Mid Massachusetts News

After a pause due a weather postponement and the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Anna Maria Athletics Hall of Fame Class will be inducted at a ceremony and reception on Saturday, March 25, 2023. The induction ceremony will take place on the campus of Anna Maria College. The first 

The seventh Anna Maria College Hall of Fame class is an extraordinary group of outstanding individuals: Matthew Brennan ’04 (Men’s Basketball), Meghan DePatsy ’07 (Women’s Basketball, Women’s Soccer), Kelly Downey ’05 (Women’s Basketball, Women’s Soccer), Ray Frias ’84, Posthumously (Men’s Basketball, Baseball, Men’s Soccer), Nancy Naroian (Staff). Downey is unable to attend and will formally be inducted during the next Hall of Fame Ceremony in the fall of 2023. 

"The Hall of Fame Committee, athletics department, and the college is excited to induct these individuals into the Anna Maria College Hall of Fame on March 25th. This class has waited over two years for this rightfully deserved honor. This group joins a great group of Hall of Fame members," commented Joe Brady '96, Director of Athletics. "I am excited to be a part of my first induction ceremony and this special occasion for these four outstanding individuals. We also look forward to celebrating Kelly's accomplishments in the fall." 

Nancy Naroian was a vital member of the athletic department and contributed 24 years to the college and athletic department before she retired on May 23, 2008. Her role as department secretary saw her as the backbone for the athletic department and her former peers can undoubtedly attest to her importance. Naroian was the first individual that visitors to the Fuller Activities saw and she always greeted them with a smile. She left an unforgettable impression on everyone that came in contact with her especially the coaches, staff, athletes and everyone campus wide.

Paul Phillips, the former head men’s basketball coach and current Assistant Athletic Director for Alumni and Community Engagement describes "Nancy as always upbeat, always helpful, and always willing to go the extra mile."

Shannon Zenevitch, the former field hockey and softball coach says, “while she was the administrator assistant for the athletic department at Anna Maria College, her role morphed into something much bigger and greater. She helped implement programs/polices, promoted teams and games, and would always help anyone and everyone on a daily basis. Nancy always demonstrated the college’s mission and values on a daily basis. She encouraged personal development and professional achievement, dedicated to the Anna Maria College community through selfless service. Most importantly, she welcomed all with open arms.”

Zenevitch continues to comment, “Nancy’s stronger suits were her as a person. She was a mother figure and soft-spoken leader for many. She was a counselor to many coaches and students while also a cheerleader to all no matter the result. But most of all, she is a great friend of mine who allowed me to coach without a worry. If I did not have her, it would have been impossible.”

Raymond LeBoeuf, long time athletic trainer states, “I had the pleasure of working with Nancy for many years.  Nancy somehow balanced the many jobs and duties required by the institution that was the bottom line on all our contract better than anyone I know. As the new athletic trainer on campus, I relied on her to teach me the ropes on how a Division III athletic program was run.  In the course of my education, I found myself constantly asking Nancy questions or to help me with some task. Often, I would end up asking her for a pencil which she always obliged.  Nancy, was a kind and gentle teacher who touched more lives than she knows. 

Stephen Washkevich, former Anna Maria College Athletic Director describes Nancy, “a perfect fit at a time when we had very few people to get the job done. She always stepped to the plate without complaint.  She was a great secretary, dedicated to AMC, but also did sports information work, washed and folded uniforms, counseled student athletes and did more than most will ever know. She was very important in the continued success and development of the athletic program.”

Dave Shea '93, former Anna Maria Athletic Director and Men's Basketball Coach: "The first word that comes to mind when I think of Nancy is mum. Nancy took every student athlete in as though they were her own. Nancy made sure that all the athletes knew they were part of the AMC athletic family at all times. She went out of her way to make sure the staff and coaches felt that way as well. Nancy took pride in her work and thoroughly enjoyed coming to campus every day. She had the ability to make others feel great when they were down, lend an ear for those students and staff that needed to chat, or simply gave solid advice to help students or staff out.

She was the true backbone to the department and did a ton of work behind the scenes which ultimately helped out the athletes, staff, and coaches. 

Nancy was always considered the unsung hero of the athletic department and she is one of the founding members of the athletic department staff who helped paved the way for the growth and success of Anna Maria athletics that we know of today."

Joseph Brady ‘96, Anna Maria Director of Athletics comments, “Nancy embodies what Anna Maria College and the athletic department is all about. She was 100% committed to the athletes, coaches, staff and entire campus community. She did so much more for the department than what was in a job description. She listened when you needed someone to talk to and is the most sincere and kindest person I know.”Naroian attended South High School in Worcester, MA and is married to Peter Naroian. Nancy will be presented into the Hall of Fame by the former and first Director of Athletics at Anna Maria College, Steve Washkevich.

Original source can be found here.