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HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
2015
16298
1995 NCAA Division II National Championship Softball Team (53-5)
In its first season competing at the NCAA Division II level, Kennesaw State made an immediate impact by posting an impressive 53-5 record and claiming a national championship. It was the first of back-to-back title seasons for the Owls, led by NCAA Division II Coach of the Year Scott Whitlock. After starting the season 8-4, the Owls kicked it into high gear highlighted by a D-II record 40-game winning streak that included a perfect 14-0 conference mark. Top-ranked Wisconsin-Parkside snapped the Owls streak with a 4-3 win in the first round of the World Series. The resilient Owls fought their way out of the loser’s bracket by winning five straight games, including a 9-1 victory over Wisconsin-Parkside, and defeated Bloomsburg twice to claim the crown. KSU was led by NCAA Division II Player of the Year Kelly Rafter who finished the season with a 32-5 record and 0.85 ERA. The right-handed pitcher also struck out 196 batters and walked just 26 in more than 230 innings pitched. Joining Rafter as All-American, All-Region and All-Peach Belt Conference were Tonya Carlisle (.420, 47 RBI) and Cara Dornstauder (.373, 53 RBI), while Colleen Thorburn (.400, 7 HR, 41 RBI) and Kathy Morgan (.349, 37 RBI) were all-conference selections. Other top contributors were Shannon McDonough (.360), Nada Hlohvosky (.333) and Dee Webb (15-0, 1.10 ERA).
16299Dr. Thomas Keene, Founding Chair of KSU Athletics Board (1973-2014)
Dr. Keene served as a professor and chair at Kennesaw State for more than 40 years, including nine years as chair of the Kennesaw State Athletics Board, while serving as a leader in KSU’s transition from Division II to Division I. He also helped lay the foundation of academic performance and achievement of student-athletes, and was instrumental in establishing the strong supporting relationship between academics and athletics at Kennesaw State. He additionally served as division chair of the Football Exploratory Committe. Dr. Keene began his service to KSU as a professor of history in 1973. In 1980 he received a Fulbright Fellowship for a study/travel seminar in India and spent the 1986-87 academic year in China as the first participant in a faculty exchange that has continued between Kennesaw State and Jiangsu Province ever since. He chaired the USG Asia Council, which facilitates multi-institution Asia-related activity within the System. From that position he organized the first of the USG-sponsored faculty development seminars in 1994. Keene directed the KSU International Center (now the Institute for Global Initiatives) from 1988-2003. In 2007 he received the KSU Foundation’s Distinguished Faculty Service Award.
2014
13900Denisha Ferguson (Davidson), Women's Basketball-A first-team Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and Daktronics Division II All-American, Ferguson (2001-04), earned Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year honors in 2003-04 and all-conference honors three times. She concluded her career ranked No. 1 in rebounds-per-game (9.9) and No. 4 in points-per-game (18.6). Ferguson also ranks No. 3 in career points (1,583) and career rebounds (844), and holds the No. 2, 3 and 4 single-season rebounding averages. A three-year letter winner, Ferguson helped lead the Owls to a 52-33 (.612) record.
13899Dr. David Harris, Professor, Chair of Health & Physical Sciences (1963-86)-Dr. Harris (1963-86) served as a professor and chair at Kennesaw State for a combined 20 years, including 15 as department chair. He assumed the role as head coach of Kennesaw College's first sponsored (club) men's basketball team in 1984-85 and a year later it became the institution's first varsity men's basketball team. Dr. Harris served Kennesaw State University in numerous capacities, including teaching as a part-time instructor following his retirement in 1986. He accepted the position of instructor and acting chairman of the physical education department at Kennesaw Junior College in 1966. Following completion of his doctorate from Southern Mississippi, Dr. Harris returned to Kennesaw Junior College in 1969 and accepted the chairmanship position. During his teaching tenure, Dr. Harris served in the U.S. National Guard for almost 37 years, receiving a second master's degree in military science. In 1986 he founded Dave Harris Realty, a commercial, land and residential brokerage company, where he was the owner and broker until he passed on September 16, 2014.
