On Oct. 18, four new members were inducted into the NSU Athletics Hall of Fame during a banquet hosted by television and radio personality Tony Segreto in the Arena at the Don Taft University Center.
The four inductees were Chancellor Ray Ferrero, Jr., Cheryl Bond, Matthew Parry and Jennifer Rembe. They were awarded with Hall of Fame jackets and rings.
Matthew Parry played soccer at NSU from 2002 to 2005 and is now the assistant coach for the team. He is the program’s all-time assist leader and the only member to receive All-American honors. He said his parents have been the most influential people in his life.
“It’s a really big honor that not every student-athlete will have the opportunity to go through and experience. Joining a small group of past athletes, administrators, coaches, and just to have your name placed alongside those names, it’s a real honor and a privilege, which I’m eternally grateful for,” said Parry.
The diehard Arsenal fan said he cherished every moment at NSU.
“The beautiful thing about being a student-athlete here is that you create memories, not just as a part of the soccer team, but on and off the field,” he said. “Just being with the guys and the friendships you create that will last a lifetime, they’re the most important memories for me now.”
Jennifer Rembe participated in two different sports at NSU. From 1999 to 2003 she played volleyball and in 2004 she was a member of NSU’s very first rowing team. Despite having no prior experience in rowing, she decided to give it a try.
“Somebody tipped me off that NSU was starting a rowing program, and I’m like, ‘Why not? I can do this; I’m a big, strong girl.’ I tried it. I loved it,” said Rembe.
In her only year on the rowing team, she earned All-American honors and helped lead the team to a national championship competition. Rembe said she enjoyed rowing more than volleyball, and is appreciative of being a member of the Hall of Fame.
“It means everything. This is the epitome of what every athlete wants. You want to be remembered, you want to do something great and do it well enough to be remembered. I’m just so happy that I was able to do that, and be recognized for it,” said Rembe.
Cheryl Bond played softball from 1998 to 2001 and was a two-time All-American with a career batting average of .351.
Chancellor, Ray Ferrero, Jr., was president from 1998 to 2009. NSU joined the NCAA Division II, and women’s sports doubled during his presidency.
