Jan. 22, 2003
GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Atlantic Coast Conference 50th Anniversary Top 50 Female Athletes were announced today by Commissioner John D. Swofford. The 50-member team was voted on by a 120-member blue-ribbon committee that was selected by the league’s 50th Anniversary Committee.
“These women are more than just outstanding former student-athletes, they are pioneers for women’s athletics as a result of their exceptional and varied accomplishments both professionally and athletically.” said Swofford. “These women established a level of excellence and achievement, both nationally and internationally, that will serve as a standard for all future women athletes in the ACC.”
North Carolina led all league schools with 15 members on the Golden Anniversary team while Duke and NC State were second with eight honorees each. Clemson had six athletes selected, followed by Maryland and Virginia (5) and Wake Forest (3).
Representing Clemson are Gigi Fernandez, Kim Graham, Barbara Kennedy, Tina Krebs, Mitzi Kremer and Cindy Stern.
The ACC’s 50th Anniversary Top 50 Female Athletes, in alphabetical order, is as follows:
ACC 50th Anniversary – Top 50 Female Athletes
Sport School Years Hometown JenAdams Lacrosse Maryland 1998-2001 Brighton So. Australia Beth BauerGolf Duke 1998-2000 Cramerton N.C. Alana Beard Basketball Duke2000-2002 Shreveport La. Genia Beasley Basketball NC State1977-1980 Benson N.C. Joan Benoit Cross Country NC State 1978 CapeElizabeth Maine Bea Bielik Tennis Wake Forest 2000-2001 ValleyStream N.Y. Vicky Bullett Basketball Maryland 1986-1989 MartinsburgW.Va. Jenny Chuasiriporn Golf Duke 1995-1999 Timonium Md. HeatherDow Lacrosse Virginia 1980-1982 Newport News Va. Laura DuPontTennis North Carolina 1967-1970 Charlotte N.C. Lorrie Fair SoccerNorth Carolina 1996-1999 Los Altos Calif. Gigi Fernandez TennisClemson 1983 Puerto Rico Laurie Gomez Indoor Track/Cross Country NCState 1988-1991 Boardman Ohio Kim Graham Indoor/Outdoor TrackClemson 1991-1993 Aberdeen Md. Cherie Greer Lacrosse Virginia1991-1994 Narbeth Pa. Mia Hamm Soccer North Carolina 1989-199092-93 Burke Va. Candy Hannemann Golf Duke 1998-2001 Rio de JaneiroBrazil April Heinrichs Soccer North Carolina 1983-1986LittletonColo. Tara Heiss Basketball Maryland 1975-1978 BethesdaMd. Monique Hennagan Indoor/Outdoor Track North Carolina 1995-1998Columbia S.C. Shannon Higgins Soccer North Carolina 1986-1989SeattleWash. Nancy Hogshead Swimming Duke 1981 Jacksonville Fla.Donna Holt Basketball Virginia 1985-1988 Chicago Ill. CharmaineHooper Soccer NC State 1987-1990 Ottawa Ontario Marion JonesBasketball/Outdoor Track NorthCarolina 1994-1995 97 Thousand OaksCalif. Kate Kauffman Field Hockey Maryland 1993-1996 Reading Pa.Barbara Kennedy Basketball Clemson 1979-1982 Rome Ga. Tina KrebsIndoor/Outdoor Track Clemson 1983, 1985-87 Holback Denmark MitziKremer Swimming Clemson 1987-1989 Titusville Fla. Kristine LillySoccer North Carolina 1989-1992 WiltonConn. Leslie Lyness FieldHockey North Carolina 1986-1989 Paoli Pa. Chasity Melvin BasketballNC State 1995-1998 Roseboro N.C. Chris Moreland Basketball Duke1985-1988 Alexandria Va. Stephanie Neill Harner Golf Wake Forest1991-1995 Charlotte N.C. Wendy Palmer Basketball Virginia 1993-1996Timberlake N.C. Cindy Parlow Soccer North Carolina 1995-1998Memphis Tenn. Laura Philo Diaz Golf Wake Forest 1993-1997 ScotiaN.Y. Tracy Reid Basketball North Carolina 1995-1998 Miami Fla.Georgia Schweitzer Basketball Duke 1998-2001 Columbus Ohio JulieShea Cross Country NC State 1977-1980 Raleigh N.C. Charlotte SmithBasketball North Carolina 1992-1995 ShelbyN.C. Betty Springs CrossCountry NC State 1979-1983 Bradenton Fla. Dawn Staley BasketballVirginia 1989-1992 Philadelphia Pa. Cindy Stern Volleyball Clemson1996-1999 Cincinnati Ohio Andrea Stinson Basketball NC State1989-1991 Cornelius N.C. Carla Tagliente Field Hockey Maryland1997-2000 Perkiomenville Pa. Tisha Venturini Soccer North Carolina1991-1994 ModestoCalif. Sue Walsh Swimming North Carolina 1981-1984Hamburg N.Y. Vanessa Webb Tennis Duke 1995-1999 Toronto CanadaCindy Werley Field Hockey North Carolina 1993-1994 96-97 AllentownPa.
