The Della Ratta Auditorium in Maloney Hall was buzzing with excitement as the Catholic University Athletics and Alumni Association communities gathered to welcome seven new athletes into the Athletics Hall of Fame and to honor Joe Carlini, B.M.E. 1984, with the Edward J. Pryzbyla Award for Support of Catholic Athletics.
About the ceremony
On Friday, September 20, 2024, Catholic University Athletics Director Kevin Robinson took to the stage to officially induct seven alumni athletes to the Hall of Fame. “In the 2024 class, we have All-Conference Award winners, Conference champions, Players of the Year, All-Americans, record holders and a National Champion. This class represents seven sports, adding new representation for men’s and women’s soccer, adding to a long list of football and basketball athletes, while also welcoming our first two women’s lacrosse athletes into the Hall of Fame. And we also have a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Catholic University,” he announced. Robinson observed that “we have high achieving, humble, magnanimous individuals who gave everything they had to see their teams achieve greatness, while striving for their own greatness.”
Father Beal, the Faculty Athletics Representative for Cardinal Athletics, offered the opening prayer.
Speaking to the inductees, University President Peter Kilpatrick said “You have been an inspiration for the student-athletes who have followed your paths, in lacrosse, basketball, soccer, track and field, and football. Tonight we honor not only your athletic accomplishments, but also how you embody the spirit and values of Catholic University: a commitment to excellence and leadership on the field, on campus, and in your lives since graduation. We are proud to call you Cardinals.”
President Kilpatrick then turned to Joe Carlini: “Tonight, in a special way we thank you for your investment in Catholic University Athletics. Your generous $1.5 million gift transformed a humble grass field into a championship-level turf field so attractive that our competitors look forward to playing there. The Carlini Field Complex is a huge point of pride for student-athletes, coaches, and our entire University community.”
Mary Card Mina, president of the Catholic University Alumni Association, congratulated the honorees on their new Hall of Fame status.
Robinson introduced each new member individually, summarizing their accomplishments and showing a video of each that highlighted their careers. The alumni athletes, in turn, shared remarks that brought laughter and tears as well as standing ovations.
Following the ceremony, the new Hall of Fame members, benefactors, family, friends, faculty, and staff celebrated the momentous occasion at a lively reception.
About the Class of 2024 inductees
Experience their accomplishments and hear them tell their stories in these videos.
Matt Hilleary, B.C.E. 2003
A key member of the 2001 men’s basketball national championship team, Matt Hilleary graduated from Catholic University in 2003 with a number of accolades.
Laura Kaye, B.S.B.A. 2006
A three-sport athlete and one of the best competitors in Catholic University women’s soccer history, Laura Kaye graduated in 2006 after a storied athletics career.
Kate Robinson, B.A. 2010, M.S.M. 2012
Kate Robinson boasts a tremendous resume on the lacrosse field while also contributing to the women’s basketball program during her time on campus.
Matt Taylor, B.A. 1998
Matt Taylor remains one of the top offensive players in Catholic University football history.
Christine (Thornton) Corrigan, B.A. 2005
A true pioneer for Catholic University’s women’s lacrosse, Christine (Thornton) Corrigan, a 2005 graduate and the recipient of the Director’s Award her senior year, was the first-ever All-American in program history.
Richard Weible, B.A. 1976
A Catholic University men’s soccer leader during the 1970s under Hall of Fame Coach Turk Emekli, Richard Weible was a four-year starter who proved to be the epitome of versatility.
Jill Woerner, B.B.E. 2013
Jill Woerner put together one of the University’s most outstanding careers in women’s basketball history while also guiding an immensely successful period of women’s hoops.
Joseph Carlini, B.M.E. 1984
A former Catholic University football player and proud member of the Class of 1984, Joe Carlini has been an exceptional leader and active advocate for Catholic University and the athletics program.
Published on: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
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Tags: Athletics Hall of Fame, Men's Athletics, Women's Athletics, Cardinal Weekend
