UNIVERSITY LIGGETT SCHOOL \ ALUMNI

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Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame

The Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame was created to honor and celebrate our many wonderful alumni athletes and the rich athletic history at University Liggett School.

GROSSE POINTE, MI - OCTOBER 3: University Liggett 2024 Athletic Alumni Hall of Fame at University Liggett Boll Campus Center on October 3, 2024 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. (Photo by Darren Clark/ via Redfoot Vegas)

On the evening of October 3, the Boll Campus Center was filled with excitement as the University Liggett School community gathered to honor the latest inductees into the Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame. This year’s ceremony featured a mix of humor, touching moments, and heartfelt tributes, celebrating the achievements and character of four remarkable alumni.

The night began with warm welcomes from Cressie Boggs, Director of Development and Alumni Relations. And Tom Sheppard, Head of School both set a warm tone for the evening.

The first inductee, Dwight Jones ’75, was remembered fondly by his running coach, Louis Scott. Coach Scott, who took the coaching job at ULS specifically to coach Dwight, highlighted his accomplishments on the track, emphasizing how Dwight was a trailblazer back in the 1970s.

Next, in an emotional moment, Coach Chuck Wright ‘66 GPUS gave a heartfelt introduction as he brought Shannon Byrne ’93 to the stage. Byrne’s enthusiasm was infectious as she shared stories from her time on the court. However it was her gratitude towards her coaches, specifically Coach Wright that shone through. “Their passion taught me to compete with integrity,” she said, a message that resonated deeply with everyone present.

Ken Hubbard ‘92 and Celeste Hubbard Breen ’00 followed, capturing the audience’s attention with humor about growing up together as siblings and competing at ULS. Breen shared stories about her journey from a young player learning under Coach Romilly Stackpoole, Faculty/Coach Emerita, to an accomplished college athlete. She spoke about the importance of balance. “Being a student-athlete at ULS shaped who I am today,” she shared.

Finally, David Backhurst, Faculty/Coach Emeritus captivated the audience with stories of Dan Ferrin’s ’00 goaltending escapades. Upon accepting his award, Ferrin reminisced about his early days at Coach Backhurst’s summer camps and his determination as a goalkeeper. “Without Coach Backhurst, I wouldn’t be here today,” Ferrin said.

As the ceremony wrapped up, the crowd stood for a final round of applause, honoring not just the achievements of these four individuals but the spirit of camaraderie at University Liggett School. Emotions ran high as stories of dedication and integrity filled the room, leaving everyone with a sense of pride in their community.

Class of 2024 Ceremony Photos

The Class of 2024

Celeste Hubbard Breen ‘00

Sports Achievements at ULS

1 Year JV Field Hockey
Most Valuable Player 1996
Invited to varsity team for State championship tournament run

3 Years Varsity Field Hockey

Starter 1997, 1998, and 1999 seasons
1st in team goals; State Championship 3rd place finish 1997
1st in team goals; State Championship Runner-Up 1998
1st in team goals; State Championship Runner-Up 1999
Co-Captain, Most Valuable Player, 1999
Ist team All-State 1998 & 1999
Participated in USA Field Hockey’s Future’s Olympic Program 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
USA National Field Hockey Tournament midwest region U-16 team
Selected to participate in U-16 AAU Junior Olympics Bronze medalist
USA National Field Hockey Tournament midwest region U-18 team
Recruited by Duke, University Michigan, and Columbia University, before committing to Boston University

3 Years Varsity Soccer

Starting left back 1998 &1999
Metro Conference Champions 1997, 1998 &1999
All-Conference team selection 1999
All-District team selection 1999

1 Year Varsity Lacrosse

Most Improved Player 2000

Outside of ULS:

Eventing equestrian athlete competing in Dressage, Cross Country, Show Jumping

Sports Achievements After ULS

4 Year Division 1 Field Hockey

Award four-year full scholarship to play at Boston University under head coach Sally Starr.
America East Conference Champions, 2000
America East Conference Runner Ups, 2003
NCAA Tournament Appearance, 2000
Leading scorer, leading points 2002, 2003
America East All-Tournament Team 2003
America East All-Conference First Team selection 2002, 2003
America East Player of the Week Award 10/20/2003
Second Team Regional All-American 2002
First Team Regional All-American 2003
Third Team National All-American 2003
NFHCA North/South Senior All-Star Game selection 2003
Team Most Valuable Player 2003
USA Field Hockey's Summer League selection 2004
USA Field Hockey National Team B-Camp invitee 2004

Additional Information

Graduate of Boston University, Question School of Business, Class of 2004
B.S. Business Administration, Finance and Marketing
20 year career in advertising working with brands like Starbucks, Target, Chevrolet, Lexus and Coca-Cola
Founded creative consultancy The Factor Studios producing content and events in sport, fashion, and entertainment
Played Field Hockey for Romily Stackpoole (ULS HOF '16) on ULS Middle School teams in 7th and 8th grade.
Was inspired by to pursue college athletics by brother, Kenneth Hubbard (ULS '92, Div.1 Basketball ) and sister Natalie Hubbard (ULS '94, Div.1 Field Hockey)
Credits parents, Ken and Viola Hubbard for instilling a strong work ethic and dedication to pursuing personal and professional goals

Dan Ferrin ‘00

Sports Achievements at ULS

Men’s Varsity Soccer Goalkeeper: 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Grades
- 1999 Dream Team
- Two state championships
  - Class C Winners 1996
  - D IV Winners 1999
- 1997: D IV District Champs
- 1998: D IV “Final Four” Regional Champs
- 50 shutouts
  - 1996: 13 shutouts, 20 ga/21 games (.857)
  - 1997: 12 shutouts, 16 ga/21 games (.76)
  - 1998: 11 shutouts, 25 ga/24 games (1.04)
  - 1999: 14 shutouts, 19 ga/25 games (.76)
- Other Accolades??
Women's Varsity Soccer Goalkeeper Advisor: 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Grades
Additional Activities
- Chairman, Upper School Honor Council 1999-2000

