The USCAA Announces the Hall of Fame Class of 2025
On April 7, the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Hall of Fame Committee announced a six-member class that will be inducted at the 2025 USCAA Convention on June 1st in Portland, Maine.
The USCAA’s seventh annual Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies will take place on June 1st at 6:30 p.m. with a dinner and induction ceremony at the Holiday Inn by the Bay.
"We are excited to have the opportunity to honor this year's inductees." says USCAA Chief Operating Officer, BJ Bertges. "The National Convention is one of my favorite events each year and to be able to honor our former student-athletes, coaches and meritorious contributors is very special. This ceremony not only recognizes and celebrates our inductees but serves as a reminder of where the Association has grown from and those who have made significant contributions along the way. In many ways, it serves as our motivation to continue to provide opportunities for our members and student-athletes to succeed at the highest level".
Former student-athlete honorees this year are: Jason Cwiklinski (Central Maine Community College), J'Quavious Thurmond (NHTI), Shaquana Owens (Villa Maria College), Tommy Stirling (Southern Maine Community College).
Staff member honorees this year are: Mike Bridges (Central Maine Community College), and Matthew Simms (USCAA).
Jason Cwiklinski (Central Maine Community College)
A men’s basketball player from 1996-1998, Jason holds a career record of 46-18. He was named both a USCAA 1st Team All-American as well as National All-Academic in 1996 and 1997. He also made USCAA National Championship appearances in those same years. Following his college career, he stayed active, competing in triathlons.
J’Quavious Thurmond (NHTI)
A graduate of NHTI, JQ was a men’s basketball player from 2016-2020, capping his career with a National Championship victory in his final season. With a career record of 81-21, he was a three-time 1st Team All-American (2018, 2019, 2020) and helped guide his team to four consecutive National Championship appearances between 2017 – 2020. He is also the recipient of the Character Development Award from the Granite YMCA.
Shaquana Owens (Villa Maria College)
A standout women’s basketball player from Villa Maria College, Shaquana is a three-time 1st Team All-American (2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19) as well as earning 2nd Team honors in 2015-16. More notably she was named the USCAA Player of the Year in back-to-back years (2017-18 & 2018-19). She was also a 2000 point scorer and tallied 1000 career rebounds. She currently works Anti-money Laundering Analyst Associate and still gives back to the basketball community as an Assistant Coach for Park School.
Tommy Stirling (Southern Maine Community College)
Tommy competed for two seasons at Southern Maine Community College in 2010 to 2011 before transferring to Oklahoma State University (NCAA DII). Winner of the USCAA National Golf Championship in 2011, he fired rounds of 72 and 68 to win the event with a total score of 140 included 13 birdies and earned him All-American honors and helping bring a National Championship back to SMCC. Upon graduation from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Tommy turned pro to enter the following tours: West Florida Golf Tour, Moonlight Golf Tour, New England Golf Tour; also playing in some qualifiers to include the Canadian Tour and Latin America Tour.
Mike Bridges (Central Maine Community College)
Named the first women’s basketball coach in CMCC history (1998-99), Coach Bridges was at the helm of the program for 13 years (2009-10). Known as a good recruiter and motivator, Bridges ran the table in the Yankee Conference for five consecutive years not losing a conference game. He led the Lady Mustangs to the national stage taking the ladies to the National championship game in 2004.
Matthew Simms (USCAA)
Joining the USCAA staff in 2005, Matthew was instrumental in the early growth of the Association and for much of its long-term success. Under several titles with the USCAA, beginning as Assistant to the Commissioner and transitioning to Associate Director & COO, Simms led the operations of the USCAA, bolstering marketing efforts that led to over one hundred percent membership growth and ten times capital growth since 2006. He was named Executive Director on June 10th, 2015, after having served ten years under former Executive Director Bill Casto. Despite leaving the Association in 2021, Simms’s efforts are still seen today in USCAA Championship formats and key partnerships. Matthew is currently the Business Development/Marketing Manager for S.B. Ballard Construction.