Celebrating excellence: The NIRSA Championship Series Hall of Fame

The NIRSA Championship Series Hall of Fame began its inaugural year celebrating the extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions to the NIRSA Championship Series. Established to honor those whose dedication, leadership, and passion have left an indelible mark on the NIRSA Championship Series, the Hall of Fame serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of positive sporting behavior and community within NIRSA.

Honoring the best

The Hall of Fame recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in their contributions to the NIRSA Championship Series. Inductees include former athletes, coaches, officials, and contributors who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and have significantly impacted the collegiate recreational sports landscape. Their achievements not only highlight their personal excellence but also underscore the values and mission of NIRSA.

Celebrating the 2023-2024 inductees: NIRSA Championship Series Hall of Fame

The NIRSA Championship Series Hall of Fame proudly inducts the 2023–2024 class, recognizing five exceptional individuals whose contributions have left a profound impact on collegiate recreational sports. These distinguished inductees embody excellence, dedication, and positive sporting behavior, and their achievements continue to inspire the NIRSA community.

The Hall of Fame includes a diverse group of individuals whose stories reflect the rich history and dynamic nature of the NIRSA Championship Series. Notable inductees include:

Nathan Lawless—flag football

Nathan Lawless’s exceptional officiating skills and unwavering commitment to the NIRSA Championship Series have earned him a place in the Hall of Fame. As a three-time NIRSA Championship Series Flag Football National Tournament All-American Official, Lawless is renowned for his expertise, communication, and passion for the sport. He continues to pay it forward by mentoring younger officials. His ongoing excellence in collegiate tackle football officiating underscores the invaluable experience gained through NIRSA’s officiating opportunities.

Gary Cahen—flag football

Gary Cahen’s dedication to the growth of flag football within and beyond the NIRSA Championship Series has secured his induction. His extensive volunteer work at both the regional and national levels—coupled with his mentorship of aspiring student officials—showcases his profound impact on the sport. Known as a pioneer and mentor, Gary’s influence resonates deeply within the NIRSA community and in the flag football sphere.

Dorian Barnes—soccer

Dorian Barnes is celebrated for his exceptional service as a club soccer coach, which has led his teams to multiple national championships. His coaching prowess has resulted in not only team success but also the positive development of numerous students. Under his guidance, 24 players have been named National Championship All-Tournament Players, and two have received the National Tournament Most Valuable Player Award.

Mary O’Mahoney—soccer

Mary O’Mahoney’s enduring dedication over twenty years with the NIRSA Soccer Championship Series and the broader NIRSA Championship Series has been instrumental to the success of both NIRSA Championship Series Soccer and the entirety of the NIRSA Championship Series. Her role in sustaining soccer activities in Region VI—along with her significant contributions to club soccer events—has left a lasting impact on students, staff, and volunteers. Her peers consider her inclusion in the Hall of Fame indispensable.

Shayla Smith—flag football

Shayla Smith’s pivotal role as a player for the University of Central Florida’s women’s and co-rec flag football teams has led to two NIRSA Championship Series Flag Football National Championships and subsequently her induction to the Hall of Fame. As a two-time All-Tournament Player selection, her exceptional talents on both offense and defense were crucial in securing victories. Shayla’s contributions laid the groundwork for further success, establishing a legacy within the UCF program.

Continuing the tradition

The NIRSA Championship Series Hall of Fame is not just a repository of past achievements but a living tradition that continues to evolve. By recognizing and celebrating these extraordinary individuals, NIRSA ensures that their legacy of excellence and commitment to collegiate recreational sports continues to inspire future generations.

What’s next for the NIRSA Championship Series Hall of Fame

As the NIRSA Championship Series Hall of Fame enters its second year, several exciting updates are in store. Our newly created Hall of Fame website is now live and will be continuously updated with information such as past flag football inductees as well as with details regarding the timeline and selection process. Here’s what to expect for the 2024–2025 Hall of Fame:

Fall sports:

• October 15: Hall of Fame selections due (soccer and flag football)
• Third week of November: Hall of Fame inductions at National Soccer Tournament
• Third week of December: Hall of Fame inductions at National Flag Football Tournament

Spring sports (including previous sports):

• February 15: Hall of Fame selections due
• Second week of April: Hall of Fame inductions at national tournaments (basketball and tennis)

Submitting nominations

Nominators must submit a nomination form including tournament accolades and statistics plus any letters of support/recommendation. Nominations for sports no longer offered will be accepted throughout the 2025–2026 academic year.

Evaluating nominations

At the close of the nomination period, the Champ Series Executive Vice Chair distributes the nominations to the selection committee. Each committee member evaluates and selects inductees, aiming to select at least two participants—one official and one coach/contributor per year—with a maximum of nine inductees.

For sports no longer offered, the selection committee makes the selection, consulting individuals with historical knowledge of nominees including current or former regional and national tournament volunteers, host sites, and work team chairs and members.

Work teams submit their list of inductees to the Championship Series Executive Team for final review and approval. Selected individuals are notified and provided information about their recognition at the respective national tournament or the NIRSA Conference for sports no longer offered. Nominees not selected for induction remain eligible for a total of three years. The nomination committee uses a point system to rank nominees, which guides the selection process.

Awards and recognition

Each inductee receives an award recognizing their induction—these awards are provided by NIRSA. Inductees are recognized at their respective national championships, and all inductees—including those from sports no longer offered—are honored at the NIRSA Championship Series’ presentation at the annual NIRSA Conference.

Annual review of process

The Hall of Fame process undergoes an annual review in June—led by the Champ Series Executive Vice Chair—that concludes in August. This review includes evaluating categories, sports, and any necessary modifications to the nomination process and point system based on feedback. Changes are presented to the NIRSA Championship Series Executive Team for approval before implementation.

The NIRSA Championship Series Hall of Fame encapsulates the heart and soul of collegiate recreational sports, serving as a beacon of excellence and a source of inspiration for all who are part of the NIRSA community. By honoring those who have paved the way, NIRSA not only celebrates their remarkable achievements but also upholds the values that make the Championship Series a cornerstone of collegiate athletics.