Click here for photos from the event.

SAN ANTONIO (Aug. 19, 2024) – The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) Athletic Department held its Third Annual OLLU Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Aug. 18 in Mabee Gymnasium. The event celebrated the Class of 2024 Matt Ellis and Brittany (Stone) McInnis.

The university announced its Class of 2020 four years ago, but due to unforeseen circumstances, including COVID restrictions, the event had to be postponed. Unfortunately, COVID resurfaced three years ago, and one of the inductees, Aaron Flores, came down with the virus, but the university was able to celebrate him via Zoom. Flores was a terrific golf student-athlete, and OLLU recognized him along with Gaby Lopez, who was a superior women's soccer student-athlete.

Two years ago, the university held the ceremony for the OLLU Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2022, honoring Marcus Thompson and Nashae Pena—both terrific basketball players. The ceremony, much like this one, was a grand celebration of their achievements, with family, friends and fellow athletes in attendance. Thompson, now OLLU's Men's Basketball Head Coach, was at the ceremony and was recognized with applause.

Before the ceremony, OLLU President Dr. Abel A. Chávez discussed the honorees and what their achievements mean to those who will follow them in years to come. He said, "Welcome back to YOUR university, the university that you have impacted greatly and the university that will celebrate you for all you have accomplished."

Alumni and Family Relations Director Debora Perez Guzman, an OLLU alumna, provided the blessing before the ceremony began. 

Mark Thomas, who is the in-game announcer for volleyball, basketball and softball games at OLLU emceed the event.

HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2024
Matt Ellis (2011-2015)

Matt Ellis joined the Saints in 2011 after graduating from Wellington High School in El Paso, Texas. He played four seasons for the Saints, from 2011 through 2015. His career stats include a 46-15 singles record and a 38-23 doubles record. He led his teams to 201 wins throughout his four years. Ellis is a project engineer for a construction company called Franklin Construction in Houston. He and his wife, Carrie, are parents to a 17-month-old son named Logan. After a video highlighting Ellis' career at OLLU, OLLU Tennis Head Dave Watts said a few words, "Although he did not coach Ellis, I know the impact he has had on the success of the team during his time here. We are proud of his achievements and we look forward to him coming out to some of our matches this year."

Ellis proceeded to the podium to accept his award, which was presented to him by Watts and Guzman. Ellis spoke about his time at OLLU and his family. He expressed his deep appreciation for the unwavering support and guidance of everyone at the university who played a crucial role in his success. He also acknowledged the support and encouragement he received from his teammates and former coach Sal Castillo, which he described as instrumental in his journey at OLLU.

Brittany (Stone) McInnis (2011-2015) 

Brittany Stone McInnis joined the softball team in 2011 after graduating from O'Connor High School in Helotes, Texas. She played four seasons for the Saints from 2011-2015. Her career stats include 192 games played, 614 at-bats, 145 runs, 220 hits, 52 doubles, six triples, 22 home runs, 153 RBIs, 350 total bases, 76 walks, 17 stolen bases, a .570 slugging percentage, a .433 on-base percentage and a batting average of .358. She also finished with a .947 fielding percentage with 303 putouts and 283 assists. McInnis in her 10th year teaching at Marshall High School here in San Antonio. She teaches biology, and she is the Biology Team Lead. She and her husband Cameron are parents to son Brayden and daughter Ella. After a video showcasing McInnis' career at OLLU, Softball Head Coach Bruce Lenington said a few words. Lenington indicated that McInnis has always supported the softball program during his tenure, which began six years ago. She was the first to be inducted into the OLLU Softball Hall of Fame. Lenington presented her with a cap that displayed the NAIA World Championship moniker and said, "You and others before you and after you had a part in our success these last few years with your dedication and support of the program. The current softball team, who is here today, and I are honored to see you on the wall as the first softball player to be inducted into the OLLU Hall of Fame."

McInnis accepted her award and spoke about her time at OLLU. She indicated that some of her students throughout the years find it hard to believe that she actually played softball [and had so much success] and that she is looking forward to showing them the photos from the ceremony. McInnis also gave much credit to her parents. Her dad started throwing the ball to her when she was a young toddler, and her mom has been by her side every step of the way.

Ellis and McInnis made their way to the top of the bleachers to unveil their banners that will be permanently displayed in Mabee Gymnasium, serving as a constant reminder of their outstanding contributions to OLLU's athletic legacy.  

The university is proud to have had the opportunity to celebrate the two inductees for their outstanding achievements on the court and the field, in the classroom and throughout the community. Their success serves as a source of inspiration and pride for the entire Our Lady of the Lake University community.