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Celebrating the 2020 Hall of Fame Class

Jerry Green
Men's Basketball - Point Guard - 1998-2001

Jerry Green re-ignited the UCI basketball program from 1998-2002. The Bren Events Center became the place to be to watch the electrifying guard, drawing large crowds and selling out three times during his career. 

Green led the Anteaters to its first two Big West regular season titles as well as two NIT appearances. The two-time All-American and two-time Big West Player of the Year guided UCI to a 46-16 overall and 28-6 Big West record his last two seasons. 

The guard averaged 17.2 points per game over his four years, starting every game in his UCI career, a school record 116 outings. He is one of five players at UCI to have scored 40 or more points in a game, pouring in a career best 41 versus Pepperdine in 2001.

Green is well known for his last second shot at Utah State on Jan. 10, 2002. His buzzer-beating jumper resulted in a 67-66 victory, snapping the Aggies’ 31-game home winning streak.

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Best player I ever coached in my 40 years. Classiest player I ever coached, very coachable. One of the best guards on the West Coast during his junior and senior years. He was explosive and a natural scorer. If you got the ball in his hands at any area of the court, he could take over from there, definitely a go-to guy in clutch situations. He was the go-to guy and made a lot of winning buckets on the court
Pat Douglass

Why did you choose UC Irvine?
I honestly chose UC Irvine because USC went with another point guard at the last minute. USC still wanted me, but only on a partial scholarship. That’s when my coach at the time Pat Douglass gave me a chance and opportunity to come with them and I did. One of the best decisions I ever made. 

What was your favorite memory or memories from UCI?
I have two favorite memories from UCI. I really believe it was at the time I was there (1998-2002) where the basketball program took a turn and changed the spirited atmosphere of the school. My freshmen year it was hardly anyone at the home games. However, each year we got better and by the time of my senior year our home games were a hot ticket. We had a lot of sold out games and televised games. So seeing the Bren Center going from empty to full was my first memory. Second memory is no doubt my game winner at Utah State. At that time Utah State had one of the longest home game winning streaks in the country and to go in there in that hostile environment and hit the game winner was unbelievable. 

What was your biggest takeaway from being a UCI student-athlete?
My biggest take away as a UCI student-athlete was walking on campus and noticing there weren’t many African American students there. It took some adjusting for me since I came from Pomona where it’s predominantly black and Mexican. However I’m glad now to see that there are more minorities attending our great University. 

First in UCI career points (1,993)

Second in UCI career steals (162) 

Fifth in UCI career assists (412)

17.2 points per game scoring career average

Started a school-record 116 straight games (every game in his UCI career)

Scored a career-best 41 points in a 2001 win over Pepperdine

Led UCI in scoring and assists four straight seasons (1999-2002), including his senior year with a 20.3 point mark

Two-time honorable mention All-America (2001 & 2002) 

NABC All-District 15 First Team (2002) 

USBWA All-District 9 First Team (2001)

Big West Conference Player of the Year (2001 & 2002)

First team All-Big West (2001 & 2002); second team (2000); Big West Freshman of the Year (1999)

Eight time Big West Player of the Week

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Rod Spence
Baseball - Outfielder - 1972-1975

The Anteater baseball program was still in its infancy, but the addition of a freshman that could have really gone anywhere infused the program in that 1972 season. He led the team in nearly every offensive category and took the team to the mountaintop for its first national championship and All-American honors in 1973. He returned the next year with similar numbers producing back-to-back national champions and a second All-Tournament Team recognition.

Most of his teammates and coaches remember him for his heart and hustle. Leading by example and taking the team to new heights on and off the field. By the time he had retired, he was second all-time in RBIs and still stands there along with his team-record in triples and countless other stats he still remains in the top 20 and 10 all-time.

He was widely considered to be the best of the bunch that are in the Hall of Fame including his teammate and Anteater record machine Jeff Malinoff guessing he would have been the first to join the Anteater legends in the group. Spence passed away in the late 80s, but joins his brothers, Tom and Bob, who are each in their respective college Halls of Fame

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Jeff Malinoff was an All-American and a UCI Hall-of-Famer, and his comment that got me was that he thought Rod would be the first Hall-of-Fame - the way he played the game, what he did for this program, winning a national championship was a big part because of Rod. The way he played the game, how he led - when he led, he didn't tell people what to do, he showed them how to play the game and he played the game really hard.
Rocky Craig

Played 192 games with a .297 average

Finished 11th all-time with 221 hits and 745 at-bats, 6th all-time

33 doubles, 17 triples (tied for most all-time), 13 home runs

Second all-time with 154 RBI

Only Anteater with 3 career grand slams

All-American season of 1973 hit .377 with 81 hits, 10 doubles, 8 triples, 7 HR, 60 RBI

1 of 3 players to hit for the cycle

1973 All-American, All-District

NCAA Division II World Series All-Tournament Team in 1973 and 1974

NCAA Division II College World Series Champion 1973 and 1974

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Mike Evans
Men's Water Polo - 1979-1983

You only need to know that Mike Evans was a three-time Olympian to know he was a phenomenal water polo player.