13897Keri McKee (CORTOLANO), Softball-A two-time first team Peach Belt Conference (2004 and 2005) and Atlantic Sun Conference (2006 and 2007) selection, McKee (2004-07) holds the rare distinction of earning conference Player of the Year honors at both the NCAA Division II (2005) and I (2007) levels. In her first season at Kennesaw State, McKee was named Peach Belt Conference Freshman of the Year, earned All-South Atlantic Region accolades and was selected to the South Atlantic Region All-Tournament team after helping the Owls advance to the 2014 NCAA Division II Softball World Series. McKee ranks second all-time in KSU history with a .413 batting average and is the program's Division I average leader with a .416 mark. She ranks in the Top 10 in nine career statistical categories, including No. 1 in hits (339), RBI (216), doubles (65), at-bats (820) and games played (258).
13895Grant Reynolds, Baseball-A two-time NCAA Division II All-American following the 2002 and 2003 seasons, Reynolds twice earned Peach Belt Conference Pitcher of the Year honors. He was twice named to the All-South Atlantic Region team and was tabbed the 2002 South Atlantic Region Pitcher of the Year while leading the Owls to a two-year record of 86-31 (.735), two South Atlantic Regional appearances and the 2003 Division II College World Series. In 33 career appearances, including 25 in a starting role, Reynolds posted an 18-5 career record and 3.50 ERA. Reynolds concluded his career as KSU's all-time strikeout leader with 249 and currently ranks second. He established a program single-season record with 134 strikeouts in 103 innings pitched in 2002.
2013
1994 NAIA Baseball National Champions
1994 NAIA Baseball National Champions
1994 NAIA National Champions (Baseball) -It was their first and last appearance in the NAIA World Series and the Owls made the most of it. With Kennesaw State set to advance to NCAA Division II status the Owls left the NAIA a champion and brought home the university's first intercollegiate athletic national title. Led by Head Coach Mike Sansing, the Owls finished the season on a then-school record 17-game winning streak en route to a 2-0 win over top-ranked Southeastern Oklahoma in the national title game held at Sec Taylor Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa. Left-handed pitcher Chris McKnight tossed a complete-game, three-hit shutout in the title game earning him a spot on the All-Tournament team. He was joined on the team by second baseman Darrell Baggett, catcher Ryan Coe, first baseman David Armstrong and pitcher Todd Kirby. Additionally, Baggett won the Golden Glove Award while Kirby was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. Sansing, who was named Regional and District Coach of the Year, guided the Owls to 48-14 overall record including 20-8 in conference play. His squad posted a team batting average of .330 led by outfielder Fabian Herndon's .382 mark. Coe (.369, 18 HR) set a then single-season school RBI mark with 79 and was named NAIA District Player of the Year and All-American while third baseman Perry Shiver (.371, 11 HR, 42 RBI) earned an All-American Honorable Mention. In addition, Coe, Herndon, Shiver, shortstop George Edwards (.362, 37 RBI) and pitcher John Kown (9-1, 1.88 ERA) earned All-District honors. Coe and Shiver also captured All-Region selections. McKnight finished the season with a 10-2 record and 3.15 ERA. Other key contributors included Chad Morris (10-2, 2.15 ERA), Chris Tracy (6-3, 3.59 ERA), Armstrong (.366, 34 RBI), Jerry Coffey (.313), and Steve Meyer (.279, 12 HR, 47 RBI).
2011
Ron Bell, Benefactor- A former student-athlete at Vanderbilt University, Bell has been one of the longest contributing donors and supporters of Kennesaw State athletics. For well over a decade, the founder and chairman of Bell Capital Management Inc., has been tireless in his dedication and commitment to the Owls. In 2009, he personally endowed the Dr. Dave Waples Total Person Award.
Kyle Owen, Men's Golf- In his three years with the men's golf team, Owen was a three-time All-American and earned the distinction of being one of the few student-athletes to be named both an NAIA and NCAA Division II All-American. In addition to his individual accolades, which included 10 individual championships as well as earning Academic All-American honors and being named KSU's Scholar Athlete of the Year, he also helped guide the Owls to three consecutive national tournament appearances.
