Through smiles, stories and heartfelt tears, more than 100 athletic supporters, community leaders and former student-athletes gathered on Saturday, Feb. 8 to celebrate the official induction of the Indiana University Northwest 2024 Hall of Fame class and the unveiling of the newly created Hall of Champions.
This year’s class included philanthropists Terry and Karen McMahon, women’s basketball player Sharon Houston and the 2009-10 women’s basketball team, all of whom helped set a baseline of success for student-athletes in and out of competition.
“This truly is a celebration,” IU Northwest Athletic Director Ryan Shelton said. “Athletics is about bringing people together to enjoy the camaraderie that athletics brings to a campus. It is a privilege to induct each of the three Class of 2024 members.”
2024 Athletics Hall of Fame Class
Terry and Karen McMahon (philanthropists)
Terry and Karen McMahon have been and continue to be two of the most significant RedHawks’ supporters over the last 15 years. The contributions of the McMahon family have helped establish the Terry and Karen McMahon Resource Center, the Hall of Champions, gymnasium upgrades, locker room renovations, branded team vans, student scholarships and so much more.
Sharon Houston (2008-2012, women’s basketball)
Houston, a four-time All-American and Conference Player of the Year, remains the most decorated student-athlete in IU Northwest history. She holds the record for points (2,784), rebounds (1,722) and blocks (498) and helped lead the women’s basketball team as the first in program history to qualify for the NAIA National Tournament.
2009-10 women’s basketball (team)
The 2009-10 women’s basketball team was the first NAIA Tournament participant and conference champion in IU Northwest history. Coached by current Director of Athletics Ryan Shelton, the team went 24-12 and garnered several All-Conference players, including Sharon Houston, Juliette Keller and Nina Wills.
Unveiling the Hall of Champions
Following the induction ceremony, the IU Northwest Athletics Hall of Champions was unveiled by the McMahons and IU Northwest leadership with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The newly created space, located on the second floor of the Savannah Center just outside the gymnasium, celebrates past athletic accomplishments and serves to inspire current and future RedHawks athletes. It is affixed with trophies, All-American jerseys and plaques that tell the history of some of the great IU Northwest athletics teams, players, coaches, supporters and more.
Additionally, touch screens and interactive displays allow guests to access the athletic department’s history through interactive content.
