STANDISH, Maine - The 20th Saint Joseph's College Athletics Hall of Fame Class was inducted with a ceremony at the Stone Barn on the evening of Friday, October 6th, 2023. Sarah Hawkes '13, Theresa Hendrix '14, Todd Keneborus '11, Elbie Murphy '09, Paul Robins '11 and the 1981 Softball Team comprise the latest class to be inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame, which grows to 106 members with the addition of the 2023 members.
After Associate Vice President & Chief Athletics and Recreation Officer Will Rothermel offered opening remarks, SJC soccer senior Will Wood (Franklin, N.H.) provided the Invocation prayer, and President Joe Cassidy, in his first semester at Saint Joseph's, was introduced and congratulated the inductees.
Saint Joseph's unveiled a new format for this year's induction ceremony, with Maine media legend Bill Green, who worked for News Center Maine (WCSH/WLBZ) for more than 47 years, serving as the Master of Ceremonies. Each inductee was introduced with a 2-3 minute slideshow video with a voiceover (created by Troy Hendricks '22) detailing career highlights and accolades. After each video, inductees were presented with their plaque and interviewed by Green on stage.
An outstanding 'all-around' player and four-year starting middle blocker for the SJC volleyball team, Sarah Hawkes set numerous program records during her college career. The Pownal, Maine native graduated in 2013 as the Monks' all-time leader in kills (1,107), digs (1,229), solo blocks (146) and total blocks (261) and – at the time - was one of just four players in GNAC women's volleyball history to have recorded career totals of at least 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs.
One of the finest athletes in the history of Saint Joseph's College Athletics, Theresa Hendrix earned a total of 38 academic and athletic accolades – including 2015 GNAC Woman of the Year honors – while starring for the Monks' field hockey, basketball, and softball programs. In the three sports combined, Hendrix – a Scarborough native and Cheverus High School graduate - played in 314 games and helped her teams post a collective 256-96 (.727) overall record with a 142-32 (.816) mark in conference play.
A feared slugger during one of the most successful eras in SJC Baseball history, Todd Keneborus helped the Monks win three GNAC Championships with three NCAA Tournament appearances and post a 126-59 (.681) record during his four seasons. Keneborus, who hails from Hollis Center, Maine and attended Cheverus High School, hit .399 (213-534) with 141 runs, 40 doubles, 22 triples, 14 home runs, 150 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 162 career games.
Regarded as one of the most talented forwards to ever play at Saint Joseph's College, Elbie Murphy - who hails from Loudonville, New York - scored 1,464 points with 511 rebounds, 364 assists, 320 steals, and 130 blocked shots in 109 career contests. He remains as the program's all-time leader in steals and ranks third in blocks, free throws made (425), and free throws attempted (613). In 2009, Murphy led the Monks to their first GNAC Championship and second NCAA Tournament berth.
A skilled playmaker and offensive threat, Paul Robins is widely considered to be one of the best midfielders in Saint Joseph's College men's soccer history. In 79 career games, the Cornwall, England native scored 18 goals – including four game-winners – with 21 assists for 57 total points. Robins capped his career as the Monks' all-time assists leader and was ranked third in team history in points upon graduation. At the time of his induction, he remains third in assists and seventh in points in the SJC record book.
The 1981 Softball Team became the first Saint Joseph's College program to win a Maine State Championship when the Monks upset top-seeded University of Maine-Orono in the title game of the 1981 Maine Softball Tournament on May 9th, 1981. Led by Head Coach Jean Zimmerman, the Monks made their first State Tournament appearance after posting an 8-1 regular season record with a roster of just 10 healthy players. As the #2 seed, Saint Joseph's advanced to the championship game with a 7-2 semifinal victory over #3 Bates College before taking on the Black Bears later that same day.
The end of the evening was capped with a very special presentation for the 1981 Softball Team, which did not receive 'hardware' when they captured the State Championship 42 years ago. Unbeknownst to the team members, the athletic department had a '1981 Maine State Softball Championship' trophy made, which was presented to the team on stage and will have a permanent home in the Alfond Center trophy case.
2023 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