Marjo Venalainen, Women's Cross Country- Venalainen is widely considered the greatest student-athlete in Kennesaw State history. The legendary long distance specialist was a four-year letter winner for the Owls and was named the 2001 NCAA Division II Runner of the Year. A four-time national champion in cross country and track, Venalainen was also a four-time All-American in cross country and remains the only runner in the history of the Peach Belt Conference to win three consecutive conference championships.
2010
Pat Abney, Men's Golf- Abney was a three-year letter-winner for the Owls beginning in 1991 and concluding his career in 1993. Considered, along with Hall of Famer Jon Hough, as one of the pioneers of Kennesaw State men's golf, he was considered one of the top performers in the state of Georgia. Abney was a 1992 NAIA All-American and was also a 1992 NAIA All-District selection after finishing the season with a 75.9 stroke average. Led the Owls to the 1992 NAIA National Tournament where he enjoyed a top 10 finish. He has been a successful coach at Pope High School (Marietta, Ga.), winning eight state slow-pitch softball titles.
Rima Brazeniene, Women's Basketball- Brazeniene (1998-2000) will go down as the best point guard in the history of KSU women's basketball. The current Lady Owls single-season record holder for steals (144) and assists (263), Brazeniene was a 2000 NCAA Division II Kodak All-American, Women's Division II Bulletin All-American and NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Daktronics All-American. She was a two-time All-South Atlantic Region selection and was the 2000 Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year. She led the conference in steals and assists for two straight seasons and still holds the record for steals in a game with 17 and has two of the top three single game assists totals in PBC history.
Joe F. Head, Administrator- Head is the former Assistant Vice President and Dean of Enrollment Services. He had served KSU as assistant vice president and dean of admissions since 1984 and since that time has established himself as one of the most progressive administrators in higher education. In 1995, he inspired the university to consolidate registration, admissions, financial aid and student marketing into one enrollment service division. In addition to his significant innovations in document imaging, and electronic brochures he was the youngest elected president of the state professional association Georgia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.
Donny Hood
Donny Hood
Donny Hood, Baseball- Hood played shortstop for the Owls from 2001-02 and was selected in the 18th round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft by the Chicago Cubs. One of the most talented players in school history, Hood was named 2002 NCAA Division II South Atlantic Region Player of the Year as well as the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year. The two-time All-Peach Belt Conference pick, and career .383 hitter, Hood is currently listed in 12 of the Owls top 10 lists and still holds the program's single-season record with 24 doubles. His 37 career home runs are the most by a two-year letter winner.
Dave Waples
Dave Waples
Dr. Dave Waples, Administrator- The second athletic director is school history, Dr. Waples brought KSU to national prominence with a string of championships and All-Americans while also spearheading the Owls transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II and finally to Division I status. During his reign, he grew the number of sponsored sports from four to 16 before retiring in August 2010. The Owls won eight national titles during his tenure and claimed more than 60 team championships under his leadership. Dedicated to the growth and promotion of women's sports, his passion paid off as KSU won the 2010 Sherman Day Trophy, awarded by the Atlantic Sun Conference to the most successful women's program.
2009
Columbus Ballard, Men's Basketball- Ballard (1990-94) played in a record-120 games and is ranked third on the Owls all-time scoring list with 1,453 points. He shot over 40 percent from the field and 70 percent from the free-throw line in each of his four years with the Owls. In 1994, he was named to the NAIA All-Southeast Region Independent Team after averaging a career-high 12.8 points. He also batted .354 in two seasons as a member of the baseball team and was a member of the 1994 NAIA National Championship team.
Israel Brown, Men's Basketball- Brown (1989-93), the Owls all-time leader in rebounds with 734, is also sixth on the all-time scoring list with 1,268 points in his four-year career with the Black and Gold. He still holds the KSU single-season record for field goal percentage when he connected on 63.3 percent of his shots from the field during the 1990-91 season. He is the only player in KSU history to lead the team in shooting percentage for three consecutive years, accomplishing the feat from 1990-93. In 1993, he earned NAIA All-District honors.