BIOS:
Jen Adams, Maryland (1998-2001)
All-time collegiate scoring leader with 445 points … Also the all-time assist leader with 178 … Owns Maryland’s career and single season records for points, goals, and assists … A member of four national championship teams … Named All-American and national player of the year three times … Scored more goals and assists in 2001 than any player in NCAA Division I … Member of the Australian National Team.
Beth Bauer, Duke (1998-2000)
1998-99 & 1999-00 first-team All-American and All-ACC … ACC Player of the Year in 1999-00 and Co-ACC Player of the Year in 1998-99 … National & ACC Rookie of the Year in 1998-99 … led Future’s Tour in 2000-01 in money earned and received her LPGA tour card for 2002 … led Duke to 1999 NCAA Championship.
Alana Beard, Duke (2000-2002)
In just two years, has become one of the best ACC women’s basketball players of all time … Associated Press first-team All-American and Kodak All-American … ACC Player of the Year in 2002 … Consensus National Freshman of the Year in 2001 and ACC Rookie of the Year … Became the first freshman in ACC history to be named first-team All-ACC as a freshman and once again was named as a sophomore … Became the first ACC men’s or women’s player to notch over 600 points, 200 rebounds, 150 assists, 100 steals and 20 blocks in a season in 2001-02.
Genia Beasley, NC State (1977-1980)
NC State’s all-time leading scorer with 2,367 points … 1978 Kodak All-American … became the first women’s player ever to score over 2,000 career points … Playing for the Junior Pan American Games, she won three gold medals … holds eight school records and was named All-State, All-NCAIAW and All-Region II … also selected North Carolina’s AAU Female Amateur Athlete of the Year in 1978 … The Wolfpack’s all-time leader in rebounding, she is also first on the career list in field goals and blocked shots … one of seven players to have her jersey retired by the school.
Joan Benoit, NC State (1978)
All-American in 1977 and 1978 … All-ACC in 1978 … Won Boston Marathon in 1979 and 1983 … Won the Olympic Marathon at the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Bea Bielik, Wake Forest (2000-2001)
In two seasons, has already been a two-time All-America in both singles and doubles … two-time All-ACC … 2000 National Clay Court singles and doubles champion … 2001 ITA National Indoor Singles Champion … currently ranked No. 1 nationally in singles, No. 2 in doubles … advanced to semifinals of 2001 NCAA Singles Championship.
Vicky Bullett, Maryland (1986-1989)
1989 Kodak All-American and ACC Player of the Year … A two-time Kodak All-Region selection, was ACC tournament MVP in 1989 and a three-time ACC champion … Led her team to the Final Four in 1989 and a final national ranking of No. 5 that same year … In 1988, she was a member of the All-Mideast team and in 1989 was named to the All-West region team … Maryland’s all-time leading scorer with 1,928 career points, she is one of three Terps to have her jersey retired … Three-time All-ACC (first-team in 1988 and 89, second-team in 1987) … A two-time ACC tournament team selection (1986, 1989) … A member of the 1988 and ’92 Olympic teams and the 1986 US Select Team … Entering her sixth year in the WNBA after playing for the Charlotte Sting from 1997-99 and continuing her career with the Washington Mystics from 2000-present.
Jenny Chuasiriporn, Duke (1995-1999)
Three-time first team All-American and honorable mention All-American as a freshman … ACC Player of the Year in 1996-97 & 1997-98 and Co-ACC Player of the Year in 1998-99 … runnerup in 1999 U.S. Open … Four-time All-ACC selection … led Duke to 1999 NCAA Championship … went on to play in the Future’s tour.
