2021 Hall of Fame Release
ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - The purpose of the North Carolina Wesleyan Athletics Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor those individuals, who through their superior athletic achievements or by their outstanding service, have made long-lasting, exemplary contributions to the college. Beginning with its inaugural class in 1999, Wesleyan has bestowed this honor upon 70 former athletes, administrators, and coaches who created a higher standard for our Bishops. This year's six inductees meet those same standards and will comprise the 22nd and 23rd classes of honorees.
The Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that the late and former athlete and administrator Cliff Sullivan, as well as three former players, will comprise the 2020 class. They are former volleyball player Brittany Insley-Pecora, former baseball player Chris Bryant and former football player LeeRon Boykin.
The 2021 class was also selected this past summer and that will include former men's basketball athlete Trey Drake and former women's soccer player Caitlin Sanderson as the latest additions to the N.C. Wesleyan Athletics Hall of Fame.
Former softball athlete Kristy Coull, will now be inducted in the 2022 ceremony next fall.
In a move to accommodate the schedules of all six inductees, a formal invitation-only ceremony was held on Saturday, October 9 at 6 PM in the Dunn Center in conjunction with Wesleyan's homecoming weekend.
Brittany Insley-Pecora
Brittany Insley-Pecora, a middle hitter, enjoyed a stellar collegiate career for the Bishops from 2006 to 2009 and made her mark recording four consecutive all-conference honors including three years in a row being named to the All-Conference First team (2007-2009).
"Brittany was an outstanding player who did a lot for the NC Wesleyan Volleyball," commented former coach Robin Pietryk, a 2019 HoF inductee. "She was a pleasure to coach and I am so honored to go in the NCWC Hall of Fame as someone with her talent."
Insley was named Wesleyan's Most Valuable Player three times while also garnering NCWC Female Athlete of the Year accolades twice in 2008-09 and 2009-10. She achieved those feats thanks to junior and senior year campaigns that saw her combine for nearly 900 kills and 250 blocks. Having led the Bishops in a variety of offensive and defensive categories, it comes as no surprise that Insley still holds the NCWC program record for career attack attempts (4,201) and kills (1,882) as well as blocks with 460. Insley is also the school record holder for kills in a season with 539 set in 2007 and second in school history in total attempts in a season with 1,186, also set in 2007. She is also third in school history in blocks in a season with 126, set in 2009.
Insley, an Arlington, OH native, was a 2010 Wesleyan graduate, who majored in Business Administration and recently Graduated with an MBA from the University of Findlay, was also a big part in helping NCWC reach 20 wins in three of her four seasons at Wesleyan under coach Pietryk.
"I loved the relationships and friendships that were created during my time as a student-athlete. Being from out of state, the volleyball team became my family away from home and I still consider many of those girls my family today! It is an honor to be a 2020 hall of fame inductee."
Brittany is currently the Director of Marketing at Northwestern Mutual's Findlay, Ohio District Office and married to Chris Pecora, also a NCWC baseball alum, and they reside in Ohio with their 3 kids, Blaire (6), Lyla (1), and Abram (4).
LEERON BOYKIN
LeeRon Boykin, a native of Warsaw, NC, was an integral part to building the foundation for the football program and helped with the program's success from 2006-2009 seasons. He was a member of two of the three Conference Championship teams (2007 & 2009). He proved to be a dominant force in the USA South conference and the South Region. With his dominance, he was named NC Wesleyan Football's 1st ever All-American.
One of the most dominant football players to ever wear the blue and gold uniform, LeeRon was a Nose Guard in a 3-4 defense. That position is labeled as the Heart and Soul for any defense. The Bishops were recognized nationally in several defensive categories throughout his four years. Boykin was a 3-time All Conference selection-2007-2009, a 3 time All region Selection- 2007-2009, and a 2 time All-American- 2008, 2009 as well as a Defensive POY in the USA South Conference in 2009.
"To be a NCWC HoF member to me represents greatness, dedication, hard work, and perseverance. This is the highest award you can receive from your college as a former athlete. For me it makes me feel that I finally got the respect I deserved and I'm grateful for that, and grateful to be a part of an elite club of guys I played with."