“Evo” as his teammates called him had one of the most prolific scoring displays in school history. In 1983, he fired 102 goals, just eight shy of the school record. That season he earned first team All-American honors and helped the Anteaters to a fourth place finish at the NCAA Championships.

Only 17 men’s water polo players have ever competed in three Olympic Games and Evans contributions were recognized with his induction in to the U.S. Water Polo Hall of Fame in 2001. Evans was a member of the 1988 squad that captured a silver medal.

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Evo is one of the very few players I would pay to see play. Every time he played he would do something special. Something that would make you think…how did he do that? Evo had a true love of the game.
John Vargas

Why did you choose UCI?
I chose UCI for it's fantastic water polo program, Coach Newland and the school's academic reputation. 

What are a few things your coach instilled in you from your playing days?
Before my first season, when I asked Coach Newland about 'Hell Week', he responded:


"Mike, I don't believe in Hell Week.  I don't believe in ever getting out of shape"


We were always in great shape - year around. Some of the other things were: No Excuses; The will to win; How to be a man; The importance of self-esteem and How to develop players and people 

What was your biggest takeaway from being a UCI student-athlete?
Stop and smell the roses - it's more the journey than the destination

What was your major and what was your favorite class at UCI?
My major was Social Sciences and my favorite class was Spanish because that’s where I met my wife Dina.

Three Olympian (1988, 1992, 1996), earning a silver medal in 1988

Scored 102 goals in 1983, eight shy of the school record.

Scored 69 goals in 1980

Member of UCI’s 1983 PCAA title team

Team finished fourth at the NCAA Championship in 1983 and third in 1980

First team All-American

NCAA All-Tournament Team, 1983

Second-team All-PCAA 

Inducted in to the U.S. Water Polo Fall of Fame in 2001

When I first came to UCI, Mike was almost a mythical figure. Back then, Newland would always talk to our team about “Evo” - who at that point had moved on from UCI and was playing with the US National Team. Of course Newland would describe Mike's offensive talents and scoring abilities - but what I remember most about those talks was that Newland would describe in great detail Evo’s veracious toughness. Newland made it clear to us that in addition to being able to score the ball, Evo was a loyal and physically tough competitor who one didn’t mess with - just the kind of player Newland would want on his team when going into battle. Coming from Newland - that sort of praise and admiration was not common and so we certainly took note!
Chris Duplanty
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Kris Roberts
Women's Volleyball - Middle Blocker - 1985-1988

Kris Roberts was a presence at the net, but it wasn’t until she believed she was did the middle blocker really begin to dominate.

UCI head coach Mike Puritz took a chance on a gangly freshman and she blossomed in to one of the best middle blockers in Big West history. After 31 years her 1.80 blocking average is still a Big West record. 

She helped the Anteaters to their first ever NCAA appearance in 1988, setting a single match record of 12 total blocks. She earned All-American honorable mention accolades as well as first team All-Big West honors her senior year..

When remembering Roberts, Puritz said  “Kris' determination and growth as a UCI student/athlete, teacher, wife, mother, and person is inspirational.  When Kris entered UCI as a "goofy freshman" in 1985, I honestly wasn't sure if she would make it through the first week of fall camp.  She lacked strength both physically and emotionally.  By the end of her senior year, Kris was one of the most decorated volleyball players in the history of the program and more importantly, she was a wonderful, strong, confident, and happy person.  Over the years, I was asked many times what happened to transform Kris into one of the top players in the Big West Conference.  My reply was always the same, Kris decided she was going to put all of her effort into improving herself.  She had a great sense of pride buried deep inside her and maybe it took just a little prodding to get it out, but once she realized she could accomplish great things, there was no stopping her.”

Roberts lost her battle with breast cancer in 2013, but continues to be an inspiration to many.

