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Grand Valley State University Athletics Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The new members join the distinguished ranks of GVSU Hall of Fame, representing exceptional leadership, perseverance, and dedication to the University's athletic programs. "The GVSU Athletic Hall of Fame inductees always represent the absolute best of Laker Athletics for the time in which they played," said Athletic Director Keri Becker. "It's an honor to welcome these alums back to campus so we can celebrate them and keep them connected to where they left their legacy."

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2025 Hall of Fame class includes Jenna Thayer (swimming), Tyler Emmorey (track and field), Liz Murphy (track and field), Erin Mruz (soccer), Chelsea Johnston (tennis), Adam Sandusky (tennis), and Michael Tennessee (football).
  • Jenna Thayer, a standout swimmer from 2006-09, won 23 NCAA Division II All-American honors, including 11 individual awards and contributed to 12 more as a vital member of GVSU's medley and freestyle relay teams.
  • Tyler Emmorey, a 2008-12 track athlete, became one of the most decorated distance runners in program history, with GLIAC titles in events ranging from the mile to the 3000m steeplechase, and a university record in the steeplechase with a time of 8:55.42.
  • Liz Murphy, a 2009-13 track athlete, left an indelible mark on GVSU's track and field program as one of the most accomplished throwers in University history, including a NCAA Division II National Championship in hammer throw in 2012.
  • Erin Mruz, a 2008-11 soccer player, led the Lakers to an astounding 86-3-10 record and owns the program record of career assists with 45.
  • Chelsea Johnston, a 2008-11 tennis player, emerged as a doubles standout and one of the program's most consistent performers, with an impressive 83-20 career doubles record and a No. 1 Midwest region and No. 21 national doubles ranking in 2009-10.
  • Adam Sandusky, a 2004-07 tennis player, played No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles and finished the year 13-15 in singles and 20-14 in doubles, with a final record of 172-100 in GVSU tennis history.
  • Michael Tennessee, a former All-American status running back, was a two-time national champion and the only touchdown scorer in the 2003 DII National Championship victory.

Statistics:

  • 7 new members will be joining the GVSU Hall of Fame in 2025.
  • Jenna Thayer won 23 NCAA Division II All-American honors during her career.
  • Tyler Emmorey holds a university record in the 3000m steeplechase with a time of 8:55.42.
  • Liz Murphy won a NCAA Division II National Championship in hammer throw in 2012.
  • Erin Mruz owns the program record of career assists with 45.
  • Chelsea Johnston had an impressive 83-20 career doubles record in 2009-10.
  • Adam Sandusky finished the year 13-15 in singles and 20-14 in doubles in 2006-07.
  • Michael Tennessee was a two-time national champion and the only touchdown scorer in the 2003 DII National Championship victory.

Sources:

  • Grand Valley State University Athletics ([Source](https://www.gvsuathletics.com/athletics/halloffame))
  • Keri Becker, Athletic Director ([Source](https://www.gvsu.edu/coe/about-us/leadership/keri-becker.aspx))
  • Jenna Thayer, Tyler Emmorey, Liz Murphy, Erin Mruz, Chelsea Johnston, Adam Sandusky, and Michael Tennessee ([Source](https://www.gvsuathletics.com/athletics/halloffame/2025-inductees))

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