FORT MYERS, Fla. – Five iconic individuals who wrote their place in Florida Gulf Coast University history with excellence on the field and court will be inducted into the FGCU Athletics Hall of Fame as the Class of 2024.
Mikel Alvarez, KC Correllus, Bryan Crislip, Adrianne McNally and Courtney (Platt) Pohlman will be inducted Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, at a banquet in the Cohen Student Union ballroom. The following day, the group will be presented at halftime of the FGCU men's basketball game against Stetson University.
"Each of our honorees continue[s] the tradition of being special members of our pioneer's era," said FGCU Director of Athletics Ken Kavanagh. "[They are] individuals who have brought tremendous recognition to their University and created a lasting benchmark of success for those who have followed."
The induction will be open to the public, with tickets now on sale for $75 each. A reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the induction ceremony. See below to reserve your seat now for the induction ceremony and contact Madison Lord at mlord@fgcu.edu for any questions about ticketing.
This is the third class of Hall of Fame inductees. The 2023 class featured Richard Bleier, Casey Coleman, Cheyenne Jenks, Kate (Schrader) Bruce, Carmen (Paez) Jimenez and Derek Lamely. The inaugural class featured the 2012-13 "Dunk City" men's basketball team, Chris Sale, Brooke Youngquist Sweat, Ben Hill Griffin III, Bill Merwin and Duane Swanson Sr.
This year's inductees are:
Mikel Alvarez – Baseball – 2008-11
The fourth FGCU baseball player elected, Alvarez was All-ASUN First Team (2010), All-ASUN Second Team (2008, 2011), All-ASUN Freshman Team (2008) and a 2010 ASUN All-Tournament Team member. A four-year starter, Alvarez still holds the school record for most hits (316), and ranks seventh all-time in batting average (.360), second in stolen base percentage (.833) and fifth in games played (214) and games started (212). His 202 runs scored also still rank second in FGCU history. Alvarez was a key member of ASUN regular season championship teams his first three years with the Eagles.
"It's an absolute privilege to be named to the FGCU Athletics Hall of Fame," Alvarez said. "I never would have imagined something like this could happen to me. When I received the phone call I was truly speechless. I would have never accomplished any of my achievements without the support of so many people.
"I want to thank my family for all of their sacrifices and support," Alvarez continued. "I wouldn't be the person I am today without the values they instilled in me. I also want to thank Coach (Dave) Tollett and Coach (Steve) McKee for giving me a chance to prove myself and constantly challenging me throughout my career. They always challenged me and my teammates to be the best no matter what. Being part of such an elite group of people is truly an honor and I'm proud to be part of it. Go Eagles!"
"Mikel is one of the finest hitters that has ever come through FGCU," said head baseball coach Dave Tollett. "When I think of Mikel, he was one of the few in the history of the game that can wake up out of bed and hit two doubles before the next guy brushes his teeth. I will remember his tenacious will to win, the quality of person he is, and how he is one of the most outstanding teammates to ever wear the Green and Blue. Truly, he is one of the best that I have ever coached. Congratulations Mikel on an outstanding career."
KC Correllus – Women's Soccer – 2008-11
The first women's soccer player selected for Hall of Fame recognition, Correllus was a member of the 2010 NSCAA All-Region First Team and 2011 NSCAA All-Region Second Team. In 2010, she became the first player in ASUN history to win both Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. Correllus was All-ASUN Second Team and an ASUN All-Freshman team honoree her first year, followed by three consecutive All-ASUN First Team honors. In her debut season with FGCU, Correllus was an All-ASUN Second Team (2008) and ASUN All-Freshman Team (2008) honoree. A two-time ASUN All-Academic honoree (2009, 2010), Correllus was named to the ASUN All-Tournament Team in 2011 after leading her squad to the first ASUN Tournament Championship in program history. That 2011 team (14-5-2, 7-1-1) also earned a share of the ASUN regular season championship and the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance.
"It is an honor to be inducted into the FGCU Athletics Hall of Fame," said Correllus. "FGCU women's soccer has remarkable milestones and players that have come and gone. To be inducted means the world. I learned so much about life at FGCU, not only growing on the field but off the field as well. There are so many people I can thank for this. I can say l'm blessed with some of the best memories and look forward to continuing to support and grow with FGCU Athletics."
"I'm excited for KC to be recognized for her outstanding play," said head women's soccer coach Jim Blankenship. "She kept us in every game with her competitive drive and incredible athleticism. She was a defender like no other."
Bryan Crislip – Men's Basketball – 2002-05
The first individual FGCU men's basketball player selected, Crislip is 12th all-time in career points for the Eagles (985). His 3-point percentage ranks second all-time (.389), he is still second all-time in assists (606), and he is tops in assist per game average (6.8). On the defensive side of the ball, Crislip ranks second all-time in steals with 194. Crislip was an important member of FGCU's first three men's basketball teams. He was part of the team that made the first postseason appearance for the Eagles in the sport as the 2004-05 team reached the First Round of the NCAA Division II National Championship. His three teams combined for a 65-25 record.