JV and/or Co-Curricular Sports Involvement

Vardar 3 Club Soccer:
- 6 state championships
- Regional Championship
- National Runner Up, 1999
Michigan Olympic Development Program (ODP) ‘1981’ team: Captain for 5 years (the age groups ‘under 14’ to ‘under 19’)
Selected to the ‘Midwest’ ODP regional team (comprising 13 states) for 5 years, from age 14 to 19
The Elite Soccer Program: Three-time invitee 1997-1999
- Selected for the All-Star team, 1999

Sports Achievements after ULS

Division 1 Soccer, Stony Brook University: Four year player
- Named SBU’s first All-American Division 1 player, freshman year.
- Named by collagesoccer.com as the second best freshman in the country, 2001
- 3 year captain
- Named to College Soccer’s All Freshman Team, 2001
- NCAA Preseason All-American, 2002.
- President, student athletic council, 2002-2004
- Co-Author of the gender equity review of the SBU athletics department (which was, arguably, the most important part of a comprehensive self study required by the NCAA after its granting of division one status to our athletic department)
- Three-year head of the Women's Studies department and was responsible for a 110-page report to the president of the university, which still influences the policies of SBU and Title IX today.
- Chosen representative of SBU at the NCAA Leadership Conference, in Orlando Florida.
- Graduated Magna cum laude with a major in history and minor in Women's Studies.
- Received ‘Stony Brook Athletics Academic Achievement Award’ for outstanding academic accomplishments as a student athlete, 2004
- Recipient of ‘Scholar Athlete Award’ at the (first annual) Stony Brook University Academic Awards Reception, 2003

Olympic and/or Professional Competition

Michigan Bucks, formerly of the Premier Development League, 2005
2005: In The Lamar Hunt Cup (beating the Columbus Crew of the MLS)

Coaching and/or Other Athletic Involvement

I have had my fingerprints on every goalkeeper Liggett has had, from Calvin Ford in 2001 to Preston Reed in 2023! When looking back on things, this is the accomplishment I am most proud of.
Assistant Coach for David Backhurst’s girls team that won states, and have been helping out the boys and girls teams for 25 years.

College/Higher Education

Stony Brook University, Class of 2004

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Our Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame inductees were reviewed and selected by our Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame Committee which is comprised of inductees, past and current coaches, our athletic department staff, and our alumni relations manager.

Previous Recipients

Class of 2023
Thomas Gage '66 GPUS
Bruce Barit '68 GPUS
Abby Tompkins Johannson '97
Kevin Espy '98
Mags B. Dillon '02

Class of 2022
Bruce Birgbauer '60 GPUS
Kevin Whitfield '91
Emmet "Tripp" Tracy III '92
Monte Squiers '07

Class of 2020
Richard Trim, Coach/Teacher
Brian Bruenton '98
Kirk Haggarty '86
Tomasine Polizzi Marx '78
Michael C. Ware '69 GPUS

Class of 2019
Heidi Henkel McGarry ‘82
JT Parks ‘83
Chris Ford ‘96
Leython Williams ’03
Jim Schmidt, Faculty/Coach Emeritus (posthumous)

Class of 2018
Susie Mascarin Keane '82
Katherine Riddle Miller '96
CR Moultry '99
David Backhurst, Faculty/Coach Emeritus

Class of 2017
Glynn Conley ‘59 GPUS, Faculty/Coach Emeritus
Jimmy Carson ‘86
Martina Jerant ‘91
Michael Fox ‘93

Class of 2016
John Welchli ‘46 DUS
Megan Brady Hishmeh ‘89
Jennifer Miller ‘92
Romilly Brigid McMahon Stackpoole, Faculty/Coach Emerita

Class of 2015
Neil “Shorty” McMillan ‘08 DUS (posthumous)
Jack Foster ‘48 DUS
Peter Monroe ‘61 GPUS
William Hummel ‘78
Paula Mighion Cornwall ‘84

Class of 2014
George Haggarty ‘59 GPUS
Harris Brown ‘66 GPUS
Marty Wittmer ‘83
Monica Paul Dennis ‘92

Class of 2013
John Neil Patterson ‘06 DUS (posthumous)
David Rentschler ’52 DUS (posthumous)
George Perrin ’64 GPUS
Laura Khelokian Byron ‘87
Gene Overton, Faculty Emeritus

Class of 2012
Bob Wood ’59 GPUS
Art Getz ’67 GPUS
Allen Taber ‘80
Heather Heidel Petty ’93
Kevin Crociata ’90
Lauren Ealba Harris ’02
Muriel Brock, Faculty/Coach Emerita

Class of 2011 – Inaugural Class
Bruce Garbutt '53 DUS
Chuck Wright '66 GPUS
Onnie Killifer '74
Andrea Kincannon '83
Mike Coello ‘90
Doug Wood ‘90

Learn More about our
Previous Recipients >

To nominate

To nominate someone for the Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame - click here

University Liggett School is a private Early Childhood through 12th grade college preparatory school in Metro Detroit that is nationally recognized for its innovative curriculum and arts and athletics offerings.

Non-Discrimination Statement

University Liggett School is a private preschool and kindergarten through 12th grade college preparatory school in Metro Detroit that is nationally recognized for its innovative curriculum and arts and athletics offerings.