Dr. Nancy King, Administrator- Dr. King, who worked at Kennesaw State for more than 25 years, became the sixth administrator inducted into the Hall of Fame. She is nationally recognized as the initiator of the First Year Experience, a program that has been widely copied by other institutions by their handling of freshman students. An ardent supporter of athletics, King headed the KSU Self Study team, which allowed the institution to be accepted into Division I of the NCAA in 2009. While retiring from full-time service in May of 2008, she continues to work for the Owls as a professor, administrator and the athletic department's Senior Woman Administrator.
Larry Nelson, Benefactor- Nelson attended Kennesaw State when it was a junior college and has become one of the most successful figures in the history of professional golf. A 2006 inductee into the World Golf Hall of Fame, Nelson qualified for the PGA Tour when he was 27 years old. He won a total of 10 events on the PGA Tour and became one of only 12 players to win three or more major championships in their career. He twice won the PGA Championship (1981, 1987) and also won the U.S. Open at Oakmont in 1983 when he came from seven strokes behind at the halfway point to defeat Tom Watson by one stroke.
Tony Williams, Men's Basketball- Williams (1989-93) scored 1,328 points for Kennesaw State and is currently fifth on the all-time scoring list. He is one of only three players in the history of the Owls to lead the team in points in consecutive seasons. He led the Black and Gold in scoring in 1991-92 and 1992-93, both years averaging 13.4 point per game. In his senior season, he averaged a career-high 14.4 points and was an NAIA All-District selection and was named Kennesaw State's Athlete of the Year.
2008
Chris Bowen, Baseball- Chris Bowen (1996-99) was one of the most dominating pitchers in KSU history. In 1998, Bowen led the Owls to an NCAA record 61 wins while earning a number of personal honors including being named an NCAA Division II First Team All-American, First Team All-Region selection and All-Peach Belt pick. Bowen finished third nationally in victories and 12th in ERA during his 1998 junior season. Currently, he is listed in 10 all-time pitching categories. He is second all-time in wins (35), innings pitched (331.2) and strikeouts (292). He is also sixth in complete games (12), eighth in ERA (2.99), eighth in hits per nine innings (7.99), seventh in winning percentage (.789), fourth in appearances (72), fourth in shutouts (3), and seventh in strikeouts per nine innings pitched. His 12 wins in 1998, and 11 in 1999, rank fifth and ninth, respectively on KSU's single season record list. Bowen also ranks in the Top 10 in five other single season categories, including complete games, ERA, strikeouts, walks per nine innings, winning percentage and strikeout per nine innings. He posted a winning record in all four of his seasons with the Owls, going 5-1 in 1996, 7-2 in 1997, 12-2 in 1998, and 11-4 in 1999.
Tonya Carlisle, Softball- Tonya Carlisle (1992-95) was the first in the long line of Kennesaw State's great infielders. She was a three-time NAIA All-American selection before being honored as an NCAA Division II All-American in 1995. During that season, Carlisle helped lead the Owls to the first of back-to-back NCAA Division II National Champions while also earning all-tournament honors. Carlisle was the 1995 Peach Belt Athletic Conference Player of the Year as well as an All-Peach Belt Conference selection. A two-time NAIA All-District performer, Carlisle's .383 career batting average is good for 10th all-time and she is currently ninth among the Owls all-time leaders with 142 runs batted in and 10th with 12 triples. Her .425 batting average in 1993 ranks eighth on Kennesaw State's single-season list and her 18 doubles in 1995 rank fifth. During her 190 games with the Owls she compiled a .505 slugging percentage and a .467 on-base percentage while gathering 213 hits. Remarkably, Carlisle struck out just 30 times in 556 career at bats, never striking out more than 10 times in a single season.
