Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame
Whether it was rising above the net for a kill shot or boxing out a defender for a rebound, Kate Maffei went all out. Opponents knew when a volleyball or basketball game began, Kate would bring her intensity and tremendous ball and court skills to bear. As her coaches, teammates and opponents would soon learn, Kate Maffei would be a force on both the volleyball and basketball courts for the Lynx.
Arriving to Rhodes in 1994, Kate made an immediate impact on the volleyball program as the Lynx compiled a 30-14 record her freshman year, the best record the program had recorded in over 15 years. She was a four-year starter at outside hitter and earned 1st Team All Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) honors her junior and senior seasons when she dominated the net for the Lynx. Kate led the SCAC in  numerous statistical categories during her career and currently ranks #1 in the SCAC  in single-season hitting percentage, singleseason service aces per game, career  hitting percentage and career service aces per game. As a result of Kate’s brilliant career she was selected to the SCAC 15th Anniversary Volleyball Team. Kate’s  teammates voted her the Most Valuable Volleyball Player in 1996 and 1997. Kate holds school records in most career kills, most career kills per game and the best career hitting percentage. She was voted to the Kaepa American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Region Team in 1996.
As soon as the volleyball season concluded, Kate would jump right into basketball practice and games. She was a three-year starter and earned 2nd Team All SCAC honors her sophomore year and Honorable Mention All SCAC honors her junior and senior seasons. Kate was a tenacious offensive rebounder and defender, as  evidenced by her 594 career rebounds, which ranks 10th on the all-time SCAC list. During the 1995-96 season Kate made 151 free throws, which led the SCAC. She ranks 7th all-time in the SCAC with 385 free throws made.
Kate was awarded the Seidman Trophy, which is bestowed on the senior athlete who exemplifies both academic and athletic success and excellence. She was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Kate credits Professors Kelly Fish, Michael LaRosa and Russ Wigginton with having a huge
impact on her academic experience.
For the thrills she gave volleyball fans in Mallory Gym with her great kills and serves, and for her dedication and commitment as a two-sport athlete playing back-to-back  seasons, we are honored to induct KATE MAFFEI MCGUINNESS into the Rhodes  Athletic Hall of Fame this 19th day of October, 2012.