"My greatest memory at NCWC was winning my first championship. That's the ultimate team goal and accomplishment. No better feeling than winning a championship. During my time at Wesleyan I am most proud of the things I accomplished with my teammates. NCWC is a small school so the brotherhood of the team was very tight and felt as if it was all we had. School and football is all we had. We did almost everything together, so it's no way my proudest moments couldn't be without those guys."
"It wasn't really the time spent at NCWC that has helped me in my life, indeed it was the people I met that has helped me in life. Players such as current Asst. HC Quinderra Spellman to Tim Holt, and great coaches like Isaac Mooring, Jack Ginn, and John Glenn. Those coaches pushed me and made me better. Mooring believed in me when no one else did and I appreciate that. Both The players I named amongst others are active in my life to this day, and has really made me a better man, better husband to my beautiful wife and a better dad to my 3 boys. People like them are in my hall of fame of life and I'm grateful to have them. NCWC HOF is the home of legends!!! "
Chris Bryant
Bryant, a native of Wilson, NC, played first base, third base and right fielder for the Bishop Baseball program from 1993 to 1995. Bryant was a two-time All-American, as well as first team All-Conference and USA South Player of the Year in 1994 and 1995. He was also named as team MVP in 1995 and male athlete of the year. He graduated in 1999 from NC Wesleyan.
An individual champion in hits in 1994 (83, third in NCWC's history in a season), as well as doubles (19). Bryant is fourth all-time with 15 home runs in a season. In 1995, he was the leader for batting average (.469) and in total bases (149). He was then drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 14th round of the 1995 MLB June Amateur Draft. Today, he holds the College's record in career batting average (.405) with 208 career hits and ranks fifth all-time in total bases (353).
"It's exciting, an honor & privilege to have been selected. Being put in the category with some of the best athletes in Wesleyan history is overwhelming & little surreal," said Bryant on his selection.
"As for my greatest memory, gosh there are several. Going to the World Series twice, but probably the most special was the season our `94-95 team had. Man we just clicked that year as a whole. From the coaches right on down the line of each of my teammates. I'm proud of the time I spent at Wesleyan. From the fall practices, to the preparation of early spring getting ready for season, & of course finishing school & getting my degree," continued Bryant.
"Anyone that asks me about my time at Wesleyan leading into life... it's the same all the time. I was lucky enough to play for great coaches while there. Coach Mike Fox & Coach Charlie Long were one of a kind. They taught us as much about the game of baseball as well as being a good man & responsibilities that come with it. Those I carry with me ever since leaving."
Cliff Sullivan
Cliff was an exemplary student-athlete. Never playing soccer, he tried out and did so well the coaches nicknamed him "Hustle" and gave him The Coaches Award in 1975. He also played baseball for NCWC being named Outstanding Male Athlete and MVP in 1976. Cliff graduated from NCWC with a B.A. in Political Studies and History in 1978. His friends said he went to North Carolina Wesleyan College and never left. From 1979 to 2013, he worked at the College in various role, including: Admissions Counselor, Director of Academic Advising & Registrar, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Registrar & Veteran Affairs Coordinator. In April 2013, Sullivan passed away.
Cliff's love for North Carolina Wesleyan College went well beyond performing his job. He was a member of the Alumni Board and served on many committees. "Ask Cliff" was not just a phrase heard around campus, but an acknowledgment of his detailed institutional memory and keen intelligence. As a result, he was awarded The NCWC Distinguished Staff Award in 1992.
Trey Drake
Drake, a point guard and a native of Emporia, VA played for the Bishops under Coach John Thompson from 2006-2010 graduating in 2010 with a Degree in Psychology. He has since achieved his Master's Degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University.
"I'm very grateful to be inducted into the hall of fame at North Carolina Wesleyan," commented Drake on his selection to the hall of fame. "It is a very great accomplishment."
"Coaching Trey was a coach's dream," commented Coach Thompson. "He had the ability, the talent, and additionally he was a tremendous teammate who made everyone around him better. He was always working to get better and he was consistent. He brought it every day."