Bill Hamrick, Administrator- Bill Hamrick was the Registrar at Kennesaw State University from 1987-2007 and during his tenure, which spanned three decades, he was instrumental in the growth of the athletic department from its infancy to where it is today. A by-the-book professional, Hamrick has worked with, and for, student-athletes as the Owls transitioned from the NAIA to NCAA Division II and into the Division I era. Over his nearly 20 years with Kennesaw State, Hamrick designed and implemented numerous processes and programs essential to the growth of Kennesaw State and the athletic department. Not only has Hamrick been an advocate of the student-athletes success, certifying all of the Owls Division I student-athletes, he is also one of the proudest supporters of the Black and Gold.
Herman Smith, Men's Basketball- Herman Smith (1986-90) is simply considered one of Kennesaw State's first elite student-athletes. With 1,683 career points, he is the Black and Gold's all-time leading scorer and was the second member of the Owls 1,000 Point Club. During his four-year career with the Owls, Smith won a number of awards including earning back-to-back NAIA All-District and All-Georgia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selections in 1989 and 1990. Smith began his career playing on the second-ever team at Kennesaw State and was a member of the first winning team in his junior season of 1988-89. In his senior season, Smith became the first KSU player to lead the team in points and rebounds in the same season and is one of only five players to ever accomplish the feat. Smith continues to be the Owls career leader in field goals made (691), field goal attempts (1199) and games played (120). He is second in free throws made (301) and attempted (432). He also holds a spot in the Top 10 of many single season categories including points per game (21.0), points (652) and field goals made (268); all set during his outstanding senior season.
2007
Kelly Alsup, Women's Basketball- One of the greatest players to ever don a KSU jersey, Kelly Alsup (1985-89), along with fellow honoree Joanna Cuprys, becomes the first women's basketball player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. She was a four-time NAIA and All-Georgia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection after coming to the Lady Owls program from local Wheeler High School. Alsup led the Lady Owls in rebounding in each of her four seasons and still stands atop the career list with 922 total rebounds. She is also tops on the all-time list with 448 free throws made, she averaged 16.1 points per game over her career and led her teams to two consecutive GIAC titles in '87 and '88 and the 1988 District Championships.
Joanna Cuprys, Women's Basketball- Joanna Cuprys (1996-97) will always be remembered as one of most dominant players to ever play basketball for the Lady Owls. Although she only played for one season after transferring from Auburn-Montgomery, the Polish-born Cuprys led the nation in scoring and still stands atop the KSU scoring list after averaging 26.0 points per game. A 49.2 percent three-point shooter (2ndall-time), she led the Lady Owls to Peach Belt regular season and tournament crowns. She is still the only Lady Owls player to score 40 points in a single game and she was the main reason that KSU finished with a 30-2 record, which is still the best in the history of the program.
Roy Martin, Benefactor- Roy Martin has been one of the most influential and generous supporters of Kennesaw State athletics for nearly 20 years. A great high school and minor league baseball player in his own right, he went to Georgia Tech on a baseball/basketball scholarship prior to signing with the Atlanta Braves organization. Martin is credited with starting and maintaining the KSU Booster Club as well as the KSU Scholarship Golf Tournament named for his late wife Dot. One of the most vocal and visible of KSU athletics, he has been instrumental in taking the Owls athletics program to new heights and will most undoubtedly continue to do so in the future.
Chris McKnight, Baseball- Chris McKnight (1994-95) came to KSU after transferring from Georgia Perimeter Junior College and made an immediate impact. The left-hander pitcher posted a 10-2 record en route to leading the Owls to the first of their two National Championships in 1994. The following year he won 13 of his 16 appearances, finishing with a 13-1 mark and an astonishing 1.82 earned run average. During that season, he dominated the Peach Belt Conference on the way to earning numerous accolades, including the PBC Pitcher of the Year and a NCAA Division II All-American. His 2.44 career ERA stands as the third best all-time and his 23 wins place him fifth. The Atlanta Braves drafted McKnight during Major League Baseball's 1995 First-Year Player Draft.
Audra Thomas, Softball- Audra Thomas (1997-2000) became the fifth softball player to be inducted into the KSU Athletic Hall of Fame. A career .398 hitter, she was a three-time NCAA Division II All-American and a two-time National Catcher of the Year in her time in an Owls uniform. Ranking in the Top 10 in almost every career-batting statistic, the Romeo, Mich., native is the only Kennesaw State player to have earned three All-Championship Tournament selections (1998-2000). Her teams compiled a four-year mark of 204-24 and won the Peach Belt Conference title in 1997, 1998 and 2000. Thomas is still the school's single-season leader with a remarkable .825 slugging percentage.
