Gainesville, Georgia- The Brenau University Department of Athletics unveiled its 2024 Hall of Fame class on Saturday, honoring soccer players Marilyn Anderson and Lillian Futrell Genova, volleyball player Sydney Koon Johnson and basketball player Brittney Wiley.
“This hall of fame class is a phenomenal group of young women who collectively secured countless victories and raised the bar for our volleyball, soccer, and basketball programs,” said Mike Lochstampfor, Vice President for Athletics and head soccer coach. “However, their most meaningful contribution was likely how they inspired many more of our student-athletes with an example of how to approach life! I'm very proud of each of them and thankful for what they've meant to Brenau University and what they've achieved in their personal and professional lives”.
Anderson, a 2019 graduate, has the distinction of contributing as both student-athlete and assistant coach at Brenau. During her playing career (2006-2009), the Gainesville, Ga. native was a four-year starter and two-year team captain (2008-2009) and was twice a Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) All-Conference team member. Anderson played in 69 games during her Golden Tiger career and notched 10 goals and 20 assists.
She furthered her contributions to the University by also serving as an assistant coach from 2010-2017. Among her impact on the program was her instrumental role in recruiting four NAIA All-Americans and Brenau Athletics Hall of Fame members, Esther Anyanwu, Tori Brown, Elizabeth Campbell, and Linda Chukwuji. During Anderson’s tenure, the program amassed 61 wins, including posting a program-best 15 victories in 2013-14.
“As both a player and then as an assistant coach, Marilyn always brought her best,” said Lochstampfor. “She was a serious competitor and always put her heart and soul into everything she did on behalf of Brenau University's soccer program. Her contributions to the success of our soccer program would be too many to count!”
Futrell, a teammate of Anderson, competed for the Golden Tigers soccer team from 2006-2010. During her career, she competed in 67 matches, scoring 47 goals and notching 18 assists. Recognized as an three-time SSAC All-Conference player, the standout forward held the Brenau scoring record until 2013, which was eclipsed by fellow hall of fame member, Esther Anyanwu. Futrell Genova sits among the best in Brenau soccer history as she is ranked second in games played (67), second in career goals scored (47), second in total points (112) and fourth in career assists (18).
According to Lochstampfor, “Lily helped take our soccer program to another level and the stats she produced as a goal scorer reflect the impact she made. Her work ethic, commitment to winning, and loyalty to Brenau University were inspiring to all.”
Koon Johnson, the first Brenau volleyball player inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame, competed for the Golden Tigers from 2012-2015. The 5 '10 outside hitter received SSAC All-Conference honors three-times, SSAC Player of the Week honors twice, and was nationally recognized as the NAIA National Player of the Week. In only three seasons of competition, Koon’s impact on the Brenau record books is obvious as she sits second all-time in career kills with 1,172. In 2014, Koon Johnson also led the SSAC in kills per set and was 11th in digs per set.
“Sydney stepped on the volleyball court and always made great things happen with her dominating performance-- no matter who the opponent,” said Lochstampfor. “Her arrival to Brenau had an immediate impact on the success of the volleyball program!”
Wiley is the fourth basketball player to join the Hall of Fame and one that made a clear impact during her four seasons as a Golden Tigers. A four-year starter and three-year team captain, Wiley was honored as a three-time SSAC All-Conference player. The diminutive point guard sits among the all-time Golden Tiger greats in career stats as she is second place in scoring (1357), first in assists (291), first in steals (118) and first in free throws made (350). The Royston, Ga. native also is second in total three pointers made (229) and third in games played (118).
According to head basketball coach Kris Stewart, “Brittney is the epitome of consistency and excellence. She performed like a Hall of Famer during her four years as a Golden Tiger and the career stats speak for themselves. I am overjoyed that she has received this recognition and is now a member of the Hall of Fame”.
Additionally, Brenau senior basketball player Pollie Simpson received the third annual Michael Clanton Excellence in Athletics Award. The Gillsville, Ga. native won over her teammates with her work ethic and dedication during her four-year career.
“Pollie is one of the most hardworking and smartest players that I have had an opportunity to coach,” said Stewart. “She is a leader, a volunteer and team captain and an outstanding student. She is the embodiment of the traits that represent this award.”
The Clanton award is the highest award given by the Brenau University athletic department. The award honors former head athletic trainer, Mike Clanton, who dedicated his effort, time and passion to the Brenau athletic department. Requirements for the award may include, a minimum of a 3.25 grade point average, have junior or senior status with at least two years enrolled at Brenau;, Brenau and outside community involvement and contribution to the team;
Started in 2013, the Brenau Athletics Hall of Fame is now represented by 43 former athletes, coaches and benefactors of the Brenau Athletics Department.