He was named a 2010 NCAA All-American, was a 3-time all-conference athlete (2008-10) and the 2010 USA South Player of the Year after leading the league in scoring (19.2 points/game). That same year, Drake led the Bishops to 16 wins and a regular season conference championship and was named to the USA South all-tournament team. Drake also helped the Bishops amass 54 total wins over his four-year career under Coach Thompson and was the team MVP in 2009 and co-MVP in 2010. Drake was also named NCWC Male Athlete of the Year in 2010.
Drake scored 1,635 points during his career, which ranks 7th all-time in Bishops' history. He has also dished out 462 assists, ranking 5th all-time. He was honored to have won the 2007 USA South Rookie of the Year Award as well. Drake is also tied for 5th all-time in three-pointers made in a single game with seven while he also ranks 7th all-time at Wesleyan with 500 points in a single season. He is 9th all-time in three-pointers in a season with 65, 8th in steals with 63 and 10th in assists in a season with 146.
Drake is married to his wife Natasha and they have two daughters, Joydan and Journey.
CAITLIN SANDERSON
Sanderson, a native of Neptune, NJ, played for the Lady Bishop Soccer program under Coach Kelly Walters from 1999-2002 and graduated in 2003 majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Biology. She helped the team to 56 total wins over her four years and three conference championships.
Sanderson was named a 2000 NCAA All-American and a two-time team MVP (2001, 2002). She was named to the USA South All-Conference First Team in 1999, 2000, and 2002 and was team captain in 2002 as well. Sanderson ranks 5th in school history in career goals with 35, she is second in career assists with 29 and second in games played with 83. She is also fourth in career points with 99.
Caitlin was named NCWC Female Athlete of the Year in 2002-03 season and was named to the All-South Region team twice.
"I'm beyond grateful and honored to be inducted into NCWC Hall of Fame," said Sanderson. "I wouldn't be here without the support of my family, coaches, teachers and teammates."
"I'm incredibly happy for you and your induction to the NCWC Hall of Fame," commented Sanderson's former coach, Kelly Walters. "You deserve it. To this day in my 25 years of coaching you are the most talented player I've ever had the pleasure to coach. You had so many special gifts."
Sanderson currently works for Dentsply Sirona and her position is Regional Specialist- Orthodontics. She has an 8-year old son Kellan.
KRISTY COULL
Kristy Coull was a three-time all-conference pitcher for the Lady Bishop Softball team from 1996-1999 under current coach John Brackett helping to lead the team to 101 total wins and three conference championships over her four years. She will be inducted in the 2022 ceremony.
"This is unexpected. I owe Coach Brackett so much on and off the field," commented Coull when told of receiving hall of fame induction. "It was truly an honor to play for the best coach and amazing teammates that 20 years later still make me smile and laugh whenever I tell our story."
Coull, a native of Milford, CT, was named team MVP in 1997 and was second team all-conference. She also led the team to a conference regular season and tournament championships in 1996.
She was then named team MVP and named to the All-East Region second team in 1998 while becoming first team all-conference. She was also named to the all-tournament team that same year in leading the Bishops to the tournament championship and NCAA tournament along with 31 team wins, the most in school history. Finally, in 1999 she was also second team all-conference and all-conference tournament team leading the team to the Dixie conference tournament championship and the NCAA tournament.
Coull was selected to the Conference Silver Anniversary team in 1997 as well. Coull currently holds three records at Wesleyan. She is the season winning percentage leader at .810 in 1998, the best season ERA with a 1.09 set in 1998 and also a perfect fielding percentage of 1.000 in 1998. She also helped the team to three team pitching records in 1998: team wins (31), winning % (.705), and ERA (1.37).
"Pound for pound, Kristy was the best athlete that I have ever coached in my 33 years here at NCWC," commented Coach Brackett on Coull.
Coull graduated in 1999 with a Degree in English. She is now working as a guidance counselor in Salisbury, MD with her significant other, Charles Walter and 4-year old son Calen. She also has two older children, son Matthew and daughter Kyleigh Capobianco.