Batten University will be represented by two legendary former student-athletes in the 2026 ODAC Hall of Fame, as Laura E. Wallace '06 and Gary DePalma were selected for induction as part of the conference's second Hall of Fame class.
The 2026 ODAC Hall of Fame class features 36 former student-athletes, coaches, administrators and contributors who left a lasting impact on the conference. With Wallace and DePalma among this year's honorees, Batten is represented by two individuals whose careers helped establish them among the most accomplished athletes in Marlins history.
The selections continue a tradition established with the inaugural ODAC Hall of Fame class in 2025-26. The first two classes were selected directly by the administrations of the represented institutions, with the 2026 class bringing the Hall of Fame's total membership to 86 honorees.
Laura E. Wallace '06 — Women's Lacrosse
A dominant force throughout her four-year career, Laura Wallace established herself as one of the most prolific offensive players in women's lacrosse history.
Wallace played in 68 career games from 2002-06, finishing her career with 230 goals, 72 assists and 302 points. Her 230 career goals remain a school record, while her 75 goals in a single season also stand as the program's best mark. She ranks second in career draw control wins with 192 and second in career ground balls with 280, including a school-record 101 ground balls in a season. Wallace also ranks fourth in career points and fifth in career assists, while causing 71 turnovers during her career.
Her individual accomplishments were matched by an impressive team career. Wallace helped guide the Marlins to a 52-17 overall record and a 26-6 mark in ODAC play. The Marlins finished among the top three teams in the conference three times during her career, including ODAC runner-up finishes in 2004 and 2006.
Wallace's list of individual honors reflects her dominance at the conference, regional and national levels. She was a three-time All-Region, All-Virginia and All-ODAC selection from 2004-06 and earned third-team All-American honors in both 2004 and 2005. In 2003, she became the first ODAC Rookie of the Year in women's lacrosse history.
Wallace's collegiate career concluded with another prestigious honor when she was selected to participate in the 2006 North-South All-Star Game.
With her combination of statistical production, postseason success and individual recognition, Wallace left a lasting mark on women's lacrosse and becomes the program's first representative in the 2026 ODAC Hall of Fame class.
Gary DePalma — Men's Soccer
Gary DePalma's impact on men's soccer extended well beyond his four-year collegiate career.
A standout from 1994-97, DePalma ranks fourth in program history with 29 career assists and fourth with 272 career shots. His accomplishments earned him recognition as one of the premier players in the ODAC during his era, including four consecutive All-ODAC selections from 1994-97.
DePalma was named ODAC Player of the Year twice, earning the honor in 1995 and again in 1997. He was also a three-time All-Region selection from 1995-97 and earned All-American honors in both 1995 and 1997.
Following his collegiate career, DePalma continued his playing career professionally, competing in both outdoor and indoor soccer from 1999-2006.
Among the highlights of his professional career was a stint with the Detroit Rockers of the National Professional Soccer League, where he was named Rookie of the Year for the 1999-2000 season. He later helped the Philadelphia Kixx capture the Major Indoor Soccer League championship in 2002 and was selected as a MISL All-Star that same year.
Today, DePalma lives in State College, Pennsylvania, with his wife and three children. He remains involved in the sport as the Technical Director of the Celtic SC youth soccer club while also operating a custom furniture business.