Heather Dow, Virginia (1980-1982)
Goalie of the Century as named by USLacrosse … four-time world champion (1989 as keeper, 1993, 97, 01 as coach) … named to All-Century team … USA Team 1986-1989 … 474 career saves … more medals in lacrosse world cup history than anyone else in the world (4 golds, 1 silver).
Laura DuPont, North Carolina (1967-1970)
Won the United States Lawn Tennis Association’s collegiate singles championship in 1970, becoming UNC’s first female national champion … She played on the pro tour for 12 years and was ranked as high as ninth in the world … DuPont was inducted into the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s (ITA) Women’s Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame in 2002 … She was inducted into the North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame in 1977 … She won the 1984 and 85 U.S. Open championship for women over 35.
Lorrie Fair, North Carolina (1996-1999)
Second-team All-American in 1996 and first-team in 1997, 1998 and 1999 … Named the National Defender of the Year in 1998 and National Player of the Year in 1999 … She received the Soccer Honda Award from 1995-96.
Gigi Fernandez, Clemson (1983)
1992 and 96 Olympic Gold Medalist in doubles … Australian Champion in doubles in 1993 and 94 … Wimbledon doubles champion in 1992, 93, and 94 … French Open Champion in doubles in 1988, 90, and 92 … U.S. Open singles quarterfinalist in 1991 and 94 … U.S. Federation Cup team member in 1988, 90, 91, 92 and 94 … member of the U.S. Wightman Cup Team 1987-88 … medallist at the Pan American Games in singles and doubles in 1983 … 1983 NCAA runner-up and All-American … ACC Champion at flight three singles in 1983 … final ranking of fifth in the 1983 ITCA/Volvo Rankings … tallied a 40-7 singles record, 30-9 doubles record.
Laurie Gomez, NC State (1988-1992)
GTE Academic All-American in 1992 … recipient of the Marie James Post Graduate scholarship and NCAA Post Graduate Scholarship both in 1992 … recipient of the H.C. Kennett Award twice, in 1991 and 1992, given annually to the outstanding all-around student-athlete at NC State … All-American honors six times … Three times in the 5000 meters (indoor) from 1990 to 1992, twice in the 5000 meters (outdoor) in 1990 and 1991, and once in the 3000 meters in 1992 … NCAA Champion in the 5000 meters in 1991 and twice an ACC Champion in the 5000 meters in 1991 and 1992 … She earned All-Conference honors in 1991 and 1992 … She was the fastest woman in NC 1991 … member of the second fastest 4×1500 meter relay team (outdoor) in school history with a time of 18:15.46 set in 1990 … Ranks third in school history in the mile with a time of 4:44.60 set in 1990, fourth in the 3000 meters with a time of 9:08.12 set in 1992, and fifth in the 5000 meters with a time of 15:55.26i set in 1991.
All-American in 1990 and 91 … 1991 ACC Individual Champion … Named All-ACC in 1988, 89, 90 and 91 … Won H.C. Kennett Award (NC State’s Outstanding Athlete) in 1991 and 92 … Women’s team MVP in 1990 and 91 … Winner of the 1992 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship … Two-time member of the ACC honor roll … Current assistant coach of the NC State cross country programs.
Kim Graham, Clemson (1991-1993)
1992 ACC Indoor Championships Most Valuable Performer … six-time ACC Champion … 1993 All-American in the 200m with an eighth-place finish … won the 55m at the conference meet in 1991 and 1992 … claimed the 200m in 1991, 1992 and 1993 at the ACC meet, ranks fourth on Clemson’s all-time list in the f55m (6.85) and in the 200m (23.57).
Four-time All-American … NCAA runner-up in the 200m in 1992 … finished fourth in the nation in the 200m in 1991 and 1993 … member of Clemson’s 4x100m relay team that finished fifth in the nation in 1991 … three-time ACC Outdoor Championships Most Valuable Performer (1991,1992,1993) … eight-time ACC champion … All-ACC in the 100m in 1991 … All-ACC as a member of the Lady Tiger 4x400m relay team in 1992 … Clemson’s record holder in the 400m with a time of 51.88 … ranks second on Clemson’s all-time list in the 200m (22.64) … third on Clemson’s all-time list in the 100m with a time of 11.37.
