Athletics
Hall of Fame
Athletics
Hall of Fame
Athletic Hall of Fame
The O'Neal School Athletic Hall of Fame was established to honor and preserve the legacy of exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to the school's athletic program through outstanding athletic achievement, coaching excellence, or dedicated service.
The Hall of Fame celebrates the rich tradition of O'Neal athletics while inspiring current and future student-athletes. By recognizing excellence and its lasting impact, it strengthens school spirit, honors those who helped shape Falcon athletics, and preserves their legacy for generations to come.
The inaugural class of 10 inductees was honored on January 9, 2026, during O'Neal's Homecoming festivities. Each inductee is featured in a permanent Hall of Fame display in the Hannah Center Atrium. Beginning in 2027, up to five new inductees will be recognized annually.
Inaugural Class of Inductees
Jim Reid – O'Neal's first Athletic Director and longtime soccer coach, whose visionary leadership established the foundation for Falcon athletics.
Cindy Smith Strickland – Championship volleyball coach whose leadership built one of O'Neal's most successful athletic programs while mentoring generations of student-athletes.
Jeff Haarlow (Class of 1992) – Three-sport standout in basketball, soccer, and tennis whose athletic excellence and leadership made a lasting impact on Falcon athletics.
Michael McGowan (Class of 2009) – The most accomplished golfer in O'Neal history and a standout competitor in soccer and basketball.
Corey Rice (Class of 1994) – Four-year soccer standout whose exceptional play helped elevate O'Neal's soccer program to new levels of success.
Doak Finch (Class of 1996) – O'Neal's most accomplished swimmer, whose achievements earned recognition at the local, state, regional, and national levels before continuing his success at the University of Virginia.
Jill McLester (Class of 1991) – Multi-sport standout in basketball and volleyball whose talent and leadership elevated both programs.
Roberta Quis Fox (Class of 1999) – Outstanding three-sport athlete who excelled in volleyball, basketball, and soccer throughout her O'Neal career.
Aleksandra Majka (Class of 2014) – Track and field standout whose versatility and excellence across multiple events distinguished her as one of O'Neal's premier athletes.
Lorrie Hogan Stewart (Class of 1983) – One of O'Neal's earliest athletic standouts, excelling in volleyball, basketball, and softball while helping establish a tradition of athletic excellence.
Nominate an Inductee
Help recognize the outstanding athletes, coaches, and contributors who have shaped O'Neal athletics by submitting a nomination using the official Hall of Fame nomination form.
The nomination period for the 2027 Hall of Fame class will be open September 1–30, 2026. All nominations must be submitted by September 30 using the official nomination form.
Alumni nominees must have graduated from O'Neal in 2018 or earlier (at least eight years prior to nomination).
Please note: If you submitted a nomination in a previous year, your nomination remains active and does not need to be resubmitted.
Please contact Laura Wrightson with any questions at lwrightson@onealschool.org or 910-692-6920 ext. 106.
Criteria and Selection Process
Criteria of Induction for Athletes:
- Must be a graduate of The O'Neal School (at least 8 years prior to nomination)
- Recognized for outstanding athletic achievements at The O'Neal School and beyond
- Must have demonstrated positive character, ethical standards and contributed to school community
- Rare exceptions may be made in extraordinary circumstances (e.g., due to death)
Selection Process for Athletes:
- Athletic Achievements at The O'Neal School
- Individual and team accomplishments (records, championships, etc.)
- Statistical achievements and school records
- Demonstrated leadership on their team(s)
- Athletic Achievements Beyond High School
- Participation in college athletics (varsity level, scholarship recipient, team captain, etc.)
- Athletic honors or recognition received post-graduation
- Contributions to the sport or continued engagement in athletics beyond O'Neal
- Impact on The O'Neal School Athletics
- Demonstrated commitment to the growth and success of the athletic program
- Role model and ambassador for O'Neal School Athletics during and after enrollment
- Legacy and Influence
- Long-term influence on the culture, standards, and visibility of O'Neal athletics
- Contribution to building team spirit, mentorship, or engagement with future generations
- Character and Ethical Standards
- Embodied the core values of sportsmanship, teamwork and integrity
- Maintained exemplary conduct on and off the field
Criteria of Induction for Coach/Legacy Contributors:
Coaches and individuals who have made a lasting impact on the school's athletic program through leadership, service, and commitment.
- Minimum of 5 years of coaching experience at O'Neal (for coaching nominees)
- Recognized for contributions through coaching achievements, mentorship, volunteer service, or philanthropic support
- Demonstrated loyalty, leadership, sportsmanship and character
- Shown exceptional generosity of time, talent, or resources
- Rare exceptions may be made in extraordinary circumstances (e.g., due to death)
Selection Process for Coaches/Legacy Contributors:
- Coaching Achievements
- Measured by wins, championships, player development, and leadership in program growth
- Impact on O'Neal Athletics
- Recognized for significant and lasting contributions to the school's athletic success and culture
- Dedication, Loyalty and Service
- Demonstrated long-term commitment to the growth and well-being of the athletic program through time, service, or support
- Leadership, Character, and Ethical Standards
- Exemplified strong character, integrity, mentorship, and leadership on and off the field
- Legacy and Influence
- Created a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and support O'Neal's athletic community
The O'Neal School
The O'Neal School admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
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