2006
Dr. Bobbie Bailey, Benefactor- An ardent supporter of KSU athletics for more than a decade, Dr. Bobbie Bailey is one of the most respected and generous supporters of Kennesaw State. An innovative and successful businesswoman, Dr. Bailey is also a pioneer in the promotion of women's sports. Championing her vision for female athletes and athletics, Dr. Bailey has been the quite force behind the success of the Owls softball program. In 2004 after a generous donation and spearheading a fundraising campaign, the Owls baseball and softball team proudly made the Bobbie Bailey Athletic Complex their home. In addition, she is also the founder of the prestigious Bobbie Bailey Award that honors the top female high school athletes in the area.
Jason Childers, Baseball- Jason Childers (1996-97) was simply one of the most dominant pitchers in the history of Kennesaw State baseball. A two-year letter winner, his name can be found on nearly every single-season and career top 10 list. An All-American in 1996, Childers also gained recognition as both the Peach Belt Conference and South Atlanta Region Pitcher of the Year as he put up one of the best-ever seasons in Division II history. A 12-0 record with a 2.01 ERA highlighted the season which he capped off with a dazzling seven-hit shutout in the clinching game of the 1996 World Series. Childers was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers after the 1997 season and has enjoyed stints with the Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays organizations.
Bill Hill, Men's Golf Coach- Bill Hill (1990-95) will always be remembered for what he did for Kennesaw State, not only as a golf coach, but a man of distinction and character. Taken from us far too early in life, Hill left a strong legacy behind as he is credited with being the "father" of the Kennesaw State golf program. Characterized as a winner by all who knew him, Hill was a successful golf coach. After restarting the program in the fall of 1990, Hill quickly took the program into the national spotlight. His squad posted back-to-back Top 10 finishes in 1992 (4th) and 1993 (8th) and in 1994 he led the Owls to a Peach Belt Conference championship. However, he was most proud of his players. A caring and thoughtful mentor, he challenged his players both in golf and in the classroom.
Colleen Thorburn, Softball- Colleen Thorburn (1992-95) was one of the first superstars to play for the Owls and was the first in the storied tradition of sensational Kennesaw State catchers. A two-time All-American (NCAA-1995, NAIA-1994), she was a member of Kennesaw State's first softball national championship team. A lifetime .381 hitter, she never hit below .357 in her four years. Her speed and power numbers are second-to-none as she is the only KSU player to rank in the top 10 in home runs, slugging percentage, triples, and stolen bases. She currently holds the Owls career record for triples (47) and runs scored (199). After her KSU career, Thorburn was a two-time member of the Canadian Olympic team, playing in the 1996 and 2000 Games.
2005
Cara Dornstauder-Coe, Softball- Cara Dornstauder-Coe (1994-97) was one of the first offensive threats at Kennesaw State. A three-time All-American, she was a member of two National Championship teams. Her numbers are second-to-none, as she is a fixture in 16 Top-10 offensive categories. She is the only four-year player in school history to have a career batting average of over .400 (.402) and only one of two players all-time to hit over the .400 mark for her career. She is currently the all-time leader in both career RBI's with 198 and doubles with 57. Dornstauder-Coe led the Owls to a 199-23 record during her illustrious career.
Jason Jones, Baseball- Jason Jones (1996-99) was one of the most prolific hitters to ever don the Black and Gold pinstripes. A four-year letterman, Jones' name can be found on virtually every Kennesaw State offensive top 10 list. The 1998 NCAA Division II Player of the Year holds five KSU single-season records and five career records, including most home runs (58), RBI (234) and hits (285). He also set a then-national record with a 41-game hitting streak during the 1998 season. During his tremendous stint at KSU Jones helped lead the Owls to four consecutive NCAA Division II College Baseball World Series appearances - which included three national title games and winning one championship (1996). KSU's four-year record during that time was 206-50 for a winning percentage of .805. The career .372 switch-hitter also claimed back-to-back Peach Belt Conference and South Atlantic Region Player of the Year honors in 1998-99. Jones was drafted by the Texas Rangers after his senior season, and on July 3, 2003 became the third player in Kennesaw State history to make his major league debut.
