MCCC Inducts Class of 2023 Athletics Hall of Fame Honorees

On June 16, Mercer County Community College (MCCC) inducted the Class of 2023 Athletics Hall of Fame honorees at an awards ceremony and dinner at the Hyatt Regency Princeton. Hosted by the MCCC Athletics Committee and the MCCC Foundation, proceeds from the event will support scholarships and improvements for MCCC athletic facilities.

This year’s honorees included seven distinguished student-athletes, three illustrious coaches (one also a former student-athlete) and three Viking squads.

“With more than 60 years of athletic history, the MCCC Hall of Fame induction ceremony allows stories from the past to be retold while raising funds to continue supporting our student-athletes and the continued growth and success of an esteemed athletic department,” said MCCC Athletics Hall of Fame Co-Chair Daniel Klim. “The Hall of Fame shines a bright light on all of those who wore a Mercer uniform on campus and beyond.”

The 2023 Hall of Fame induction ceremony honored the 1981 Men’s Baseball Team (JUCO World Series Participants); the National Championship-winning 1982 Men’s Soccer Team; and the 2002 Women’s Tennis Team, which also brought home a National Championship.

Student-athletes inducted into the Hall of Fame included: Jim Dill (soccer); Carol Kokotajlo (softball); Maggie Muscarella (soccer); Marc Nichols (tennis); Steve Reid (soccer); Angelika Stec (basketball); and Randy Voorhees, (baseball).

Coaches that were named to the MCCC Athletics Hall of Fame included student-athlete inductee Randy Voorhees (baseball coach), Bill Drake (women’s soccer/softball coach) and Bob Pugh (men’s basketball coach/administrator).

MCCC has a proud history of producing top-tier student athletes including alumni who went on to play professional baseball and soccer such as Dave Gallagher, who played nine Major League Baseball seasons and Stern John, who played in the English Premier League.

“We have a very special program here at MCCC and I’ve had the privilege of seeing our extraordinary student-athletes and coaches through 76 conference championships and 55 regional championships during my 26-year tenure,” said John Simone, retiring athletic director for MCCC. “This event presents a powerful opportunity to reconnect alumni, the college and the community to build support for our program that touches the lives of so many talented and hardworking students.”

MCCC students continued their winning ways on the field in 2023, with Bella Truelove earning first team All-American honors for softball. Additionally, the men’s lacrosse team claimed the Region 19 championship in a 12-8 victory over Sussex, and women’s soccer went undefeated on their way to a #14 national ranking by NJCCA.

About Mercer County Community College

Established in 1966 and today, led by President Deborah E. Preston, Mercer County Community College is a publicly supported comprehensive institution that provides opportunities for higher education through an open-door admission policy. The scenic 292-acre West Windsor Campus was opened in 1972 to serve the needs of Mercer County residents. MCCC’s James Kerney Campus, located in downtown Trenton, serves as an educational and cultural hub for city residents that meets the changing needs of thousands of students and community members seeking educational fulfillment and personal and career growth. Learn more here: https://www.mccc.edu/