The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff announced on Apr. 10 that former head football coach Lee A. Hardman Sr. and current head women’s basketball coach Erica Smith (Taylor) Leak will be inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for tonight at the Oaklawn Event Center Ballroom in Hot Springs, with a reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the program starting at 6:30 p.m. The class includes honorees from coaching, football, basketball, tennis, and thoroughbred racing.
Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Chris Robinson said, “This is a tremendous moment for Golden Lion Nation. To have both Coach Hardman and Coach Leak selected to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 speaks to the rich tradition and excellence of UAPB Athletics. Their impact reflects who we are resilient, driven, and committed to greatness.”
Hardman’s career began as a standout defensive back at Arkansas AM&N before moving into coaching where he led Dollarway High School to four state championships with an impressive record including a 51-game winning streak over five seasons. He returned to UAPB in 1993 after the program faced NCAA sanctions known as the “Death Penalty,” guiding them to five wins in his first season—a first in NCAA history under such circumstances—and later leading them to national championship contention.
“It’s a great honor,” Hardman said about his induction. “To be part of something as special as the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame is incredibly humbling. This recognition reflects so many people who were part of the journey.” Over his eleven-year tenure at UAPB, he became its winningest head coach with a record of 64–57.
Erica Smith (Taylor) Leak’s achievements span from an undefeated junior high career through collegiate success at Louisiana Tech—where she scored over twelve hundred points—to being drafted by the Washington Mystics in the WNBA Draft’s first round in 2005. In her second season coaching UAPB women’s basketball, she led her team to a top-five finish in their conference after being picked eleventh preseason.
Leak said about her selection: “I’m honored to be named to the Hall of Fame Class… To be recognized alongside so many great individuals is truly humbling.” Her teams have become known for strong defense and rapid improvement within her short tenure.
Established in 1958, the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought distinction through athletic achievement across generations.