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My fondest memories of Kris are many. She lead my tour of UCI during my recruiting visit. We became good friends and roommates besides teammates. Kris was a force of nature. Tall, beautiful; both on the outside and inside, intelligent, and a gifted athlete. Kris put her 100% into everything she did and so she was a very passionate person, deep feeling. I miss her terribly and am so grateful to have spent those great times in college days with her.
Teresa Mergens Asmus
I have fond memories of Kris. She was so welcoming when I came on the team. She had an amazing smile and was always so kind to me. She put up a big block and was always a force in the front row. Even though she is no longer with us, she will always live in our hearts.
Katrina Vlachos

UCI's all-time leader in total blocks (670), solo blocks (293), and blocks per game (1.8)


1.8 blocks per game average and 293 career solo blocks still ranks No. 1 in the Big West Conference 31 years later

Ranks second in career total blocks in the Big West Conference and is one of only two players in Big West history to reach 90 solo blocks in a single season


The middle blocker led the conference in blocking average from 1986-88; (2.08 in 1986), (1.82 in 1987) (1.81 in 1988)

ASICS honorable mention All-American in 1988

Named All-Big West honorable mention as a junior and first team as a senior

Big West Player of the Week twice

Drafted and played professionally with the Los Angeles Starlites

I too have the most amazing memories with Kris. I mean she was the tallest on the team and I was clearly the shortest. She was so welcoming my freshman year which, I believe, was our best season – Kris’ senior year where we made it to the NCAA tournament. As a little freshman on the team who went in and played back row for her, she could not have been more gracious. When I was in at the same time as Kris, she certainly made my job easier as she was a true powerhouse.
Shannon Flint Eusey
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Jane Chin
Women's Golf - 2004-2009

In 2009, Jane Chin not only became one of the most dominant women’s golfers in UC Irvine history, but in the country.

Heading in to the NCAA Championships, Chin led the country in scoring average with a 71.56 mark. She ended the championship in 16th place, the highest finish ever for an Anteater at the NCAAs, ending her final season with a 71.94 scoring mark.

During her breakout year, she won three tournaments, was named Big West Player of the Year, and became the first first-team All-American for the Anteaters.

Over her career, she was a member of three NCAA teams as well as three consecutive Big West Championship teams. 

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The one thing I admire about her is her work ethic... whether it’s her work ethic when she was competitively playing or her work ethic for her career. She always gives it her 100%! And that is why she’ll always be successful in whatever she does!
Kim Lorenzana

Why did you choose UCI?  
I chose UCI mainly for its location, academics, and weather.  I was still able to be close to friends and family plus have the ability to golf 365 days a year. 

What are a few things head coach Julie Brooks instilled in you?
To trust in my golf game.   Plus Coach Julie always remained calm whether scores were high or low and always looked for the positives from the day.  She also taught me to enjoy the game. 

What was your biggest takeaway from being a UCI student-athlete?
Knowing that I was able to be resilient when I needed to be with my golf game and school and having been able to manage that successfully on and off the course. 

Finished second nationally in the 2009 Golfstat Cup, ranking No. 1 nationally from September 2008-April 2009 with a 71.29 scoring average. Ended the year with a 71.94 mark.

Won three consecutive tournaments in 2008-09, with an average margin of victory of more than eight strokes

Member of three NCAA Championships teams (2005, 2007, 2009)

Placed 16th at the 2009 NCAA Women's Golf Championship, the highest finish ever for an Anteater player at the championships

Member of three consecutive Big West Championship titles (2005, 06, 07)

First team All-American in 2009

National Golf Coaches Association (NGCA) All-West Region honoree

2009 Big West Conference Player of the Year

Four-time All-Big West honoree, earning first team honors her final two years

Honored as Big West Golfer of the Month twice (Nov. 2004 & Oct. 2008)

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Vince O'Boyle
Cross Country and Track & Field - Head Coach - 1982-2013

Vince O’Boyle created a distance dynasty at UC Irvine and his success crossed over on to the track, producing several champions, including NCAA champion Charles Jock just before he retired.

Under O’Boyle, the women’s cross country team would win nine of the first 10 Big West Championships and claimed nine straight Women's Athlete of the Year accolades. The Anteaters were dominant in 1984 as they posted a perfect 15-point score to win the championship for the second consecutive year. It is a score that has yet to be duplicated in the 30+ years following the event.

In 1990, O’Boyle’s Anteaters placed fourth at the NCAA Championships, the highest finish of any women’s program at UCI.  The Anteaters would make four NCAA appearances in cross country overall.

O’Boyle is the second-longest tenured head coach in UC Irvine Athletics history, serving as the head cross country coach for 32 years and the director of the UCI track and field program for 30 years.

