ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME MEMBERS | NOMINATE FOR THE CLASS OF 2017 |HOMECOMING SCHEDULE
BEVERLY, Mass. – The Endicott Department of Athletics and Recreation is proud to announce that on Homecoming Weekend (September 23-25), former men's basketball star Nemanja Marinkovic '07 and women's volleyball standout Meghan Hall '08 will be the 46th and 47th student-athlete alumni/ae inducted into the Endicott Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2016.
"Nemanja and Meg embody all of the characteristics that we look for in Endicott Athletics Hall of Fame inductees," said Director of Athletics Dr. Brian Wylie. "Both displayed a high level of athleticism and had a long-lasting impact on their respective programs. Their scholarly pursuits and postgraduate careers are a strong representation of both the ideals of the College and the kind of student-athlete that competes for Endicott. We are extremely proud and honored to be inducting Nemanja and Meg into our Hall of Fame along with other Gull greats."
The Endicott Athletics Hall of Fame celebration will take place over the course of two days on Homecoming Weekend starting with the Gull Club Hall of Fame Celebration and Donor Recognition Dinner on Friday, September 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the Post Center Hospitality Suite. The following morning starting at 9:00 a.m. in MacDonald Gymnasium, Marinkovic and Hall will be officially inducted in front of a crowd of family, friends, former coaches and teammates, as well as current student-athletes, coaches, and administrators at the President's Welcome, Athletics Tribute, and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
The Friday evening portion is invitation only and space is limited. More information can be obtained by contacting Assistant Director of Athletic Giving/Annual Giving John Halsey atjhalsey@endicott.edu or 978-232-2019. Saturday's President's Welcome, Athletics Tribute, and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is open to the public.
MEGHAN HALL '08, WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
Meghan Hall '08, originally from a suburb of Santa Cruz, Calif. called Corralitos, joined the Endicott women's volleyball program as a setter and led the program to four consecutive CCC title match appearances with three championships in 2004, 2006, and 2007. During her illustrious career, in which she became the program's all-time leader in assists (4,934) and service aces (314), Endicott accumulated a 104-47 overall and 35-2 in-conference record. Hall's athletic excellence was at its peak in Endicott's first-ever NCAA Tournament in 2006, a five-set victory over Eastern Connecticut State, in which she totaled 49 assists, 23 digs, six kills, and two aces.
"Being named to the Endicott Athletics Hall of Fame is such a special honor," said Hall, who currently resides and works in London after studying abroad during her sophomore year. "Playing volleyball at Endicott gave me some of the best memories of my athletic career. Having moved out of the country, I'm overjoyed with the opportunity to return to campus and see how everything has developed over the past several years."
For Hall, the student-athlete experience was a rewarding one that helped shape her into the person she is today.
"Being a student-athlete brought balance and discipline to my life. Being honored for my hard work as a student-athlete is such a special recognition. It makes me very proud of the hard work and long hours that I put into both my training and studying."
Hall's accolades were abundant, headlined by two major conference awards: CCC Rookie of the Year in 2004 and CCC Player of the Year in 2006. She is the only player in program history to be named to the All-CCC First Team four times. In 2004, as a freshman, she also earned American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-New England Honorable Mention honors.
Hall's outstanding success as a student-athlete at Endicott can be attributed to a number of key individuals she developed relationships with over the years.
"I had an incredible support network at Endicott. Professor (Rich) Nastasi was such a pillar in my success. He was always there to help me in the classroom and supported me equally on the court. Professor (Dina) Gentile was also a great support. She was not only an inspiration as a strong woman, but also always had a very encouraging way of pushing you to be your best. My teammate Kim Marschner was a great partner in crime on the team. We were the only two of our year and had many adventures together, including doing our third-year internships in San Francisco. That being said, all my teammates were so incredible, their parents were all such amazing supporters, and the men's volleyball team was always there for us during our season. Last but not least, thank you to Coach Tim Byram who was there to keep us in check for the four years we played. I feel blessed to have had such great support during my time at Endicott."
After a study abroad experience in London her sophomore year, Hall decided to relocate to England where she has been ever since she graduated in 2008. She works in the heart of London in Soho as a Social Media and Content Manager for a fashion/lifestyle public relations and communications agency called MODUS.
NEMANJA MARINKOVIC '07, MEN'S BASKETBALL
A native of Belgrade, Serbia, Nemanja Marinkovic '07 elevated the Endicott men's basketball program into a dominant force in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) with three consecutive conference titles leading to NCAA Tournament appearances from 2004-06. During his exceptional four-year career, Marinkovic led arguably Endicott's most successful teams that went 80-33 overall and 54-10 in conference play.
"It is an honor for me to become inducted into the Endicott Athletics Hall of Fame," said Marinkovic, who is currently tied for second all-time in scoring with 1,495 career points along with John Henault '15 but leads the program's record books in rebounding (920), field goals made (579), and games played (112). He also ranks in the top-10 for assists (274) and steals (129).
"Endicott College was my home for four years and during that time I tried my best to contribute to the success of the basketball team and College in any way I could. It is incredible that Endicott has noticed my work and efforts and has given me a chance to leave my mark eternally at the College by awarding me in this way."
Marinkovic was honored lavishly throughout his career with accolades for both his athletic and academic achievements as a business administration major concentrating in international business. He was named CCC Rookie of the Year in 2003-04 after averaging 13.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game with 50 assists and 40 steals. Over the course of his playing career, Marinkovic collected four All-CCC awards including three First Team nods in 2004, 2006, and 2007. Academically, Marinkovic was a model student-athlete as he earned a spot on the CCC Academic All-Conference team three times as well as Endicott Academic Varsity Club honors as a sophomore, junior, and senior.
"Endicott was a perfect fit for me as an international student, a rising college with a great reputation and I felt I was part of a bigger family. I was surrounded by so many talented student-athletes and we all pushed each other to become better as individuals and also as teams. For that matter, I feel extremely privileged to become part of the Hall of Fame as others helped me thrive to success."
Indeed, for Marinkovic, success cannot be attributed to his individual motivation and drive. There were a number of key supporters that factored into Marinkovic's collegiate academic and athletic prowess.
"Initially, I would like to thank President Richard E. Wylie, Vice President Tom Redman and Coach (Michael) Plansky who believed and allowed me to come to Endicott College as a student-athlete. They helped me adjust to the collegiate basketball culture from the moment I applied to the College until I graduated. Professor Margaret Ake has been my mentor and advisor who taught me so much in life and she will always be seen in my eyes as my American mother. I am still very close with her and her family to this day. I will never forget moments with Professor Richard Nastasi and his support and encouragement on and off the court. Finally, every single teammate helped me achieve this honor as it reflects team accomplishment where we were able to bring success to the College's athletic program together."
Today, Marinkovic works for the General Magnaplate Corporation, a company he initially did a business case study with during his junior year at Endicott. That case study work parlayed into a full-time position after graduation and he has been working there for nine years. He has a corporate role in the company, handling all international operations and marketing for the company. Marinkovic returned to his native Serbia after graduating from Endicott.