OLLU inducted two former athletes – volleyball star Alysha Blanco and soccer star Tomas Flores – into the university’s Athletics Hall of Fame on Aug. 20 in Mabee Gymnasium. 

Blanco played from 2012-2015 and became the first OLLU volleyball player to earn NAIA All-American Honors. Flores played on the inaugural men’s soccer team in 2007, earned scholar-athlete recognition all four years and graduated with a 3.45 grade point average. 

Last year, the university held the inaugural ceremony, where the Class of 2020 Aaron Flores and Gaby Lopez and the Class of 2022 Nashae (Owens) Peña and Marcus Thompson were honored. 

Athletic Director Shane Hurley commented, “We are honored to have been able to celebrate these two tremendous student-athletes and alumni, and we look forward to continuing this tradition annually.” 

Before the ceremony, OLLU President Dr. Abel A. Chávez talked about the honorees and what their achievements mean to those who will follow in years to come. He spoke not only about the accomplishments of the two honorees but also about the impact their families had on their success. “We celebrate their families because, without their support and dedication, Tomas and Alysha would not have been able to achieve what they have and continue to do in their lives today.”

Vice President for Mission and Ministry Gloria Urrabazo provided the blessing before the ceremony began.