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Loyalty is hard to find these days. Vince defines loyalty. Vince stayed true to UCI, his family, his athletes, and friends
Rick Martinez

Why is UC Irvine such a special University to you?
The day I interviewed for the position, I talked to Linda Dempsey and Dan Aldrich. They had a big influence on my decision to come here. I took a walk around Aldrich Park and I knew that this was a very special place. I fell in love with this university that day. Yes, I have interviewed at other universities over my time at here at UCI, but something kept bringing me back here because of the people that makes it feel like a family and the student-athletes that I’ve been able to work with over the years and watch their development and growth. The vision that Dan Aldrich had about making this university one of the top universities in the country is coming to pass. I’ve been very lucky to be a part of this family. 

Who were some of your biggest influences in your coaching career?
There are so many people that help me through my life and my career. One - my mom and dad - are teaching us good work ethics. My two high school coaches that started me thinking about going into the field of education. My community college coach Ed Conly, who became like a father to me after my dad died and really guided me in many ways.

Larry Knuth, who asked me to start coaching at Pasadena City College and from there I went to Citrus College to become the track coach there. And one evening getting a call from Larry Knuth asking me to apply for the coaching position at UC Irvine over American River Junior College.

John Orognen is a dear friend that helped me a lot in my early years of coaching and teaching. The following coaches helped me over the years and are dear, dear friends of mine, Lou Duesing - Cornell University, Gary Wilson - University of Minnesota, Ron Mann - Northern Arizona and Louisville, and Lance Harter - Arkansas University. And obviously my family.

What was your reaction to the call to inform you of your inclusion in the Hall of Fame at UC Irvine?
I was very shocked and surprised. I am very humbled by this award. I know people use that word all the time, humble, but it is an honor to be in the Hall of Fame. When I went in the coaching and teaching I wanted to develop young men and women to be the best they can be both academically and athletically. I didn't go into the coaching profession to get recognized. I’ve had a lot of awards I know over the years, but this one is very very special to me.

For those who know me yes I did cry.

Coached UCI women’s cross country to four NCAA Championship meets, including 1990 when the Anteaters finished fourth in the nation.  

He has coached 13 Big West Athletes of the Year in women’s cross country.

Guided the UCI men’s cross country program to seven Big West Conference titles, including three straight from 1989 to 1991.

Eighteen of his student-athletes in men’s and women’s cross country have been Big West Conference individual champions.

Coached nine All-Americans in cross country

His women's cross country program has received UCI's Faculty Athletic Representative Award for the school's highest team grade-point average 12 times.

Coached 16 All-Americans in track & field, including Charles Jock, who became UCI’s first NCAA individual champion in 34 years when he won the 800 meters at the 2012 NCAA Championships.

During his UCI career, over 500 of Vince’s student-athletes have been named scholar-athletes..

On the national level, Vince served as head coach of the United States Senior Women’s Cross Country team at the 1992 World Championships in Boston.  He also served as a coach at the U.S. Olympic Festival on two occasions.

Member of the NCAA Track & Field Committee that governs collegiate track and cross country.

Named Big West Conference Coach of the Year 20 times in cross country and track & field (12 times for women’s cross country, seven times for men’s cross country and once for women’s track and field)

Inducted into the 52nd annual Mt. SAC Relays Hall of Fame in 2010. 

Not only has Vince coached UCI athletes up to reach their full potential athletically, he has also helped them achieve their goals beyond athletics. He encourages, motivates, and guides others so that they can be successful in all that they do.
Jade Prietto-Martinez
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Jayson Jablonsky
Men's Volleyball - Outside Hitter - 2004-07

UCI had been ranked No. 1 in 2003, bit it wasn't until the 2006 season that the Anteaters broke through to become a mainstay in the national spotlight. Outside hitter Jayson Jablonsky was the catalyst to the success, earning National Player of the Year and leading UCI to its first NCAA appearance. In 2008, Jablonsky and the Anteaters captured the programs first national championship defeating IPFW. Jablonsky was named to the NCAA All-Tournament team for the second consecutive year.

The outside hitter was a rare all-around player, as dangerous from the front row as the back as well as from the service line.

Jablonsky trained with USA National Team and played professionally overseas following his UCI career.

