Riverdale, NY - The University of Mount Saint Vincent's athletic department has announced the induction of three athletes and two teams representing four different programs into the UMSV Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame Class of 2025 features Richard Cole '96 (men's basketball), Courtney Heesemann '10 (women's basketball), Tara Maloney '20 (women's volleyball), the 2009 men's volleyball championship team and the 2018 women's volleyball championship team. 

"This year's class features two teams that made exciting Skyline Conference tournament runs. We look forward to honoring both squads who already live forever with banners displayed in Peter Jay Sharp. Our individual inductees all had a huge impact on their sport here at The Mount. All three put up great numbers, but it is that coupled with what they mean to their teammates, coaches and community that make them special," Phil Stern, Associate Vice President for Athletics and Recreation, said to UMSVAthletics.com.

Cole initially joined the UMSV Hall of Fame as a member of the 1995-96 men's basketball team, and now receives a much deserved solo inclusion. Cole is a part of the esteemed 1,000 point scorer list with 1,105, a number that currently ranks eighth in program history. Cole can be found all over the program's record book, as he ranks second all time in steals (235) and steals per game average (2.4) while also finishing in the top 10 in field goals made, free throws made, assists and games played. Cole wrapped up his career a two-time conference selection for both the Skyline Conference and the IAC. 

Heesemann may have graduated 15 years ago, but her time spent with the Dolphins still ranks as one of the best. Heesemann remains the all-time point scorer in program history with 1,539, and her 13.9 points per game average across her career ranks fifth. Heesemann also is just one of two players in program history to achieve over 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds, and her 1,014 boards also tops the record book. Heesemann closed out her career in Riverdale ranking second in blocked shots, fifth in steals and eighth in assists, among other achievements. Heesemann was named the Skyline Conference Rookie of the Year in 2006-07 and earned All-Conference honors across her four years (three second team selections, one first team selection). 

Maloney joins the Hall of Fame as arguably the most distinguished hitter in program history. Maloney topped the list of career kills with over 1,500, over 200 more than fellow Hall of Famer Ashleigh Scozzari. Maloney is also first all time in kills per set (3.66), attack attempts (4256), points (1625.5) and points per set (4.07) while ranking second in digs (1043). Maloney was named First Team All-Skyline in each of her four seasons while earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2016 and the Player of the Year  award in 2018. She further cemented herself in 2018 when she helped earn the program's second Skyline Conference championship in its history. 

The 2009 men's volleyball team is the only team in program history to capture a Skyline Conference championship. Just one year after a devastating loss in the conference final, the Dolphins went 13-13 during the regular season, good enough for a playoff spot. The Dolphins would top the Yeshiva University Maccabees in consecutive sets, setting up a rematch with Bard College from the season prior. The Dolphins went on to defeat Raptors three sets to one, with senior T.J. Pufahl named tournament MVP with 27 kills in both contests. The Dolphins were heavily featured in postseason awards, as head coach Tom Callahan earned Skyline Coach of the Year honors for the second straight season while Pufahl (First Team), Chris Dotoratos (First Team), John Furka (First Team) and Rob Hockenjos (Second Team) also earned conference distinctions. 

Just like the 2009 men's squad, the 2018 women's volleyball team also came up just short in the championship game just a season prior. The Dolphins retooled in the offseason, bringing in a formidable freshmen class that complemented the team's top returners, resulting in a 6-4 conference record, good enough for the fourth seed in the Skyline tournament. The Dolphins hosted Farmingdale State in the opening round and knocked off the Rams in a five set thriller before doing the same thing on the road against the United States Merchant Marine Academy in the semifinal. The Dolphins took the trip out to Patchogue to challenge St. Joseph's Long Island in the final, where they defeated the Golden Eagles in four sets to take home just the second championship in program history. Freshman setter Madison Gale was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player while Maloney won Player of the Year honors. Dez Brown, Rianna Rivera, Samantha Schroeder and Alexandra Madden were among the standout performers on the 2018 squad. 

The Class of 2025 is set to be honored on November 15 in Smith Hall. Tickets can be found at UMSV.edu/AthleticDinner2025.