"It is an honor to be inducted into the FGCU Hall of Fame," said Crislip. "Coach (Dave) Balza took a chance by selecting me to be the first recruit in FGCU history, for which I am eternally grateful. I could not have imagined the incredible privilege I would have being a part of this university and basketball program. I've been able to see the growth from our days practicing outside on the concrete basketball courts to seeing a program known around the country.
"Life is full of second chances. I'm blessed FGCU gave me a chance that resulted in countless wins, relationships and memories that will last a lifetime."
"Bryan was the first basketball recruit in school history," said former FGCU head men's basketball coach David Balza. "We knew that the school's first recruit needed to be a special player, and he was certainly that. As a D-I transfer, he brought the program a lot of cache. Bryan was a tremendous passer, shooter, rebounder and defender. He started 87 games in his three years and was a leader for us. More importantly, he was the first-class person FGCU needed for that role. Bryan was a terrific ambassador for the university. He was a tremendous student. He had great values instilled by a tremendous family, and he came from a great high school program at Parkersburg South.
Bryan's decision to sign with the Eagles led other talented players, including fellow PSHS alums Ryan Hopkins and later Chase Fieler, to believe in and attend this university in its infancy," Balza continued. "As a result, the vision that those early entrepreneurs had of a basketball program that would have a rich tradition of success very much came true. I am very happy for Bryan that he has been selected to the Hall of Fame, and I am also thankful for Bryan and his willingness to take a leap of faith and help to make FGCU the program it is today."
Adrianne McNally – Women's Basketball – 2006-10; Volleyball – 2010
A four-year starter, McNally graduated as the FGCU career leader in points and rebounds. McNally received All-ASUN First Team (2009), All-ASUN Second Team (2010) and ASUN All-Academic (2008, 2009, 2010) recognition. Her freshman team finished as NCAA D-II National Runner-Up (34-1), and the Eagles made the WNIT each of the next three years when the team wasn't eligible for ASUN or NCAA Tournaments. Her squad won a share of the 2008-09 ASUN regular season championship. McNally was a College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Second Team (2009). She is still third all-time in scoring (1,415 points), third all-time in field goals (498) and second in career free throws (365) for FGCU. Her career rebounding total (658) still ranks fourth in school history, as does her career assists mark (335). A two-sport letter winner, McNally was a member of the volleyball team in 2010, playing in 21 matches with 133 kills.
"I am beyond honored to be inducted into the FGCU Athletics Hall of Fame," McNally said. "This would not be possible without the help of my basketball and volleyball coaches, teammates, family, and community."
"Adrianne was one of the toughest competitors we have ever had at FGCU," said head women's basketball coach Karl Smesko. "She was strong and skilled. She could dribble and pass like a point guard and rebound like a power forward. She could defend any position on the floor. Her versatility was remarkable, and her competitiveness was unmatched."
"Anyone who has played under Coach Smesko knows that he expects your best effort, attitude, and enthusiasm every single day," McNally said. "Mental toughness is the pillar to FGCU women's athletic success. I have incorporated this mentality into my everyday life. I am proud to be a part of the FGCU legacy. Go Eagles!"
Courtney (Platt) Pohlman – Softball – 2008-11
The third softball player elected to the FGCU Athletics Hall of Fame, Pohlman will also be a 2024 Atlantic Sun Conference Hall of Fame inductee. The 2011 ASUN Player of the Year, Pohlman also earned Easton All-American Third Team recognition. A two-time All-ASUN First Team member (2009, 2011), Pohlman was also named to the 2009 NFCA All-Region Division I First Team. Pohlman earned All-ASUN Second Team recognition in 2010 and was a member of the ASUN All-Freshman Team in 2008. Pohlman still ranks among the career top-10 in 15 different statistical categories, including the lead in walks (175), second in on-base percentage (.514) and doubles (49), fourth in total bases (346) and hit by pitch (19), sixth in runs scored (151) and games started (221), seventh in hits (204), home runs (25), RBI (124) and slugging percentage (.602), eighth in triples (9), ninth in batting average (.355) and 10th in games played (223). Pohlman helped lead the Eagles to the 2008 ASUN regular season championship in the program's first season of D-I play.
"It is an exceptionally great honor to be inducted into the FGCU Athletics Hall of Fame," Pohlman said. "It feels surreal to be recognized amongst this group of incredibly talented athletes. I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to my coaches, friends, and peers at FGCU, who were foundational in providing athletic and life experiences that most people can only dream of. Being a part of this University's legacy is one of my proudest achievements."
"I could talk about Courtney for hours," said FGCU softball coach Dave Deiros. "Courtney worked her way into the starting lineup from day one and never left. She was universally beloved by every teammate and coach because of her incredible talent, boundless work ethic and genuine humility and kindness. It was a foregone conclusion that I would recruit one of the best Southwest Florida high school softball players ever, but I have to say she met and exceeded every expectation I had for her as a member of the Green and Blue. Courtney (Platt) Pohlman, affectionately known as 'Platty' to all of us, is definitely a Hall of Famer in every sense of the phrase."
