Rice University Athletics
Lessmeister to be Inducted into the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame
6/9/2026 1:17:00 PM | Women's Cross Country, Women's Track & Field
WACO – One of the Rice women's track and field all-time greats, Candace Lessmeister, is set to be inducted into the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame announced.
"I am so happy for Candace to receive this much-deserved recognition," said Rice women's track and field head coach Jim Bevan. "She was a tremendous competitor and a tremendous athlete for Rice, winning numerous titles over her career. Candace was unstoppable in the 800m, 1500m and the mile, finishing second in the nation in the mile in 1994, on top of all the Southwest Conference titles across the three events. In addition to the track, she was a great cross-country athlete, guiding Rice to its only Southwest Conference title in Rice women's athletics history in 1994. Candace accomplished so much during her time at Rice, and is so deserving of this incredible honor."
A 1995 graduate, Lessmeister's illustrious career includes being a nine-time Southwest Conference champion across five events. Lessmeister won three Southwest Conference 1500m outdoor titles (1993, 1994, and 1995), won the indoor 800m and mile events in both 1993 and 1994, and captured the 3000m title in 1995. She was also on the 1992 indoor SWC champion 4x800m relay team.
In addition, she is a three-time All-American honoree, receiving the recognition in 1993 (4x800m relay) and in 1994 and 1995 (indoor mile). Lessmeister finished second in the nation in the mile at the 1994 NCAA Indoor Championships.
In cross country, Lessmeister led the Owls to their first-ever SWC cross country title in 1994, with 64 points over Baylor's 65. Lessmeister finished second in the race and later qualified as an individual for the NCAA Cross Country Championship, where she finished 42nd in the nation. In 1992, Lessmeister placed fourth at the SWC Cross Country Championship.
Her tremendous efforts on the track and in the classroom were recognized by being named the 1995 Joyce Pounds Hardy Award winner, awarded to the most outstanding female athlete at Rice.
The Southwest Conference Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon will take place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco.
"I am so happy for Candace to receive this much-deserved recognition," said Rice women's track and field head coach Jim Bevan. "She was a tremendous competitor and a tremendous athlete for Rice, winning numerous titles over her career. Candace was unstoppable in the 800m, 1500m and the mile, finishing second in the nation in the mile in 1994, on top of all the Southwest Conference titles across the three events. In addition to the track, she was a great cross-country athlete, guiding Rice to its only Southwest Conference title in Rice women's athletics history in 1994. Candace accomplished so much during her time at Rice, and is so deserving of this incredible honor."
A 1995 graduate, Lessmeister's illustrious career includes being a nine-time Southwest Conference champion across five events. Lessmeister won three Southwest Conference 1500m outdoor titles (1993, 1994, and 1995), won the indoor 800m and mile events in both 1993 and 1994, and captured the 3000m title in 1995. She was also on the 1992 indoor SWC champion 4x800m relay team.
In addition, she is a three-time All-American honoree, receiving the recognition in 1993 (4x800m relay) and in 1994 and 1995 (indoor mile). Lessmeister finished second in the nation in the mile at the 1994 NCAA Indoor Championships.
In cross country, Lessmeister led the Owls to their first-ever SWC cross country title in 1994, with 64 points over Baylor's 65. Lessmeister finished second in the race and later qualified as an individual for the NCAA Cross Country Championship, where she finished 42nd in the nation. In 1992, Lessmeister placed fourth at the SWC Cross Country Championship.
Her tremendous efforts on the track and in the classroom were recognized by being named the 1995 Joyce Pounds Hardy Award winner, awarded to the most outstanding female athlete at Rice.
The Southwest Conference Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon will take place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco.
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