwide coaching certification programs and created specialized clinics for middle school coaches in girls’ volleyball, track and field, and girls’ soccer. In 1995, Talley was instrumental in launching girls flag football at the high school level in Duval County and in 2017 at the middle school level, expanding opportunities for female student-athletes. Further, she has organized comprehensive rules clinics and coaching symposiums across multiple sports at the local and state levels, consistently emphasizing program quality, athlete safety, and scholarship opportunities. Talley has played a significant role in improving athletic facilities and student wellness infrastructure across K–12 schools, advancing projects such as turf fields, beach volleyball courts, girls weightrooms, track resurfacing, elementary playgrounds, and athletic facility upgrades that ensure safe, high-quality environments for student participation. Additionally, she has overseen the expansion of sports medicine services, including full-time certified athletic trainers in all 17 Duval County public high schools through Project17, in collaboration with Jacksonville Sports Medicine initiatives. Her professional service includes leadership roles as a past President of the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (first female in history) and Secretary of the Florida Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association since 2019. She has received numerous honors, including induction into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame Class of 2026,  the 2024 Wink Barnett Award (FACA), recognition as the 2022 National Athletic Director of the Year (NHSACA), the 2022 NIAAA State Award of Merit, the 2021 FIAAA Dr. Clarence Noe Award (Florida Athletic Director of the Year), the 2021 Florida Athletic Coaches Association Meritorious Service Award,  the 2016 Joe Bourdon Sports Medicine Awareness Award and the Girls Inc. Women of Vision Award in 2011. Over more than three decades of service, Mrs. Talley has exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and leadership, leaving a lasting impact on the structure, governance, and advancement of interscholastic athletics throughout Florida.

About the FHSAA
The Florida High School Athletic Association supervises and regulates interscholastic athletic programs for high school students at member public, private and charter schools. The organization also recognizes and honors academic achievement among student-athletes at over 850 middle, junior and senior high schools statewide. Headquartered in Gainesville, it is the official governing body for interscholastic athletics in Florida.