Cherie Greer, Virginia (1991-1994)
Three-time World Champion (1993, 97, 01) … two-time Player of the Gold Medal Match, IFWLA World Cup (1997, 01) … inaugural recipient of the Wes Patterson Award, honoring excellence in play and sportsmanship and dedication to the ideals of lacrosse (2001) … captain of the USA team, 2001 … Three-time 1st team All-American (1992, 93, 94) … IWLCA Player of the Year 1994 … led nation in scoring with 79 points in 1994 … two-time NCAA Champion (1991, 1993) … named to All-Century team … member of USA team 1992-present … career totals of 113-45-158.
Mia Hamm, North Carolina (1989-90, 92-93)
Arguably, the greatest women’s soccer player in the world … Played on NCAA championship teams in 1989, 1990, 1992 and 1993 … Missed the 1991 season while helping U.S. win the first Women’s World Cup … Led four Tar Heel teams to a combined 92-1-2 record … Unanimous National Player of Year in 1992 and 1993 and ACC Player of Year in ’90-92-93 … Led the nation in scoring in 1990-92-93 … Set NCAA season scoring record in ’92 with 97 points … Holds NCAA Tournament career and single-game records for goals, assists and points … Has starred on U.S. National and Olympic Teams throughout her career … Has scored more international goals than any player in history, male or female.
Candy Hannemann, Duke (1998-present)
Member of Duke’s 1999 and 2002 NCAA Championship squads … 2001 NCAA Individual Champion and 1999 NCAA runner-up … has won four career tournaments in three years … 2000-01 first-team All-America and ACC Player of the Year … three-time All-ACC selection … her 20 top-10 finishes rank fifth all-time at Duke.
April Heinrichs, North Carolina (1983-1986)
Third-team All-American in 1983 and first-team in 1984, 1985 and 1986 … National Player of the Year in 1984 and 1986 … All-NCAA Tournament team from 1983-1986 … NCAA Tournament Overall MVP in 1984 and the Offensive MVP in 1985 and 1986.
Tara Heiss, Maryland (1975-1978)
Maryland’s first ACC tournament MVP (1978) and led the Terps to the 1978 championship as a senior, leading Maryland to a final national ranking if sixth … Maryland’s 12th leading scorer all-time with 1,350 points and is one of three retired jerseys in the program’s history … Led the ACC in assists in 1978 with 249 … In the Top-10 on the following Maryland career charts – scoring average (No. 5- 14.2 ppg), field goals made (No. 9- 571), assists (No. 2- 504) … holds the record for assists in a single season (249 in 1977-78) … Member of the 1980 Olympic team, she competed in the World University Games in 1981 and was on the United States’ Pan Am Games team in 1979 … Played for two years in the ABL from 1997-98 to 1998-99.
Monique Hennagan, North Carolina (1995-1998)
All-American 400 meters in 1996 and 1997 and 1996 4×400 … 1996 NCAA champion 400 … ACC 400m champion in 1996-1998 … 2000 Olympic gold medalist as part of the 4×400 relay team and participated in the 400 meters.
All-American 400 meters in 1995,1997 and 1998, and 800 meters in 1996 … 1996 NCAA champion 800 meters … ACC outdoor champion for the 400m in 1995,1996 and 1998 and was a member of the 1997 ACC outdoor champion 4×100 team … Gold medalist in the 2000 Olympics 4×400 relay team.
Shannon Higgins, North Carolina (1986-1989)
First-team All-American in 1988 and 1989 … National Player of the Year in both 1988 & 1989 … Won the Honda Award in 1989 … All-NCAA Tournament team in 1987, 1988 & 1989, winning Offensive MVP honors in 1988.
Nancy Hogshead, Duke (1981)
Won the 500 and 1650 freestyle, 200 butterfly and 400 IM at the 1981 ACC Championships … two-time All-America selection … owns six Duke records … captured four medals (three gold and one silver) at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, Calif … the first female inducted into the Duke Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.
Donna Holt, Virginia (1985-1988)
Two-time Kodak All-American (’87, ’88) … UVa’s first-ever Kodak All-American … 1988 ACC Player of the Year … three-time All-ACC selection (’86, ’87, ’88) … MVP of the 1987 ACC Tournament … named to the 1988 NCAA East Regional All-Tournament Team … the UVa and ACC career steals leader with 529 … one of just four Cavaliers to have her jersey (#11) retired.
