OLLU Held Inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
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SAN ANTONIO (Aug. 6, 2022) – The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) Athletic Department held its first-ever OLLU Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Aug. 5 in Mabee Gymnasium. The event cerebrated members of the Class of 2020 Aaron Flores and Gaby Lopez, and Class of 2022 Nashae (Owens) Peña and Marcus Thompson.
Athletic Director Shane Hurley commented, "We are honored to recognize these four tremendous student-athletes and alumni, and we look forward to continuing this traditional annually."
Prior to the ceremony OLLU President Dr. Abel A. Chávez talked about the honorees and what their achievements mean to those who will follow in years to come.
A beloved member of the Sisters of Divine Providence, Sister Ann Petrus, provided a blessing. Sister Ann has been OLLU's teams' greatest supporter throughout the 16 years that the athletics program has been in existence.
HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2020
The university first announced the Class of 2020 two years ago, but with COVID restrictions, the ceremony had to be postponed. Unfortunately, COVID resurfaced again this year and impacted the ceremony. OLLU's first inductee Aaron Flores came down with COVID earlier in the week and was not be able to join the ceremony in person; however, OLLU was able to welcome Flores via teleconferencing. His father, Andrew Flores, a teacher and coach at Holy Cross High School, attended the event and accepted the award on his son's behalf.
AARON FLORES (2009-2013)
Aaron Flores joined the men's golf team in 2009 after graduating from Holy Cross High School. He played in his first tournament in September 2009, when he shot a 71 for seventh place. He would go on to place fourth twice, third twice, second once and he was the top medalist two times his first year, including at the conference tournament. He played at the NAIA National Championship Tournament as an individual and placed 71st. His first year was only a sample of what was to follow. The following year, Flores placed second in the conference tournament and 36th at nationals. In his junior year, Flores was again the top medalist at conference, and he finished in sixth place among the entire NAIA. In his final year, Flores was the third-place finisher at conference and was the runner-up at nationals – the best-ever finish for an individual in school history.
After a video highlighting Flores' career at OLLU, current Golf Head Coach Arnie Martinez talked about growing up with Flores, playing with him on OLLU's team 15 years ago and admiring his work ethic on the course.
Flores was also a member of the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Inaugural Hall of Fame Class of 2020. His father accepted that award and the OLLU Hall of Fame award from Hurley and Martinez, followed by words from Flores via teleconferencing.
Flores spoke about how then OLLU Golf Head Coach Eric Moore recruited him and gave him a chance to play college golf and his appreciation to him and OLLU staff for the opportunities given to him. He spoke about his love for his parents, Andrew and Laura, and about all his OLLU teammates.
GABY LOPEZ (2013-2016)
OLLU's second member of the Class of 2020 is Gaby Lopez. Lopez joined the women's soccer team in 2013 after graduating from New Braunfels High School. That first year, Lopez guided the team to a 6-0 conference record and featured 10 shutouts. In 2014, Lopez led the team to an 8-1 conference record and seven shutouts. Her junior year, the team had a 7-0 conference record and 10 shutouts, and her senior year, Lopez guided the team to a 9-0 conference record and 14 shutouts. In her four years, the team suffered just one loss and made it to nationals all four years.
After a video highlighting Lopez's career at OLLU, Soccer Head Coach Arthur Salazar spoke about recruiting Lopez from high school and encouraging her to switch to becoming a goalkeeper. He also talked about the one save Lopez made during a game at Nationals that was, in his opinion, the greatest save he has ever seen.
Lopez was also named a member of the RRAC Inaugural Hall of Fame Class of 2020. She accepted that award and the OLLU award and presented her speech.
Lopez talked about being recruited by Salazar. She had been a field player throughout her playing years but switched positions. She said she never thought about her individual accomplishments but about what her team was able to do throughout her time at OLLU.
Both Lopez and Aaron Flores' father, Andrew, then proceeded to the top of the bleachers to unveil their banners that will be permanently displayed in Mabee Gymnasium.
HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2022
OLLU's members of the Class of 2022 are Nashae Owens (now Peña) and Marcus Thompson.
Nashae (Owens) Pena (2011-2014)
Nashae (Owens) Pena joined the Saints in 2011 after graduating from Alvin High School in Pearland, Texas, and she played three seasons for the Saints. Her career stats include 96 games played, 93 games started, 408 field goals, 951 field goals attempted for a .429 percentage, 99 three-pointers, 279 attempts, 344 free throws, 440 attempts, 312 assists, 229 steals, 13.11 points per game and 1,259 total points scored. Pena also graduated in just three years.
After a video highlighting Pena's career at OLLU, current Women's Basketball Head Coach Tanya Ray, said a few words. She said that although she was not able to coach her, she admired all her amazing accomplishments.
Peña proceeded to the podium to accept her award and spoke about her time at OLLU and her family. She said she thought of "basketball as a means to an end, the end being God using basketbal to grow me into the woman I am today, to better serve God and my family and friends around." She enjoyed her time on the court, and she singled out her high school coach for his encouragement throughout her playing career. She now enjoys being a mother to six, and she mentioned that her husband Alex is her greatest supporter.
Marcus Thompson (2010-2014)
Marcus Thompson joined the men's basketball team in 2010 after graduating from Garland High School in Garland, Texas. Thompson played through 2014 in 128 games, 184 field goals made, 439 attempts, 152 free throws, 288 attempts, 382 rebounds, 630 assists, 315 steals and 522 points. Thompson holds the all-time and NAIA record for most steals in a game with 15 in 2014. Thompson was the first student-athlete to graduate with an MBA.
After a video showcasing Thompson's career at OLLU, current Men's Basketball Head Coach Chris Dial said a few words. Dial talked about meeting with Thompson years ago when he reached out for some advice about leaving the accounting world to return to basketball. Dial saw Thompson become the assistant coach and then head coach at Coastal Bend before targeting him to return to OLLU to help him coach the team.
Thompson accepted his award and spoke about his time at OLLU. He explained that he never looked at any of his individual stats as he was more interested in his team winning games. He could never have had as many steals or assists if his team was not scoring points, and that was what was important to him more than anything. Thompson talked lovingly about his mother, Ivory Smith, who has always been his greatest supporter and always being there for him throughout his life.
Peña and Thompson made their way to the top of the bleachers to unveil their banners that will be permanently on display in Mabee Gymnasium.
The university is proud to have had the opportunity to celebrate all four inductees for their outstanding achievements on the playing field, in the classroom and throughout the community as members of Our Lady of the Lake University.