Onyx Spring-Summer 2017

BY DIANNE FRANCES D. POWELL Athletic Hall of Fame Becomes Reality

highly decorated student-athletes in SMWC’s history. Women’s basketball alum Langford is the program’s second all-time leading scorer and USCAA All- Academic honoree. “It’s amazing to be a part of the first class. There have been many deserving athletes more than myself. So to be a part of this first class is exciting,” Langford humbly said. As athletic director, Bradley oversaw the creation of 10 scholarship teams and the growth of the department. For 23 years, she has guided the women’s basketball program, leading the team to five national tournaments and making a difference in the lives of student- athletes. Being part of the Hall of Fame is Bradley’s “greatest honor,” she said. Creation of an Athletic Hall of Fame was a dream conceived a decade ago, but its actual planning began two years ago, Bradley said. Now, it is a reality for all SMWC athletes—past, present and future. Its purpose is to honor individuals who have had an outstanding impact on the College as athletes, coaches, administrators and supporters, Bradley said.

think it [the Hall of Fame] perpetuates my aunt’s memory. She dedicated her life to The Woods.” Doherty, SMWC’s president from 1984-1998, was instrumental in approving the implementation of the “Pomeroy” nickname and the first athletic scholarships at the College. Her open-mindedness and dedication to doing what was necessary for the growth of the Department of Athletics was the beginning of what are now 10 athletic scholarship teams at SMWC. Sisters of Providence General Superior Dawn Tomaszewski, SP, ’74 , said the Pomeroy spirit lives in the five honorees and in all SMWC student-athletes as she accepted the award on Doherty’s behalf. “Barbara, like most Sisters of Providence, loves Saint Mary-of-the- Woods College and would do anything in her power to bring students here to take advantage of the wonder of this place,” she said. Each of the honorees reached outstanding achievements during their time at The Woods. Welborn, a softball alum, is one of the most

A long-time dream for Saint Mary-of- the-Woods College athletics has finally come to reality. Five women who made a profound impact on sports at the College were inducted into the inaugural class of SMWC Athletic Hall of Fame in February. Legendary student-athlete Mary Joseph Pomeroy, SP, ’21 , Emerita President Barbara Doherty, SP, ’53 , Athletic Director and Women’s Basketball Head Coach Deanna Bradley and 2002 graduates Tammy Smelcer Welborn and Brooke Griffith-Langford made up the first Hall of Fame class. Accepting the honor on behalf of Sister Mary Joseph Pomeroy, whose name has been adopted by SMWC athletics, was her nephew, Joseph Pomeroy. Pomeroy spoke highly of his aunt whom he fondly remembers visiting when she was at The Woods. It was “very heartwarming” for him to see Sister Mary Joseph’s name on the Hall of Fame wall. “She would have been very, very proud,” Pomeroy said. “I

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