Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame
When Soccer Coach Andy Marcinko recruited Hallie McNeill, he soon learned his new goalkeeper would not only take care of the Lynx defensive needs, but offensive needs as well. Though the team had some excellent goal scorers, what Coach Marcinko quickly surmised was that when Hallie was in goal the Lynx would need only one goal to win most games!
Hallie started at goalkeeper her sophomore through senior years. During her career the Lynx posted 34 shutouts and allowed only 18 goals. Hallie’s 364 career goals against average is a SCAC record and good enough to be listed #15 in the NCAA Division III record book. Her senior season in 1995 was simply amazing. Rhodes compiled an impressive 17-2-1 record and was ranked #17 in the country due in large part to the 13 shutouts Hallie posted in goal. She was named All Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) in 1994 and 1995, and her teammates voted her the Most Valuable Player her senior year. Hallie was also named to the National Soccer Coaches Association/Umbro All South Region Team in 1995.
When the basketball team was in need of a player with athleticism, quickness and defensive instincts, Hallie stepped in her junior and senior years to provide quality leadership and minutes for the team. She was also a member of the first women’s golf team at Rhodes in 1996, which won the SCAC title.
Hallie McNeill Ward is the first women’s soccer player to be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. As Coach Marcinko stated, “Hallie was one of the toughest, most competitive athletes I’ve ever coached, and she had an incredible work ethic and dedication.” Rhodes is honored to induct HALLIE MCNEILL WARD into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame this 29th day of October, 2010.