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I remember reading in the media that he was still unsigned so the next tournament went to watch him play and my assistant John Hawks was on his court first. He came running saying I needed to come see him. It only took a second for me to know he was the kind of athlete we needed to take us to the next level. He was a polished player and the kind of athlete that I knew would elevate our program to success.
John Speraw

Why did you choose UCI?
When I was looking into colleges to play volleyball, I really didn't have many options. I wasn't that well known of a player as I started playing club volleyball late. The two options that I had were BYU and UC Irvine. Even though being raised in Orange County, I didn't know much about UCI. However, after meeting the team and falling asleep listening to the of the waves during my recruiting trip. I knew there was something special about UCI. I actually committed the next morning and called BYU to cancel my trip. When people ask me about UCI, I always say that UCI is a hidden gem.

What was your biggest takeaway from being a UCI student-athlete?
The biggest takeaway from being a UCI student-athlete was learning how to develop skills that would help me excel in athletics as well as in the classroom. Time management was huge as we need to balance the time needed to train and prepare for the season as well as time needed to manage our studies. It also taught me how to compartmentalize and focus on the task at hand, regardless of what my have happened before.

What was your reaction when you got the call about the Hall of Fame?
I was honored and humbled. There are a lot of talented athletes and to be remembered is an honor. But I am also thankful to all those who helped me along the way, including my teammates.

Third all-time in kills (1,528)

Second in career attack attempts (3,081)

Third in career service aces (128)

Seventh in career digs (595)

2006 AVCA National Player of the Year

Two-time AVCA All-American (2006, 2007)

MPSF Player of the Year, 2006

First Team All-MPSF

MPSF Player of the Week 3 times

Lauds and Laurels Outstanding Athlete, 2007

No player in history has made a bigger impact on UCI volleyball than Jayson Jablonsky. He revolutionized the college game (with the BIC as a centerpiece), earned just about every award there is, and led the program to its first national championship. But all that isn’t what I respect most about Jayson. What I respect most about him is that through all the successes, he always stayed true to what he believed in and who he was. It’s an honor to call him a teammate and friend.
Brian Thornton

CoCo Goodson

Women's Soccer - Defender - 2010 & 2011

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CoCo Goodson helped energize the UC Irvine women's soccer program transferring back home from the University of Texas. Her two seasons as an Anteater included the first and only two trips to the NCAA Tournament which included a sensational run to the NCAA Third Round defeating programs like Arizona State and Wake Forest.

Her first season in 2010 saw the program win a program record 19 matches, a program-record 17-match unbeaten streak, and the program's first Big West regular season title that saw UCI finish with a perfect 8-0-0 record in conference play, the only instance of that in the history of the conference.

Goodson's leadership skills and talents both offensively and defensively served her well as the program's highest draft pick by the WPS and a lengthy professional career both in the U.S. and internationally

Co was always a great teammate and friend. She showed leadership on and off the field and inspired us all to play better.
Tanya Taylor

Why did you choose UC Irvine?

"I chose UC Irvine because I'm from Southern California so I was transferring to be closer to my family. I also wanted to play for a program that was in the process of being built by Scott Juniper."

What was your biggest takeaway from being a UC Irvine student-athlete?

"The biggest takeaway from being a student-athlete at UCI was that not only are you representing yourself and your family, but also your teammates, coaches, and the University. You have so many people who put their time, money, and effort into you, and you want to give back to them as much as possible."

What was your reaction when you got the call about the Hall of Fame?

"I was ecstatic, this is a huge honor especially with the fact that this is the first year it is coming back, but I quickly reminded myself this was not about me. This is for the 2010 and 2011 women’s soccer teams. All of those early morning practices, the double days, the practices on Monday after getting off of a flight from our Sunday game. I had the most dedicated teammates and coaches. This is for them!"

45 matches played

44 starts

12 career goals

5 career game-winning goals

5 career assists

29 career points

2010 Season (Junior year)
9 goals, 5 game-winning goals, 18 points

2011 Season (Senior year)
3 goals, 5 assists, 14 points

Two-time All-American (only two-time winner in program history)

MAC Hermann Award Watch List (only in program history)

Lowe's Senior CLASS Award candidate (first in program history)

Two-time First Team All-West Region (only two-time first-teamer)

Two-time Big West Defensive Player of the Year (first in program history, only player with two major awards)

Two-time First Team All-Big West

1 Big West Defensive Player of the Week honor

 

One thing everyone could say about Co, is she would always have your back. She was a remarkable soccer player, teammate and has been a true friend over the years. It was a privilege and honor to play on the same pitch as her in my final season at UCI and even overseas in the Netherlands, while playing for FC Twente. She brought the warrior and competitiveness out of everyone she played with or against and she continues to excel in everything that she does.
Danielle de Seriere
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