Pfeiffer Athletics has announced the 2014-15 Athletes of the Year who will be honored at the Hall of Fame Ceremony on the evening of December 4. Men’s soccer star Nathan Regis has been selected as the Male Athlete of the Year, while women’s tennis standout Olivia Nelms earned the Female Athlete of the Year.
“They are not only our best and brightest, I’d be surprised if there are two finer student athletes in the country,” commented VP for Athletics/Head Men’s Soccer Coach Bob Reasso.
Regis was named a BennettRank Second-Team All-American during his outstanding sophomore campaign. Regis led the conference in goals (19) and points (48) and was second in the league in assists (10). Regis also garnered First Team All-State, First Team All-Conference and First Team All-Region honors. The Trinidad & Tobago native had an eight game stretch where he recorded at least one point and had six matches where he scored two or more goals. Regis’ stellar season ranked him second in Pfeiffer history in points and goals scored as he led his team to a Conference Carolinas Tournament Championship and first NCAA Tournament win in school history.
“I’ve coached a lot of great players in my time and Nathan ranks right up there with the best,” said Reasso. “He’s a great student, a great human being and a tremendous player. I truly believe he has a future as a professional soccer player.”
Nelms also posted a phenomenal sophomore season and led her squad to a Conference Tournament title and NCAA Tournament appearance. Nelms was an incredible 19-1 in No. 1 singles play, with her only losing coming against Division I N.C. Central. Following that loss, Nelms rattled off 19 straight singles wins. In conference action, Nelms was a perfect 11-0. In doubles play, the Chesterfield, England native finished 20-5 while splitting time between first and second doubles. Nelms earned First Team All-Conference honors for the second consecutive year and narrowly missed earning back-to-back Conference Player of the Year awards.
“Olivia is an outstanding tennis player and a fierce competitor,” Reasso said. “I think she’s a great choice to represent Pfeiffer women’s athletics.”
The duo will be honored along with the 2015 Hall of Fame Class, consisting of Danny Carver, Marsha Long, Mark McKnight and the 1964-65 Men’s Basketball Team.
Registration for the event will begin later in the fall but be sure to keep an eye on www.pfeiffer.edu and www.gofalconsports.com for more information about the Sports Hall of Fame Dinner.