WHITTIER, Calif. – Many individuals have left a lasting legacy and positive mark on Whittier College Athletics since the early 1900s. Of those legends, 190 individuals and 12 teams have been inducted into the Whittier College Athletics Purple & Gold Hall of Fame. On Thursday, Oct. 22, the Hall of Fame will welcome five new inductees, bringing its individual membership to 195. The Class of 2026 includes Thomas Vessella III '07 (Baseball), Jose "Joe" Toro (Groundskeeper), Louie Sanchez (Football and Baseball), Kourtney Zilbert '11 (Women's Basketball) and Jeffrey Laughlin '83 (Football).
Election to the Hall of Fame is a distinct honor, with inductees selected by a committee based on achievements that exceed what is considered exceptional in their respective fields or sports. The 2026 Hall of Fame class exemplifies what it means to be a Whittier College Poet.
Thomas Vessella III '07 – Baseball
Thomas Vessella III was a pitcher for the Poets' baseball team for three seasons before being selected by the Houston Astros in the 11th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft. After completing his first professional season with Greeneville of the Appalachian League, Vessella returned to Whittier College during the 2007 offseason to finish his degree.
The flamethrower went on to play professional baseball for nine years, finishing his career with the San Francisco Giants' Triple-A affiliate in Fresno, California. Following his playing career, Vessella earned two master's degrees and is currently entering his sixth season as head baseball coach at NCAA Division II Hillsdale College in Michigan.
Achievements:
Three-year baseball letterwinner (2003–06)
First Team All-SCIAC (2005–06)
NCAA First Team All-West Region (2005–06)
NCAA All-American (2005–06)
Selected by the Houston Astros in the 11th round of the 2006 MLB Draft
Jose "Joe" Toro – Groundskeeper
Jose "Joe" Toro is being inducted into the Hall of Fame as an honorary member in recognition of his 45 years of service to Whittier College Athletics from 1977 to 2021. Working in athletic field maintenance, Toro took great pride in preparing facilities for practices, competitions and special events while contributing to the success of the department.
Toro was also named Whittier College Employee of the Year, recognizing his dedication and commitment to supporting generations of student-athletes, coaches and athletic programs.
Achievements:
Whittier College Employee of the Year
45 years of service to Whittier College Athletics (1977–2021)
Louie Sanchez – Football and Baseball
Louie Sanchez shined in both football and baseball during his time at Whittier College. He played defensive back and punter on the football team and was a middle infielder for the baseball program. Sanchez earned First Team All-SCIAC honors for three seasons in both sports and served as a team captain during his senior seasons.
Sanchez earned NCAA All-American honors in football in 1981 and baseball in 1983, while also being named SCIAC Football Player of the Year in 1981. The two-sport athlete was a determined competitor, respected teammate and proud representative of Whittier College.
Achievements:
Four-year football letterwinner (1978–82)
Four-year baseball letterwinner (1979–83)
Three-time First Team All-SCIAC selection in football (1979–80, 1980–81, 1981–82)
SCIAC Football Player of the Year (1981)
NCAA Football All-American (1981)
Led the nation in punting for three consecutive seasons (1979–82)
Three-time First Team All-SCIAC selection in baseball (1980–81, 1981–82, 1982–83)
NCAA Baseball All-American (1983)
Team captain in football (1981–82) and baseball (1982–83)
Kourtney Zilbert '11 – Women's Basketball
Kourtney Zilbert competed on the Whittier College women's basketball team from 2007 to 2011. During her freshman season, the power forward was named NCAA All-West Region Rookie of the Year, SCIAC Newcomer of the Year and First Team All-SCIAC. Zilbert followed her impressive debut by earning Third Team All-West Region and First Team All-SCIAC honors during her sophomore campaign.
Her strong performances and leadership earned her the role of team captain during her junior and senior seasons. She received First Team All-SCIAC recognition as a junior and Second Team All-SCIAC honors as a senior, finishing her collegiate career with 1,259 points and 829 rebounds. Zilbert also earned two letters as a member of the softball team and went on to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Achievements:
Four-year women's basketball letterwinner (2007–11)
Three-time First Team All-SCIAC selection (2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10)
NCAA All-West Region Rookie of the Year (2007–08)
SCIAC Newcomer of the Year (2007–08)
NCAA Third Team All-West Region (2008–09)
Second Team All-SCIAC (2010–11)
Two-year softball letterwinner (2007–09)
Finished her collegiate basketball career with 1,259 points and 829 rebounds
Jeffrey Laughlin '83 – Football
Jeffrey Laughlin was a linebacker on the Poets' football team from 1980 to 1984 and made an immediate impact on the Whittier College community. As a multiyear starter, Laughlin was known for his intensity and toughness on the field, along with his wit and sense of humor off it.
He earned First Team All-SCIAC honors in consecutive seasons and went on to have a successful career in the food service industry. Laughlin remained connected to Whittier College throughout his life as a longtime member of the Purple & Gold and a regular participant in its annual golf tournament. Although Laughlin passed away on Sept. 20, 2014, his legacy and contributions to the Poets' football program continue to be remembered.
Achievements:
Four-year football letterwinner (1980–84)
Two-time First Team All-SCIAC linebacker (1981–82, 1982–83)
The five inductees will officially join the Purple & Gold Hall of Fame on Thursday, Oct. 22, recognizing their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to Whittier College Athletics. Each has left a lasting impact on the Poets community, and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of student-athletes.
