The Northwest Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame will induct six new members Thursday during Homecoming festivities at the Haraway Center.
Inductees include Sandra Newborn, Rickey Barrett, Marvin Mays, Stefaan van den Heever, Jay King, and Angel Hailey, representing a range of sports and eras. The ceremony begins with a meet-and-greet at 3 p.m., followed by the induction at 4 p.m., and the honorees will be recognized during the homecoming football game at 7 p.m. at Bobby Franklin Field.
Northwest Athletics Director Jake Gordon expressed pride in the new class, emphasizing the significance of former athletes in shaping the school’s legacy. Vice President of Institutional Affairs Dr. Brad Smith highlighted the Hall of Fame’s role in honoring leadership, character, and contributions beyond athletic achievement.
Newborn, a pioneer as the first All-American from Northwest women’s basketball, played from 1979 to 1981. She helped the team rank among the nation’s top scorers and went on to compete at Ole Miss. She passed away in 2006, but her legacy remains alive on campus.
Rickey Barrett, a standout men’s basketball player from 1982 to 1985, led the Rangers to two MACJC championship games and was a prolific scorer, finishing his career with a 55.8% three-point shooting percentage in his senior season. He later set records at the University of Alabama-Huntsville.
Marvin Mays, a defensive lineman during the 1989 and 1991 seasons, ranks fifth in career forced fumbles and was instrumental in the team’s 1992 national runner-up finish. He played professionally and now mentors youth in north Mississippi.
Stefaan van den Heever, the first men’s golf inductee, qualified twice for the national tournament and earned All-American honors twice. He later played at the University of Charlotte and now runs a coaching business in South Africa.
Jay King, from the baseball team, posted a .424 batting average in his sophomore year and a .935 fielding percentage. He chose to pursue business ventures after college instead of continuing his athletic career.
Angel Hailey, a goalkeeper for the women’s soccer team from 2017 to 2018, holds the school record for career saves. She played professionally in indoor soccer, helping Memphis Americans win two NISL Championships and earning Goalie of the Year honors twice.
For more information, visit nwccrangers.com on the Hall of Fame list.