Kelly Rafter, Softball- A two-time National Champion and a three-time First-Team All-American, Kelly Rafter was a staple for the Owls over her four-year career. In 1995 she was selected as the NCAA Division II Player of the Year and her career honors fall well into double-figures. There is no pitching record at KSU in which Rafter does not claim a share. She still holds five career pitching marks including an amazing 104 career wins and only 14 losses for a winning percentage of .881. She is the only player to post back-to-back 30-win seasons and she threw a record six no-hitters and two perfect games. Rafter also ranks No. 1 in school history with 45 career shutouts. KSU's four-year record during Rafter's career was 191-23 for a winning percentage of .893.
Dr. Fred Stillwell, Benefactor- A fan of the KSU baseball team for over 15 years, Fred Stillwell, or "Shake" as he is affectionately known, has become one of the most generous supporters of Kennesaw State. In 1995, Stillwell donated land which was sold and used to build lights for the baseball and softball fields. Before the start of the 1997 season, KSU thanked him by renaming the baseball stadium in his honor. Shake's generosity for the university is not limited to the athletic realm, as he also contributed largely for the campus theater, which was named Howard Logan Stillwell Theatre after his father.
Ron Walker, Women's Basketball Coach- Ron Walker will be remembered for more than being a successful basketball coach. He was a man of distinction and savvy who was taken from us far too early in life. From 1986-1992 he never had a losing season. He posted four 20-win years and was the Lady Owls most successful coach when he left the game to battle cancer in 1992. Walker was the guiding force behind the Lady Owls flight into national prominence. He guided Kennesaw State to its first-ever postseason appearance in his first year as coach in 1985-86, and in his final two years with the Lady Owls he guided them to back-to-back national championship tournament appearances.
2004
Ryan Coe, Baseball - Ryan Coe (1994-95) will always be considered the first impact player to grace KSU. In just two seasons, he is among the all-time leaders in nearly every offensive category. Coe is the only player in college baseball history to have earned All-American honors at the JUCO, NAIA and NCAA levels. He set the single-season standard for batting average with a .455 mark en route to being named the 1995 Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year. He is the Owls' all-time leading hitter, posting a career .411 average. Coe's .732 career slugging mark also ranks No. 1 in school history. He was a member of the Owls 1994 National Championship team and was a draft pick of the Houston Astros.
Jon Hough, Golf - John Hough was the first male, All-American athlete at KSU and in the truest of sense, he was the beacon of championship light that cascades onto Kennesaw State athletics. Hough won the Owls first-ever national championship when he captured the NAIA National Individual Championship in 1986 while guiding the Owls to a District Championship and a No. 10 national ranking.
John Kelly, Baseball - John Kelly (1987-90) is simply the greatest four-year pitcher in the history of Kennesaw State baseball. He was a 1990 Honorable Mention All-American and still holds a remarkable, 10, KSU pitching records. Over his stellar four-year career, Kelly is the Owls all-time leader in wins (47), strikeouts (318), complete games (51), shutouts (14), innings pitched (536.1) and appearances (84). In 1990 he established the still-standing school record for wins with 16.
Dyan Mueller, Softball - Dyan Mueller (1991-93) is one of the cornerstones of the Kennesaw State fast pitch program. Considered by many as the first big name player to play for the Owls, she became the program's first All-American in 1991. A tremendous three-year career has placed her in the career top 10 in no less than 10 categories. She still holds a place in eight, single-season top ten categories. Her 29 wins in 1991 are the fourth best in school history. She finished her career with a record of 67-13 and a 1.01 ERA.
