The University of Mary Washington will induct its 19th class into the UMW Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, January 24, 2015. Inductees include volleyball standout Tamalyn Reed Tanis (’93), All-America swimmer Megan Reese Quinty (’98), lacrosse All-American Mel Block (’04), former equestrian rider and long-time coach Carol Hawley (’84), and the 1997 men’s soccer team, which is the only men’s final four team in school history.
Reed was a top contributor on UMW’s two NCAA Tournament teams in 1991 and 1992, as the Eagles finished her senior season with a 37-3 record. Still the school’s all-time leader in career kills (1,337) and service aces (271), she also still ranks seventh in program history in digs, with 807. A four-year all-conference player, she gained all-region honors in 1989. She has been the head volleyball coach at Cave Spring High School in Roanoke since 2002.
Reese was a five-time All-American in the 200 and 400 yard individual medley, and gained three All-America honors after missing one season due to injury. The 1995 and 1998 Capital Athletic Conference Swimmer of the Year, she was a member of three CAC Championship teams, and her times in both the 200 and 400 IM still rank among the best in school history. A successful Ironman competitor, she has been a teacher at Palm Beach (Fla.) Day Academy since 2008.
Block is one of the most decorated athletes in school history, as she was one of 10 finalists for the NCAA Woman of the Year award in 2004. A two-time IWLCA National Defender of the Year, she was a two-time first team All-America selection, and was named the 2003 CAC Player of the Year. A starter on UMW’s two NCAA Final Four teams, in 2001 and 2002, she still holds the school record for ground balls in a career. She has been a Physician Assistant in Baltimore since 2006.
Hawley is one of the most influential figures in the riding program’s history at Mary Washington, first as a successful competitor and then as head coach of the program from 1984-1998. In addition to multiple teams ranking amongst the best in the nation, Hawley has held numerous posts in the sport. She has continued to present as a professional rider, instructor, trainer, judge, and clinician, training riders of all ages to local, regional, and national awards.
The 1997 men’s soccer team still ranks as the only final four team in men’s sport history at the school. The Eagles capped a 21-3-1 season by advancing to the national semifinals. Their memorable run to the championship included three straight thrilling wins on the road in the NCAA Tournament after claiming the CAC Championship with a 2-0 win over Salisbury.
The 19th annual UMW Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2015 as part of Hall of Fame Day at the school. Activities will include a reception with Hall of Famers and current student-athletes, recognition at halftime of the men’s basketball game at 3:00, a social hour, and banquet at 7:00 p.m.