Charmaine Hooper, NC State (1987-1990)
All American (1989,1990) … All-NCAA Final Four (1988) … All-ACC (1988,1989,1990) … NC State’s all time leader in goals (58, ninth in ACC history) and points (145, eighth in ACC history) … NC State single season records and led the ACC with 26 goals and 57 points in 1989 … H.C. Kennett Award in 1991 (NC State’s outstanding female athlete) … Canadian National Team (1987-present) … Canadian Player of the Year 1995 … 1999 World Cup (Canada) … MVP of World All-Star Game in 1999 … Norway professional league (1993): Team MVP and Golden Boot runner up … Japanese professional J-league (1994-1997): Golden Boot Award for High-scorer (1994, 1995) Runner-up (1996,1997) League MVP (1995) League All-Star (1994,1996, 1997)… Chicago Cobras USWISL League (1998-2000) (2000 League Champions) … Atlanta Beat WUSA League (2001).
Marion Jones, North Carolina (1994-1995, 1997)
All-American (Basketball America) in 1997 … 1997 ACC Tournament MVP … All ACC-Tournament in 1995 … All-ACC in 1995, ’97 … ACC All-Freshman team 1994 … 1995 NCAA West Regional All-tournament team … Starting point guard on the 1994 NCAA Championship team … Career scoring average (16.8) ranks third in UNC history … In three years at UNC, ranks fifth on the school’s career assists list, third in steals and seventh in blocks … Also All-American in track at UNC … Won five medals (three golds) at the 2000 Olympics.
All-American in 1994 in long jump, 100m, 200m, 4x100m … 1995 All-American long jump, 4×100 team … 1995 ACC champion 100m, long jump … 2000 Olympic gold medalist 100m, 200m, 4x400m … 2001 world champion 200m, 4x100m … 1999 World Champion 100m, 200m … World No. 1 1997-2001 in 100m and 200m.
Kate Kauffman, Maryland (1993-1996)
1996 Olympic Team member in Atlanta and a member of the field hockey national team since … most internationally celebrated Maryland field hockey athlete … First-team All-American in 1994 and 1996; Honda Award finalist in 1996 … Two-time All-ACC selection (1994, 95); three-time ACC All-Tournament honoree (1993, 94, 96); three-time ACC honor roll member (1993, 94, 96) … 1993 NCAA Champion … currently in her fourth season as a volunteer assistant coach at Maryland while in the U.S. National Team residency program.
Barbara Kennedy, Clemson (1979-1982)
All-American 1981 and 1982 … First-Team All-ACC 1980-1982 … ACC Tournament MVP 1981, 1982 … Her 908 point season of 1981-82 is still tied for 4th best in NCAA history … 29.3 scoring average is still 10th best in NCAA history … ACC and Clemson’s all-time leader in scoring with 3,113 career points … ACC and Clemson’s all-time leader in rebounding with 1,252 … ACC and Clemson’s all-time career leader for most field goals (1,349), and field goal attempts (2,688) … Holds ACC and Clemson’s single season records for most pts (908), pts per game (29.3), most field goals (392), field goals attempts (760), rebounds (400), and most rebounds per game (12.9) … Led the nation in scoring in 1981-82 with a 29.2 pts per game … Scored the first points in the inaugural NCAA tournament.
Tina Krebs, Clemson (1983, 1985-1987)
Three-time National Champion … won the 1000yd in 1983 … won the 1500m in 1985 and 1986 … three-time All-American … Clemson’s all-time leader in the one mile with a time of 4:38.30 … ranks second on Clemson’s all-time list in the 800m with a time of 2:06.09.
Three-time All-American … NCAA runner-up in the 800m in 1983 … finished fourth in the 1500m in 1985 … placed third in the nation in the 1500m in 1986 … four-time ACC Champion in the 800m (1983-1986) … Clemson’s record holder in the 800m with a time of 2:02.07 … also holds the Lady Tiger record in the 1500m with a time of 4:15.23.
Mitzi Kremer, Clemson (1987-1989)
Sixteen-time All-American … NCAA Champion in the 200 & 500 free in 1987 & 1989 … Led Clemson to three straight ACC Championships … 1987 & 1989 ACC Championships MVP … holds ACC records in the 100, 200, 400 & 1000 free events … holds Clemson records in the 50, 100, 200, 500 & 1000 freestyle … 1988 Olympic Bronze Medalist in the 100 free relay … first female swimmer inducted in the Clemson Hall of Fame … Olympic Trial Qualifier in 100, 200 & 400-meter free style events in 1988 … five-time individual ACC Champion from 1987-89.
