GRACE MAIN
COPY EDITOR
9/22/2025
Alma College Athletics has had its share of successful teams, athletes, and coaches since its beginning, and some individuals and teams each year are honored and inducted into the Alma College Athletic Hall of Fame.
The inaugural Hall of Fame class was in 1971, but teams as far back as 1935 Football have been inducted. This year, there are two teams, three former athletes, and two coaches to join the Hall of Fame in the class of 2025.
The 2004 Volleyball team accomplished a 16-0 record in the MIAA and were 34-2 overall. The team played in the NCAA Regional Tournament for the second year in 2004. Lindsey Baker Evans (‘05) and Erin Fralick Luckhardt (‘06) were the first two players to be named All-Americans from the Alma Volleyball program. Baker was inducted into the Hall of fame last year, and Fralick is being inducted this year.
“Unlike some other sports, volleyball has to be played with a team. So while my individual induction is an honor, it’s certainly not possible without my team. 2004 was a dream volleyball season, not something everyone gets to experience, and I’m really grateful to celebrate with my teammates and coaches,” said Fralick, who has continued her volleyball involvement now as Varsity Volleyball Coach for Petosky.
The team is still very close-knit, their bonds have continued since graduation.
“We have an annual summer camping trip that a group of us still do. We also are in the phase of our lives where our kids playing sports in different cities have led to us seeing each other more often.,” said Fralick.
The 1984 Women’s Field Hockey Team is also in the induction class of 2025. The team had four student-athletes who were named First-Team All-MIAA; Lori Fedewa, Mary Douglas, Lori Audrain (‘86), and Stacey Emeott. The team won their second straight MIAA title in 1984. Audrain is being inducted this year, who has the MIAA record for eight assists in a season.
“It is an incredible honor to be selected, what a thrill. Our team was amazing, we played well together, were friends and had some great seasons. To be selected individually means a lot as we had a lot of talent on the team,” said Audrain.
After graduating, Audrain has traveled and worked overseas.
“I currently live in Timor Leste and have been living and teaching overseas since graduating in the 80s. I have lived and worked in 9 different countries. I got my elementary education degree at Alma which set me on my teaching path,” she said.
This will be a short trip back for Audrain, but she is looking forward to seeing teammates and friends that she hasn’t seen in a while and see how the college has changed in the past 40 years.
Hanna Leestma (‘10) had a successful career as a diver, placing 8th and 15th at the NCAA Division III National Championship in the one-meter and three-meter dives her senior year.
“It was such a proud moment for me getting the opportunity to compete at Nationals, and placing high enough to become an All-American was the perfect way to finish my diving career,” said Leestma.
Leestma now is in her 10th year as a High School diving coach in Lansing, and works for Michigan State University in advancement. She has kept up with the team since graduating through the swim world.
“I coach high school diving in the Lansing area, and many of our area swimmers and divers have gone on to compete at Alma. It’s been fun to keep up with the Alma swim and dive team, and follow their individual successes as well,” said Leestma.
Joining the athletes and teams in the 2025 class are long-time Alma College Softball Coaches, Denny Griffin and Phil Hansen. Griffin is currently in his 38th year coaching the Scots, and Hansen is in his 33rd year. The pair have coached 15 MIAA titles and have been to six NCAA National Finals; and each achieved 1,000 wins (Griffin) and 900 wins (Hansen) in 2024.
It is rare to have current coaches be inaugurated, and Hansen is the first assistant coach. Griffin is Chair of the Hall of Fame committee, so he never nominated himself for Hansen.
“As it turned out the Hall of Fame committee went behind my back and said they are selecting us. We both were announced at the Scotties in 2023. Total surprise,” said Griffin.
Hansen points out each of the six trips to the NCAA National Finals as highlights in his career this far, especially the 1999 wins over Muskingum, which kept their season going.
“The intensity, enthusiasm and happiness of that weekend is pretty much unmatched,” said Hansen
The coaches have over 50 former players, as well as their current team joining them at the ceremony.
“Part of what we’re proud of about the softball program is the connection that so many former players have with the program, and more importantly with each other. So many lifetime friendships have been formed between players that have gone through here,” said Hansen.
“To have that many individuals think enough to come back is humbling. It also shows we ran the program the right way, created a family environment, and made a positive impact in their lives,” said Griffin.
Griffin points out his family, his adult children Erin and Sean as his greatest achievements over everything else in his career.
The inductees enjoyed a dinner and had their plaques unveiled on Sept. 19, and were honored at the football game on Saturday, Sept. 20.
The Almanian: News 
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