South Carolina Athletics: 2023 Hall of Fame class announced
By Kevin Miller
The South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame has announced its class of 2023. According to a release from Gamecocksonline.com, the class will include 8 Gamecock legends. The induction will take place in October, and the entire class will be honored during the South Carolina-Florida football game on October 14th.
From the South Carolina football team, offensive lineman Ernest Dye will be inducted. Dye was an All-SEC performer as a Gamecock and was a starter with the Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals for several seasons in the NFL.
South Carolina baseball legend Wallie Jones will also be honored with induction into the South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame. The former All-ACC second baseman was the team leader in stolen bases, runs scored, doubles, and triples across three seasons for coach Jack Powers’ squad.
Multiple All-SEC seasons were not enough honors for South Carolina basketball star Shaun Gortman as she will be inducted into the South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame as one of the most versatile players in program history. She has one of eight triple-doubles ever by a Gamecock.
Another 2023 inductee is Kim Pietro, a standout player for Gamecock Softball. Pietro was a three-time All-SEC honoree and helped lead the Gamecocks to the Women’s College World Series as one of the best offensive players in school history.
The only swimming and diving individual national champion in Gamecock history is Allison Brennan. The 2023 South Carolina Hall of Fame inductee was a four-time All-American in college and competed in the 2008 Olympics.
Gamecock Golf legend Eric Ecker also will be enshrined into the Hall of Fame. He was an All-SEC and All-American golfer while in garnet and black and spent a short time as a professional.
Demetria Washington is one of the most decorated track and field stars in school history, so her induction to the South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame is well-deserved. She is a six-time National Champion and was part of the 2002 Team National Championship for the Gamecocks.
Men’s tennis standout Chris Mayotte will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a two-time All-American at South Carolina. As a pro, he won three doubles tournaments and is the first Gamecock to qualify for and play in all four Grand Slam tournaments.