Kristine Lilly, North Carolina (1989-1992)
National Player of the Year in 1990 and ’91 … One of just two players in soccer history to be a four-time first-team All-American … 1991 ACC Player of Year … Played on UNC teams that won NCAA titles in 1989-90-91-92 with combined 93-1-1 record … Second to Mia Hamm in ACC career goals … Has been star at midfield on U.S. National and Olympic Teams throughout her career … Made biggest play in 1999 World Cup finals against China with overtime save at empty U.S. goal … Has played in more international matches than any American in history, male or female.
Leslie Lyness, North Carolina (1986-1989)
Winner of 1990 Honda Award (National Player of Year) … One of two UNC players to have her jersey retired … Two-time All-American, All-NCAA Tournament selection … ACC Player of Year, 1989 … Twice named All-ACC … Played on 1989 NCAA Championship team, four ACC title teams … 1996 Olympian.
Chasity Melvin, NC State (1995-1998)
Led the Wolfpack to their first-ever Final Four appearance in 1998 … became the fourth Kodak All-American from NC State in 1998 and earned All-East Regional and Final Four team honors her senior season … After being named an All-American, Melvin set the record for the most points ever scored in a National Semi-Final game with a career-high 37 vs. Louisiana Tech in her final collegiate game … only the second player in NC State basketball history, male or female, to earn 2,000 career points and 1,000 rebounds … ended her NC State career third in rebounds (1,020), fourth in career points (2,042), field goals (838), free throws (366) and blocked shots (159) … currently plays for the WNBA’s Cleveland Rockers … one of seven players to have her jersey retired by the school.
Chris Moreland, Duke (1985-1988)
One of the most prolific scorers in ACC history … 1988 Women’s Basketball News Service All-American, 1986 & 1988 … Kodak/WBCA District II All-American … 1985 ACC Rookie of the Year … 1987 ACC Player of the Year and four-time All-ACC selection … In the ACC career charts, ranks second in total rebounds (1,229), third in points (2232) and third in career points per game (20.1) … Duke’s leading scorer and rebounder in each of her four years and the only Blue Devil to average more than 20.0 points in a season.
Stephanie Neill Harner, Wake Forest (1991-1995)
The first female player in school history to gain All-America recognition four times … the first Deacon ever to be named an All-American as a freshman … gained second team honors in 1992 before making first-team her last three years … won eight career tournament titles, in addition to tying for first on two other occasions … had only six non-top 10 finishes during her career … was recognized as the top women’s amateur in the United States.
Wendy Palmer, Virginia (1993-1996)
Two-time Associated Press All-American (’95, ’96) … a three-time Kodak District All-American … a two-time USBWA All-American (’95, ’96) … became the first-ever UVa player to record 1,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds … three-time first-team All-ACC honoree (’94, ’95, ’96) … two-time ACC All-Tournament Team selection … is UVa’s career rebounding leader with 1,221 boards in her career, the only UVa player to eclipse 1,000 rebound … one of just four Cavaliers to have her jersey (#31) retired … just completed her second full season with the Detroit Shock and fifth year playing in the WNBA.
Cindy Parlow, North Carolina (1995-1998)
First-team All-American in 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998 … National Player of the Year in 1996, 1997 and 1998, winning the Hermann Trophy and the Missouri Athletic Club Sports Foundation award in both 1997 and 1998.
Laura Philo Diaz, Wake Forest (1993-1997)
Continued Wake Forest’s string of All-Americans … was voted to the first- team for two straight years … finished in the top-10 in nine of the 10 tournaments in which she competed in her senior season and eight of 10 her junior year … finished among the top five in every tournament except the NCAA Championships during her final spring campaign … during her All-American seasons she finished second at the ACC Championships twice and second in the NCAA regional once … won the ACC title in 1995 … recently earned her LPGA Tour card for 1999 … ranks seventh on the 2001 LPGA earnings list.
Tracy Reid, North Carolina (1995-1998)
Two-time Kodak and AP All-American … Two-time ACC Player of the Year … ACC Tournament MVP in 1998 … All-Tournament in 1997 … Three-time All-ACC pick … ACC All-Freshman team, 1995 … 1997 NCAA East Regional, 1998 Mideast Regional All-tournament teams … Leading scorer in UNC history with 2,200 points, an average of 18.2 points per game … 1998 WNBA Rookie of the Year.