2003
Dr. Herb Davis, Administrator- From the moment of his initial involvement with Kennesaw State athletics, Dr. Herb Davis has been involved in seeing that athletes succeed both academically and athletically. As the school's first and only Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR), Davis has gained a reputation for excellence among his Peach Belt Conference and NCAA contemporaries. Dr. Davis is regarded as one of the most intelligent, cooperative and sincere people in the KSU community. Possibly the longest acting FAR in the NCAA, his reputation has provided accolades among both the faculty and the community. He is the driving force behind the merging of academic worth and athletic prowess for the Owls.
Roger Hopkins, Administrator- Hopkins began as Kennesaw State University's Chief Fiscal Officer in 1967 with the position later becoming Vice-President of Business and Finance. He remained in this position until his retirement in 1995. He continued working at KSU as a special consultant on a part time basis until he finally relinquished formal ties to the school in 2002. Besides being the Athletic Business Manager from 1981-1995, Hopkins also headed the Intercollegiate Athletic Committee from 1982-1992. He is a charter Owl Booster Club member since sports were instituted in 1982.Knowing that the athletic fields were a big part of the campus, he involved the coaches in helping to manicure the facilities and offered the aid of Plant Operations in the completion of various projects. He also worked with Dr. Betty Siegel, Dr. Herb Davis and Coach Landrum to provide an athletic fee that met the school's needs and was also instrumental in helping to hire full time coaches. KSU athletics honors an individual each year with Roger Hopkins Award in recognition of community leadership.
James "Spec" Landrum, Administrator- As the first Athletic Director of Kennesaw State University, James `Spec' Landrum has watched the athletic department grow from a nonexistent entity to a dominating athletic powerhouse that sponsored 11 sports with 175 student-athletes, coaches and administrators. In 1981, he helped initiate the first intercollegiate athletic program at KSU. Asked to organize and administer the department by Dr. Betty Siegel, Landrum went to work immediately. In the span of five years, Kennesaw State boasted nine strong teams including tennis, golf, basketball, baseball and softball. In 1982, he was named Athletic Director emeritus of KSU.
Betty Siegel
Betty Siegel
Dr. Betty Siegel, Administrator- Dr. Betty Siegel is no stranger to successful athletic programs. Kennesaw State's proud president was a member of the student body at Florida State, North Carolina and Wake Forest. Under Dr. Siegel's leadership, KSU has developed into one of the most respected and successful athletic programs in the NCAA. From the beginning of her tenure, she forged the path to today's success by pledging to have an athletic program that was one of the country's best. She succeeded. With the same drive and vision that helped her guide the black and gold from a 4,000 student junior college into a bustling 18,000 student university, Dr. Siegel has overseen the development of the Owls athletic endeavors into today's beacon of regional and national success. With her desire of a total university experience for students, faculty, staff and community, and realizing that athletic accomplishment is essential, Dr. Siegel set into place hard-working individuals to make her dream a reality. Using the talents of Roger Hopkins, Herb Davis and Spec Landrum, she was the moving force in organizing and creating KSU's athletic department in 1981. Since then, President Siegel spearheaded campaigns to build two new athletic facilities.
Jenifer Turner-Reid, Track and Field- Jenifer Turner-Reid was a rare multi-sport athlete in an era where specialization was the norm. After a successful career at Morrow High School, Jenifer came to Kennesaw State and thrust what was then an athletic program in its infancy, into national prominence by being a three-time Owl All-American -- the first in school history. As a track and field standout, Jenifer's fourth place finish in the 400-meter hurdles during the 1985 NAIA Track and Field National Championships in Hillsdale, Mich., made her the first-ever Kennesaw State All-American. Under the tutelage of then Head Coach David Poteet, she also participated in the 100-meter hurdles, short sprints, long and triple jumps as well as throwing the javelin. During her junior year in 1986 she led the Owls to their first-ever championship by helping the squad win the NAIA District title. She repeated as an All-American at the NAIA T&F Nationals in Russellville, Ark. After completing her third year of varsity basketball play, Jenifer capped her senior track season by three-peating as an All-American, this time in the long jump.


Kennesaw State Years of Affiliation
NAIA - 1982-1994
NCAA Division II - 1994-2005
NCAA Division I - 2005-Present