The University of Mary Washington Athletic Department is proud to announce the 24th Athletic Hall of Fame Induction class. Inductees include basketball standouts Justin Baker '07 and Patricia Long '84, baseball All-American Eric Fitzgerald '08, tennis All-American Kevin Loden '03, legendary field hockey and lacrosse coach Dana Hall, and the 2002 final four women's lacrosse team.
Baker helped the men's basketball program to its most successful era ever, finishing his career in the top five in program history in points, assists, and rebounds. A three-time all-conference performer, Baker stands as the only two-time Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year at the school, and in his senior season was a finalist for the Jostens Trophy, awarded to the national Division III player of the year. He finished his career with 1,481 points,
Long was one of the women's basketball team's first superstars, becoming the first player in program history to record 1,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds. A versatile all-around performer, she led the team in scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals in her career. She gained Kodak All-America and all-conference honors during her illustrious career.
Fitzgerald still ranks as one of the greatest baseball players in program history, as he still holds the school's career records for hits, doubles, runs scored and runs batted in. A four-time all-region selection at shortstop and centerfield, Fitzgerald was an All-American, two-time all-state selection, and four-time all-conference first team selection. He ended his career with 248 hits, 60 doubles, 150 RBI, and 176 runs scored.
Loden was a catalyst as the men's tennis program evolved into a national power in the early 2000s. Upon graduation, he ranked fourth all-time in career singles wins (63) and second in career doubles wins (64). A 2003 ITA All-American in doubles, he ranked nationally and regionally in doubles and singles and helped the Eagles to a 56-22 record as the program advanced to four NCAA Tournaments, including its first-ever appearance in the elite eight his senior season.
Hall led two programs for more than two decades with unparalleled success. In field hockey, she recorded 277 wins from 1990-2010 in gaining eight NCAA Tournament appearances and four conference titles. Her 1993 team advanced to the national championship game, finishing with a 22-2 record – the best in school history. In lacrosse, Hall led the Eagles to 248 wins in gaining ten NCAA Championship appearances, including back-to-back final four appearances in 2001 and 2002. After winning a combined 525 games in 23 years, she has continued to be a vital part of the athletic department as an administrator, serving as senior women's administrator and associate athletic director.
Hall's 2002 final four women's lacrosse team overcame a slow start to advance all the way to the final four, repeating the success of the 2001 team despite the graduation of a graduating class that featured three All-Americans. After dropping two of their first three contests against top-10 ranked opponents, the Eagles hit their stride, winning three straight on the road against Catholic, Washington & Lee, and Lynchburg. A four-game win streak late in the regular season preceded a pair of tough one-goal losses at St. Mary's in the regular season finale and in the CAC Championship. But one week later, the Eagles topped Randolph-Macon in the NCAA Tournament first round and then exacted revenge on the Seahawks to punch their ticket to a second consecutive final four. The team featured five All-Americans.
The induction will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at the UMW University Center, with a social hour at 6 p.m., and the dinner at 7. Tickets for the event are sold out. Parking for the event will be available along College Avenue, as well as in the lots between the University Center and George Washingotn Hall.