Georgia Schweitzer, Duke (1998-2001)
2001 Kodak, Associated Press, Basketball Times, USBWA and Women’s Basketball Journal All-American … ACC Player of the Year in 2000 & 2001 … 1999 NCAA East Region MVP as a sophomore … two-time All-ACC first team and All-ACC Tournament selection … In the ACC career charts, ranks fourth with a .401 three-point field goal percentage and her 202 made is eighth all time … Led Duke to 104 overall and 51 ACC victories in four years along with a NCAA Final Four, two ACC Tournament and three ACC Regular Season titles.
Julie Shea, NC State (1977-1980)
Earned All-America honors in 1977, 78, 79 and 80 … Member of the 1979 and 1980 AIAW National Championship squad … Named AIAW Cross Country Athlete of the Year in 1980 … Won the AIAW Individual National Championship in 1979 and 1980 … Member of the USA Cross Country team in 1977, 78, 79 and 80 … Recipient of the McKelvin Award in 1980 and 81 (ACC’s Outstanding Athlete) … Winner of the 1981 H.C. Kennett Award (NC State’s Outstanding Athlete) and the Alumni Athletic Award … Received the Broderick Award for Cross Country in 1980 … ACC Individual Champion in 1979 and 1980 … All-ACC in 1978, 79 and 80 … Women’s team MVP in 1980 … Member of Raleigh City Counil from 1995-1999.
Charlotte Smith, North Carolina (1992-1995)
1995 ESPN National Player of the Year … All-America by Kodak, Associated Press and the USWBA, 1995 … Only UNC player to have her jersey retired … 1994 Final Four MVP after hitting the winning shot in the NCAA championship game … ACC Tournament MVP in 1994, ’95 … Two-time All-ACC … Member of World University Games Team (1995), Jones Cup Team (1995), U.S. Select Team (1994), Junior National Team (1992) … Third in career scoring (2,094) and second in career rebounding (1,200) at UNC … Plays for the WNBA Charlotte Sting.
Betty Springs, NC State (1979-1983)
All-American in 1980, 81 and 83 … NCAA National Champion in 1981 and 83 … TAC National Champion in 1983 … Member of the 1979 and 80 AIAW National Championship squad … Member of the USA Cross Country Team from 1980-85 … Earned All-ACC honors in 1979, 80, 81 and 83 … Won the ACC Individual Championship in 1981 and 83 … Won the H.C. Kennett Award (NC State’s Outstanding Athlete) in 1982 and 84 … Won the Broderick Award for Cross Country in 1981 … Women’s Team MVP in 1981 and 83 … Wife of current NC State head coach Rollie Geiger.
Dawn Staley, Virginia (1989-1992)
1991 Honda-Broderick Cup Award winner … two-time Champion USA and WBCA Player of the Year and Naismith Player of the Year … U.S. Basketball Writers Association Player of the Year … 1991 Sports Illustrated Player of the Year … 1991 Honda Basketball Sports Award Winner … two-time U.S. Basketball Writers Association All-American … three-time Kodak All-American … two-time Mary Garber Award winner (ACC Female Athlete of the Year) … two-time ACC Player of the Year … three-time first-team All-ACC … 1991 and 1992 NCAA Final Four All-tournament team … 1991 Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Final Four … MVP of the 1992 ACC Tournament … three-time ACC All-tournament team … currently the head women’s basketball coach at Temple University and is also a player for the Charlotte Sting in the WNBA.
Cindy Stern, Clemson (1996-1999)
Clemson and the ACC’s first volleyball All-American (1999) … 1999 ACC Player of the Year … member of the USPV Dream Team … first-team All-ACC in 1997 and 1999 … second-team All-ACC in 1998 … member of 1996 ACC All-Freshman team … ranked eighth in the nation for blocks per game in 1997 … named to 1997 USA National team … member of AVCA All-District team in 1997 and 1999 … 1997 and 1999 ACC All-Tournament team member … third on Clemson’s all-time list for most attempts with 3,965 … second all-time in kills with 1,744 … ranks fourth on Clemson’s all-time best list for block solos with 163 … Tigers’ all-time leader in block assists with 448.
