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Virginia Wesleyan University’s 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame
A Celebration of Excellence On and Off the Field of Play
University News | October 7, 2023
Virginia Wesleyan University, with its rich athletic tradition, held its much-anticipated Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony on October 7, 2023. The grand event took place in the Cunningham Multi-Activity Center, nestled within the Jane P. Batten Student Center. This year's inductees, a blend of former Marlin athletic standouts, an iconic team, and a revered benefactor, all left indelible marks on the university's athletic landscape.
Marissa Coombs '18 (Women's Track & Field)
Marissa Coombs' entry into the Hall of Fame was no surprise to those familiar with her accomplishments. As the first athlete in the women's track & field program to achieve All-American status, Coombs' list of accolades is lengthy. Notably, she holds a whopping 11 VWU records, earned the title of All-American four times, clinched the ODAC Championship seven times, tallied 18 All-Region Selections and 18 All-Conference Honors, and was named ODAC Cross Country Athlete of the Year and ODAC Indoor Track and Field Athlete of the Meet. She holds the ODAC record for the best time in the Mile and 1500m and has the fastest time at the Indoor ODAC Track and Field Championship Meet in the Mile. She also earned the Donald M. Forsyth Award in 2017 and the Norfolk Sports Club Award in 2018.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Coombs was known for her unwavering focus. Her mother, Tracy, shared a heartfelt sentiment, saying, “She learned at a very young age that focus is what leads to success." Marissa herself reflected on her journey, expressing profound gratitude: “This is truly a dream come true for me. Let’s continue to inspire and support each other. Go Marlins!”
Evan Cox (UK '18) (Men’s Golf) 
Evan's golf journey at VWU was nothing short of legendary. His crowning achievement was becoming the program's first NCAA National Champion in 2016. With a litany of accolades such as the PING First Team All-American (2016), ODAC Player of the Year (2016), and All-ODAC First Team (2016), Evan's prowess was evident. His father, Brent, said that even as young child, it was clear that sports would be all-consuming, humorously noting, "All he needed was an object to throw, catch, or strike!" A humble Evan shared, "There is nothing special about me... it's about the great people behind us.”
Kala Guy Herman '13 (Women's Volleyball)
Kala's impact on the women's volleyball program is undeniable. As the program's first All-American, she set records left and right, including an all-time high in kills (1,245) and total attacks (3,533). Andrea Hoover-Erbig, VWU's Athletic Director and Kala’s former coach, praised her determination, saying, “With Kala, Marlin volleyball hit the jackpot. Determined, tough, and a servant leader is how I would best describe her.” Kala emphasized the importance of her teammates and the university's supportive community, saying, “Volleyball is such a team sport. There is no way I would have been successful without them.”
Cassetty Howerin '18 (Softball) 
Howerin's softball records speak for themselves: VWU Career Home Runs leader, ODAC Career RBI and Walks leader, to name just a few. Her influential role in leading the team to victory in the 2017 and 2018 NCAA Division III Softball National Championships showcases her dedication to the sport. Her sister Alexis proudly declared, “growing up, everyone compared me to my big sister, and I hated it. But now, I love it. She is a legend. She not only makes our family proud, but has left an incredible impression on both the sport and Wesleyan community.” Cassetty says it all seemed so unlikely at first, adding, “there were those who said I wouldn’t last one season playing college ball, but we proved them wrong.”
2018 NCAA National Championship Softball Team
This team's back-to-back NCAA National Championships and their astounding 55-3 record in a single season are testaments to their unparalleled talent and determination. The 2018 team collected eight All-ODAC honors, four All-State laurels, three All-Region selections, and two NFCA First-Team All-Americans in Hanna Hull and Cassetty Howerin. Hull received Schutt Sports/NFCA Player of the Year, FPN Sports All-American, and was the Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team. The Marlins' coaching staff, composed of Brandon Elliott '03, Bobby Wills, Jim Quinn, Chris Smith, and Jenna Wilson, was named NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year, All-Region, VaSID All-State, and All-Conference for their efforts.
President Scott D. Miller expressed the university's immense pride, stating, “to win a national championship once is amazing, but to win back-to-back is extraordinary. We are so incredibly proud how they represented Virginia Wesleyan on and off the field and continue to do so as outstanding alumni.”
William Shelhorse '70: A Visionary Benefactor
William Shelhorse's contribution to Virginia Wesleyan goes beyond athletics. As the co-founder and president of Chesapeake Bay Contractors and dedicated member of the VWU Board of Trustees, his generosity has significantly shaped the campus's landscape as he his company have provided services for all outdoor athletic venues, making many campus projects possible. Shelhorse was also a major contributor to the Virginia Wesleyan’s 400-meter track and field complex, the Betty S. Rogers Track & Field Center, which is named in memory of his sister. 
President Miller acknowledged Shelhorse's indomitable commitment: "There isn’t an inch of our campus that Bill Shelhorse hasn’t touched.”
The 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony was a testament to the hard work, determination, and spirit that define Virginia Wesleyan University and its athletic community. Each inductee, with their impressive records and accomplishments, has forever etched their names in the annals of the university's history.
Please visit VWU's Flickr album to view photos from the entire evening.