Hall of Fame

The Greenville University athletic department honored two individuals and one team with induction into its Athletic Hall of Fame at Greenville University's Alumni Honors Ceremony on Saturday, October 19, 2024.  The Hall of Fame entries include Valerie J. Gin (Meritorious; Class of 1982), Max N. Bowman (Coach; Football), and the 2016-17 Women's Basketball Team.  In addition, Mia Bonacorsi (Women's Volleyball; Class of 2023) will receive the Order of the Orange and Black.

Gin participated in Lady Panther volleyball, basketball, softball, and track and field. After Greenville, she felt called to pursue a career as a coach and educator, so she taught and coached in Litchfield until she transitioned to Gordon College. At Gordon, she served as head volleyball and softball coach, earning multiple Coach of the Year honors and conference championships.  She created the Sport Studies program at Gordon, presented academic papers at numerous colleges, and published three books. Instituting athletic camps and lecturing in dozens of countries, Gin has made an impact in sports and academia. 

Bowman coached seven seasons at Greenville College and recorded 49 wins. He is credited for establishing GC’s football program in 1987. He collected multiple coach of the year honors and conference championship titles, leading his team to the 1990 NAIA playoffs in the program’s fourth season of existence. As head coach, he directed an effective offense and defense, placing first in the NAIA in numerous categories. His athletes and teams are sprinkled throughout the Greenville Football record books. After his successful stint at Greenville, he later coached in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills. 

The 2016-17 Women's Basketball Team carved their name into the record books after being the first GU basketball team to win the NCCAA National Championship. They had an impressive year, going 23-9 on the season and 12-4 in conference play. After an incredible regular season, this team fought their way to the SLIAC tournament championship game. They also can find themselves in the SLIAC record book for multiple statistical categories. Not only was the team successful on the court, but they also displayed excellence in the classroom, earning the WBCA Top 25 Team Academic award.

Bonacorsi succeeded on many levels for head coach Tom Ackerman's women's volleyball program.  Her career culminated in being named the 2023 SLIAC Player of the Year. She was a five-time SLIAC league champion and a three-time tournament champion, receiving many conference honors throughout her five years at Greenville. Her leadership and culture-centric mindset helped lead the team to success. According to Ackerman, Bonacorsi "brings out the best in those around her and her resume depicts that culture really does win!"