Andrea Stinson, NC State (1989-1991)
The Pack’s only two-time Kodak All-American … rewrote the NC State record books in her three seasons of collegiate play … Unanimously selected as the ACC Player of the Year in 1990 … named to the All-ACC team three times … A consensus All-American selection in 1990 and 1991 … holds seven Wolfpack records, including an ACC record most points scored in a game, with 50 against Providence during the 1989-90 season … ranks among the top-five in five of NC State’s all-time career categories … currently a starting guard and leading scorer for the Charlotte Sting of the WNBA … one of seven players to have her jersey retired by the school.
Carla Tagliente, Maryland (1997-2000)
One of only two four-time All-Americans in Maryland field hockey history (third-team in 1997; first-team in 1998, 99 and 00) and a Honda Award finalist in 2000 … member of the U.S. National Team since 1997 … ACC Rookie of the Year in 1997 and ACC Tournament MVP in 1999 … four-time All-ACC Selection (1997-00), two-time All-Tournament honoree (1999-00) … four-time ACC honor roll member (1997-00); three-time Verizon/GTE CoSIDA first-team Academic All-American … 1999 NCAA Champion, NCAA All-Tournament Team … three-time ACC Champion (1998, 99, 2000) … Maryland’s all-time leading points (187) and goals (73) scorer who started every game of her collegiate career.
Tisha Venturini, North Carolina (1991-1994)
Unanimous selection as 1994 National Player of Year … She and Kristine Lilly are the only players in women’s soccer history to be four-time first-team All-Americas … ACC Tournament MVP in 1991-93-94 … Named to NCAA All-Tournament team four straight times … Led nation in scoring as a freshman … Played on four NCAA championship teams which had overall record of 97-1-1 … Member of U.S. National and Olympic Teams in 1990s … Tied for USA scoring lead in ’95 World Cup.
Sue Walsh, North Carolina (1981-1984)
Member of the 1978 World Games team & 1980 U.S. Olympic Team … won 10 national championships (4 in 100 back, 3 in 200 back, 3 in 50 back) … won 50-yard, 100-yard & 200-yard backstroke, 50-yard freestyle & the 200-yard & 800-yard freestyle relay at 1981 ACC Championships … All-American in the 50-yard, 100-yard & 200-yard backstroke, 50-yard freestyle, 200-yard medley relay & the 200-yard & 800-yard free relays … that 200 medley relay won the national title … captured 5 ACC Championship Titles in 1982 & was an All-American in the 50-yard, 100-yard and 200-yard backstroke, 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard IM, 200-yard medley relay and the 200-yard free relay … in 1983 won six ACC Championship Titles and was named the ACC Meet Most Valuable Swimmer … All-American in the 50-yard, 100-yard and 200-yard backstroke, 100-yard IM, 200-yard medley relay and 200-yard and 400-yard free relays … Six ACC Championship Titles in 1984 as well as the ACC Meet Most Valuable Swimmer for the second year in a row … All-American in the 100-yard and 200-yard backstroke, 400-yard medley relay, and the 200, 400, and 800-yard freestyle relay events … 27-time All-American … captured 23 ACC Titles …held the all-time record at UNC for the 100-yard backstroke and 200-yard backstroke … was American record holder in 50 back & 100 back … two-time CoSIDA/Verizon first-team Academic All-American … inducted into CoSIDA/Verizon Academic America Hall of Fame in 2002.
Vanessa Webb, Duke (1995-1999)
National Player of the Year in 1998 & 99 … a four-time All-American and All-ACC selection … winner of the 1999 Honda Award … ACC Female Athlete of the Year … 1996 ACC Rookie of the Year … Rolex All-Star in 1998 … NCAA Individual Champion in 1998 and won the Collegiate Grand Slam Championship at the Riviera All-American in 1996 … led Duke to four consecutive ACC Championships and the team did not lose an ACC match during her four years … posted a 161-25 singles record at Duke … is the all-time singles wins leader.
Cindy Werley, North Carolina (1993-1994, 1996-1997)
Two-time Honda Award winner (National Player of Year) … One of two Tar Heels to have jersey retired … Three-time All-American … Three-time All-NCAA Tournament, All-ACC pick … 1996 & 1997 ACC Player of Year … Three-time ACC Tournament MVP … UNC’s career leader in scoring, goals … 1996 Olympian.
December 10, 2024
