Media release from Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation:
The Rome-Floyd Sports Hall of Fame is hosting its annual Willard Nixon Golf Tournament on Friday, October 24 at Stonebridge Golf Course in Rome. It is a 4-man scramble with a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. Proceeds from the golf tournament will go to benefit local area high school senior athletes as well as the Rome-Floyd Sports Hall of Fame Banquet. Team registration is $400 and hole sponsorships are available for $100.
The Hall of Fame Banquet is set for Thursday, February 19 at the Forum River Center in Downtown Rome. Tickets go on sale for the event in December. More information will be coming soon regarding time, raffle opportunities, and more.
The Rome-Floyd Sports Hall of Fame voted in August on the 2026 Hall of Fame Class. Those going in are Jeff Hunnicutt, Victaria Saxton, Warren Gibson, Monica Barnett Adderley and Brandy Barnett Holloman. Below are short biographies about each individual.
Jeff Hunnicutt Bio – Amateur Athlete and Meritorious Service
Jeff Hunnicutt is widely recognized for his achievements as a multi-sport athlete and his ongoing dedication to football leadership in the region. During his time at Pepperell High School from 1992 to 1996, he distinguished himself as a four-sport letterman, excelling in football, basketball, wrestling, and baseball. Hunnicutt was a four-year starter in football and played a crucial role in leading his team to four straight playoff appearances, including two consecutive region championships during his sophomore and junior years. He also had 27 career interceptions, and was two-time first Team All-State in football. In basketball, he was a three-year starter, while in baseball he started for all four years on state-qualifying teams. As a wrestler, he achieved a third-place finish at the state level, displaying his versatility and competitiveness.
After high school, Hunnicutt continued his athletic journey at Tennessee Tech, where he was a standout linebacker across all four years. His relentless defensive play and team leadership were recognized with the Golden Eagle Award, highlighting his impact on the field and within the team. The sum of his amateur career demonstrates a rare blend of athletic talent, consistency, and leadership, which have become defining traits throughout his life in athletics.
Victaria Saxton Bio – Professional Athlete
Victaria Saxton is a distinguished professional basketball player known for her remarkable collegiate career and contributions to the WNBA. Rising from Model High School in Rome, Saxton became a four-time Region 7-AA champion, closed her prep career as her school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,622 points, and was named Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Class AA Player of the Year for both her junior and senior seasons. Her high school achievements included averaging 24.3 points and 14.9 rebounds per game as a senior and earning numerous local and statewide honors, confirming her talent and consistency throughout all four years.
Saxton attended the University of South Carolina, where she had a celebrated career with the Gamecocks. As a defensive powerhouse and team captain, she helped her team reach three NCAA Final Fours and win the 2022 national championship. She was regularly ranked among the SEC’s leaders in blocks, earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team during her first season, and was recognized on the NCAA Hemisfair Region All-Tournament Team in 2021. Her tenure included three SEC regular-season championships and three SEC tournament titles, making her an integral contributor to one of college basketball’s most successful programs. In 2023, Saxton was drafted by the Indiana Fever in the third round of the WNBA draft, adding to her legacy as one of Rome’s greatest sports exports.
Monica Barnett Adderley Bio – Amateur Athlete
Monica Barnett Adderley of Rome, GA is recognized for her impressive amateur track and field career, particularly in the triple jump. During her high school years at Coosa High, she set the school record in the triple jump for the 1996-97 season and was part of the 4×100-relay team that also set a school record in 1996. Monica was the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) AA triple jump champion in 1996 and a two-time regional triple jump champion. She placed fourth in the Georgia Indoor Girls Triple Jump Championships in 2001 and was a two-time participant in the GHSA AA State Championships in both triple jump and as an alternate in the 4×100 relay team.
Monica also excelled at the Rome Relays, winning the triple jump in both 1996 and 1997. After high school, she competed for the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) from 1997 to 2001, where she was a consistent performer on the track and field team. She placed fourth in the triple jump at the Ole Miss Open Invitation meet in 2000-2001 and was a four-year letter winner, earning a place on Ole Miss’s Walk of Champions. Beyond athletics, Monica was recognized for academic excellence, appearing on the University of Mississippi Athletic Association Academic Honor Roll from 1998 to 2001 and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Academic Honor Roll in 2001. In 2001, she was also named in “Who’s Who Among University and College Students,” highlighting her accomplishments both on and off the track.
Brandy Barnett Holloman Bio – Amateur Athlete
Brandy Barnett Holloman of Rome, GA is a celebrated amateur track and field athlete with a notable history of achievements at Coosa High School and the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). At Coosa High, she established the Georgia Indoor Girls High Jump Championship record at 5’9” in 1997 and was a two-time GHSA AA Champion in the girls’ high jump. Between 1994 and 1997, Brandy earned two region high jump championships and competed in three GHSA AA State Championships in events including the high jump, 100-meter hurdles, and 200 meters. She also set the Coosa High School high jump records indoors at 5’9” and outdoors at 5’8”. Her stellar high school career was highlighted by being named the Rome Relays MVP in 2001.
Continuing her athletic career at Ole Miss, Brandy was a two-time All-SEC Second Team honoree, finishing second in the SEC Championships in the women’s high jump in 1999 and 2001. She also earned All-SEC Third Team honors with a third-place finish indoors in 2001. With personal records of 5’10.5” indoors and outdoors, she ranks among the top three female high jumpers in Ole Miss History. She won the Texas Relays High Jump Group B Championship with a jump of 5’10.5” in 2001 and placed in the top 10 for the heptathlon at the Alabama Relays in 1999. As a volunteer and graduate assistant coach for Ole Miss from 2001 to 2003, she qualified for the US Indoor Championship in 2003, and competed in the US Indoor National Championships in Boston. Her personal best of 6’0” came in second place at the Arkansas State University Invitational in 2003. Brandy was a four-year letter winner recognized on Ole Miss’s Walk of Champions, celebrated for her athletic excellence and leadership.
Warren Gibson Bio – Amateur Athlete and Meritorious Service
Warren Gibson of Rome, GA is a distinguished amateur athlete and dedicated community coach with a strong legacy rooted in East Rome High School. During his high school years, Warren was a four-year letterman in both baseball and basketball, and a three-year letterman in football and track. He was a key starting receiver and defensive back for the East Rome Gladiators football team that won state championships in 1977 and 1978. Warren also played on the 1978 state runner-up baseball team and was part of the region champion 4×100 relay team the same year. His talent earned him all-area honors in both football and baseball.
He continued his baseball career with a scholarship to Shorter College, where he was a four-year starter and achieved NAIA All-American status, boasting a senior year batting average exceeding .500. Beyond his playing career, Warren has contributed extensively to youth sports and community development. He has served as a community coach at Darlington School, volunteered for the local recreation department, and coached a recreation basketball team to a state runner-up finish. Currently, Warren manages various youth programs at the Rome YMCA, including youth basketball, and serves as a mentor to young athletes, sustaining his commitment to fostering athletic and personal growth in the Rome community.