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PLNU's Schaefer Gets Hall of Fame Call

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Schaefer Among 15 Elected into NAIA Hall of Fame


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Cheryl Schaefer
KANSAS CITY , Mo. (8/26) – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced its 2009-10 Hall of Fame class on Wednesday. Among the recipients is PLNU's Cheryl Schaefer in the category as softball athlete. She will be inducted at the NAIA Softball National Championships in Decatur, Ala. on May 19, 2010.

Schaefer (Bolding during her playing days) came to PLNU in 2000, and developed into one of the most decorated student-athletes in school history. As shortstop and leadoff hitter, she earned All-GSAC and NAIA All-Region II honors all four years. Schaefer was the conference MVP three times and a NAIA All-American on three occasions. She was selected NAIA Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002.

Most importantly, Schaefer was a key member of the Sea Lions softball program that won a pair of GSAC championships, two NAIA Region II titles and appeared in three consecutive NAIA National Championship Tournaments. Point Loma reached the NAIA title game in 2002 and finished fifth in both 2001 and 2003.

Schaefer holds school records for most career hits (318) and runs scored (196). She maintained a lifetime .395 batting average, including one season of .478. Her name is in the school record book in 17 places. When her collegiate career came to a close she had the most career stolen bases and hits in the NAIA and most hits in a single season. Following graduation, Schaefer joined the Point Loma coaching staff as an assistant softball coach in 2004 and was recently promoted to the position of interim head coach. She  also played professionally with the Arizona Heat.

"I am very honored to receive this award," Schaefer said. "It is such a privilege to be a part of such an elite group of athletes and individuals.  I have so many wonderful memories from playing in the NAIA, especially competing in the National Championship.  I know I wouldn't have this opportunity if is wasn't for my coaches and my teammates.  I would like to thank them for all their hard work and for all the amazing memories I hold so close to my heart."

The honor is the highest bestowed by the NAIA. Individuals inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame must be persons of outstanding quality, high moral character, fine leadership ability and must be held in high esteem by colleagues, coaches and athletes.  

The complete 2009-10 NAIA Hall of Fame class includes: Elvin “Al” Papik (Football, Coach), Bob Young (Football, Coach), Brian Harvey (Soccer, Coach), Jim Davies (Meritorious Service), Funda Aliskan-Sinani (Volleyball, Athlete), Dr. Phil and Mary Pattison (Meritorious Service), Herman “Buddy” Meyer (Basketball, Coach), Randy Kortokrax (Basketball, Athlete), Susan Johnson (Basketball, Coach), Jim Boeve (Meritorious Service), Cheryl Schaefer (Softball, Athlete), Jeff Griebel (Golf, Coach), Bryan Clay (Track & Field, Athlete), and Dr. Mary Livengood Sutherland (Track & Field, Athlete).

“The NAIA Hall of Fame recognizes the remarkable contributions of student-athletes, coaches, athletic administrators and longtime NAIA supporters,” said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO. “The individuals that make up the 2009-10 class have made a considerable impact on intercollegiate athletics. I applaud their achievements and congratulate them on this tremendous honor.”

The Hall of Fame consists of a division for each sport currently or formerly sponsored by the association and a division for general meritorious service to the NAIA. The NAIA Hall of Fame is divided into three categories: athlete, coach and meritorious service. All inductees will be recognized and honored at various NAIA events held throughout the year.

Schaefer will be the eighth Pasadena/ Point Loma Nazarene representative in the NAIA Hall of Fame (Jim Bond, Jim Crakes, Lloyd Higgins, Bob Hopkins, Carroll Land, Barbara Wnek, Ben Foster). Hailing from Visalia, CA, Schaefer lives in La Mesa with husband, Joe (PLNU baseball head coach), and their two sons, Braydon and Reilly.