Athletic Hall of Fame
Waubonsee Community College honors and remembers the outstanding contributors to the college's athletics’ success both on and off the field. The Waubonsee Athletic Hall of Fame, established in conjunction with the school's 40th Anniversary in 2007, enshrines the athletic heritage that has always been a large part of the Waubonsee community and the community at large. Criteria for induction varies, but includes involvement in sports, dedication to Waubonsee, athletic successes, years at Waubonsee, and contributions to the community or career accomplishments earned after leaving Waubonsee.
The 2023 Hall of Fame class included Haley (Kilbride) Jochim, Women’s Soccer Athlete, 2013-2014; John Sudges, Baseball and Men’s Basketball Athlete, 1984-1985; and Perry Clark, Softball Coach, 1998-2018. Student-athletes were also honored for their academic and athletic accomplishments throughout the year by the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and the National Junior College Athletic Association. The following student-athletes were recognized with Athletic Department awards:
Emily Hurst
Freshman Female Athlete of the Year (Women’s Basketball and Softball)
Matt Bivens
Freshman Male Athlete of the Year (Baseball)
Brooke Heiman
Sophomore Female Athlete of the Year (Women’s Basketball)
Joey Niesman
Sophomore Male Athlete of the Year (Men’s Basketball)
Taylor Warren
Vermillion and Gold Award (Softball)
Chazz Crook
S.T.A.R. Award (Students Taking Academic Responsibility) Award (Baseball)
2023 Athletics Photo Gallery
Waubonsee’s Student-Athletes Shine Bright
Men’s Basketball, led by All-American performer Joey Neisman, made it to the National Tournament. The Chiefs beat three consecutive nationally-ranked opponents before losing in the quarterfinals to the host school in a closely contested and controversial game.
Cross Country had four individuals qualify for the National Meet in Florida, but then ran into travel problems and never made it to participate.
Women’s Basketball player Brooke Heiman had a record-setting season and finished off her Waubonsee career nearly first or second in numerous statistical categories.
Baseball was awarded the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (ISCC) title when the College of Lake County had to forfeit a pair of games. They went on to reach the Region 4 Tournament title game, but lost to Joliet Junior College 10-6.
Women’s Soccer won the ISCC title for the third straight year, improving to 14-1 in league play during that span.
Softball player Emily Hurst re-wrote Waubonsee’s record book with an All-American season as the Chiefs won the ISCC title.
