4 minute read
REVIVAL OF THE ATHLETICS HALL OF HONOR: Honoring the Past, Building for the Future
By Spencer Clair ’09, Director of Leadership Giving
Over generations, the impact of athletics on the Charlotte Country Day School community has been profound. Coaches, members of the Boosters Club, student athletes, fans, parents, and even grandparents find a collective foundation for service through sports, making it one of the most significant avenues through which our community engages and gives back.
To perpetuate the rich tradition of athletic excellence and service to Country Day, the Athletics Hall of Honor has been reignited! This resurgence builds upon the legacy of the initial inductions in 1998–99 and 2003–04, when the Athletics Hall of Honor welcomed its inaugural classes.
Director of Athletics Masanori Toguchi expresses, “From conversations since my arrival here, I began to understand the depth of legacy at Country Day. These particular teams, student-athletes, and coaches have left such an indelible mark on the foundation of our community and our athletics program and deserve the highest recognition. In tandem with honoring them, the revival of the Hall of Honor provides deeper connection within our community and our alumni.”
Supported by Country Day’s Advancement and Athletics Offices, the Athletics Hall of Honor Committee, spearheaded by Chair Kelly Walton Miller ’90 and Co-Chairs Luke Blythe ’96 and Brad Touma, has thoroughly devised a comprehensive plan. This plan focuses on establishing a sustainable process, including nomination criteria and the selection process, and realizes a physical and archival space. This space will house individual and team accomplishments, memorabilia, digital information, and additional branding to serve as a source of pride and connection for alumni while also acting as a source of inspiration for current and future students.
With the rekindling of the Athletics Hall of Honor, there is a communal hope that this endeavor will not only celebrate the achievements of the past but also serve as a catalyst to elevate our Athletics program to new heights. The revitalization induction class(es) will coincide with our 2024 Fall Homecoming events (stay tuned for dates).
Our community continues to rally behind fundraising efforts to ensure the feasibility of the Athletics Hall of Honor physical space. Support for the Athletics Hall of Honor will enhance and further brand the physical spaces within the Harris Performance Gym and the Bruton Smith Athletic Center. Additional support will allow us to establish an Athletics Endowment to ensure the sustainability of this initiative while supporting the Hall of Honor and athletics program for years to come.
In honoring the legacy of athletic excellence, the revival of the Athletics Hall of Honor not only pays tribute to the past but also lays a foundation for a vibrant future. The spirit, camaraderie, and commitment to excellence will continue to shape the character of Country Day’s athletic community, fostering a legacy that extends far beyond the playing fields.
Learn More
Induction into the Athletics Hall of Honor is reserved for nominees whose achievements and contributions exemplify the principles of sportsmanship and character as expounded in the school’s philosophy and guidelines. To learn about the Athletics Hall of Honor, including the nominating process, please visit charlottecountryday.org/ alumni/hall-of-honor. For questions or information about the Athletics Hall of Honor fundraising or process, please contact Director of Leadership Giving Spencer Clair ’09 at spencer.clair@charlottecountryday.org or 704-943-4540.
Kelly Walton Miller ’90
Kelly’s deep connection to Country Day and commitment to service is evident— from growing up on the baseball field with her dad Coach Ed Walton to attending countless Country Day sporting events watching her sons Connor ’21, Owen ’24, and Pierce ’28. Her intimate understanding of the heartbeat of our parent volunteer community through her leadership as chair for Big Saturday, the Alumni Council, and various Boosters Club roles uniquely positions her to appreciate the mission and role athletics plays at Country Day. Kelly’s leadership has harnessed that very spirit and commitment to service to help lead the effort to revive Country Day’s Athletics Hall of Honor.
