Hornell Sports Night Celebrates 50 Years with Star-Studded Lineup

Former pro athletes, college coaching legend, and acclaimed local honorees to be featured at annual sports banquet

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:07am

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The 50th annual Hornell Sports Night on April 18 will bring a star-studded lineup of former professional athletes, a college basketball coaching legend, and acclaimed local high school sports stars to the Maple City. The yearly banquet supports youth organizations across the Canisteo Valley and features the presentation of several awards, including the Female and Male Athlete of the Year, Sports Person of the Year, and Achievement Award.

Why it matters

Hornell Sports Night has become a highly anticipated annual event that celebrates the community's rich sports history and recognizes the accomplishments of local athletes and community members. The 50th anniversary edition will feature an impressive roster of national sports figures, further elevating the profile of the event and its impact on the region.

The details

The 50th Hornell Sports Night will take place on Saturday, April 18 at The Main Place. Headliners include College Basketball Hall of Famer Jim Boeheim, former NFL running back Willis McGahee, former MLB pitcher and World Series champion Tim Hudson, and National Soccer Hall of Famer Kristine Lilly. Local award winners include Hornell High School senior Selena Maldonado as Female Athlete of the Year, Arkport Central School senior Conor Smith as Male Athlete of the Year, James Freeland as Sports Person of the Year, and Colton Coates as the recipient of the Achievement Award. Kelly Denning will receive the second annual Mike Fucci Impact Award for her work with the Special Olympics Challenger League.

  • The 50th annual Hornell Sports Night will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • Dinner is scheduled for 6 p.m.

The players

Jim Boeheim

A college basketball Hall of Famer who spent 47 seasons as the head coach of his alma mater, Syracuse University, until his retirement in 2023. Boeheim finished with 1,015 career wins, placing him second all-time in Division I, and guided the Orange to 35 NCAA Tournament appearances and five Final Fours, including a National Championship in 2003.

Willis McGahee

A former NFL running back who was selected in the first round by the Buffalo Bills in the 2003 NFL draft. McGahee played four seasons with the Bills before being traded to the Baltimore Ravens, and also played for the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns. He finished his career with 8,474 rushing yards, 65 rushing touchdowns, 1,339 receiving yards, and five receiving touchdowns.

Kristine Lilly

A retired midfielder/attacker who played in five World Cups and three Olympic Games for the United States women's national soccer team. Lilly starred for the U.S. teams that won the Women's World Cup in 1991 and 1999 and Olympic titles in 1996 and 2004. She was named USA soccer female athlete of the year twice and was inducted into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame in 2014.

Tim Hudson

A former Hornell Dodger and World Series champion who had a stellar 17-season MLB career, primarily with the Oakland Athletics, Atlanta Braves, and San Francisco Giants. Hudson was a four-time All-Star and won the 2014 World Series with the Giants, retiring as one of only 21 pitchers in MLB history with over 200 wins.

Selena Maldonado

A Hornell High School senior who is the 50th annual Hornell Sports Night Female Athlete of the Year. Maldonado is a five-sport athlete who has competed in soccer, indoor and outdoor track and field, basketball, and flag football, and is expected to receive her 20th varsity letter when she graduates.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in Hornell, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

What’s next

Tickets for the 50th annual Hornell Sports Night are on sale at the Hornell Wegmans Service Desk from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tickets are $85 and cash only is accepted.

The takeaway

Hornell Sports Night has become a cherished annual tradition that brings the community together to celebrate its rich sports history and recognize the achievements of local athletes and community members. The 50th anniversary edition will feature an impressive lineup of national sports figures, further elevating the profile of the event and its impact on the region.