Written by Megan McLane '16

On Saturday, September 21st Elon University will induct three new members into the Elon Sports Hall of Fame: Holly Andrews (women's basketball), Pramote "Ter" Malasitt (men's tennis), and William "Tank" Hardin (baseball). Before these three athletes return to Elon for what is sure to be one of the most memorable days of their lives, we got the chance to talk to them about some of their favorite Elon memories.

Holly Andrews was a stand out women's basketball player who graduated in 2004. After graduation, she went on to play professional basketball for a season in Holland. After her year in Holland she moved back to Granite Hills, N.C., where she is now a physical education teacher and girl's basketball and soccer coach. Holly also works part-time at Caldwell Community College as a physical education instructor.

When asked about her favorite Elon memory, Holly was quick to describe the time coach Brenda Paul came to the girls' practice on Halloween dressed in a bumble bee costume! But Holly's favorite memory from the basketball court was the work ethic she and her teammates had. Although it was an intense, competitive and demanding environment, she does not regret one thing from her time on the court.

Being a student-athlete can be challenging, but Holly said that the most rewarding aspect was all the academic resources and support that were available. When asked what advice she has for current student-athletes, Holly said to maintain a strong work ethic in the classroom and establish strong relationships with professors, coaches and Elon administrators. She also said to always conduct yourself in a professional and classy manor, because student-athletes are role models here at Elon!
 
Pramote "Ter" Malasitt was a member of the men's tennis team during his time at Elon. After graduating, Pramote went on to medical school at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is now in his third year as an orthopedic surgeon resident at VCU in Richmond, Va.

Pramote recalls that his favorite memory on the court was a match against the University of North Carolina during his senior year. After just having overcome knee surgery, he fought a very close match to beat UNC's number one player. As far as favorite memories about Elon in general, Pramote still recalls his time as a student-athlete. He said that his fondest memories are from travelling to away matches with his teammates, or watching Elon's other sports teams perform.

Pramote thought the most rewarding part of being a student-athlete was the ability to represent Elon while playing a sport that he loved. He also said that the friendships he formed with teammates, professors, coaches, athletic department administrators and fans have been priceless. His advice to current student-athletes would be to keep up in your school work while still excelling in sports. Elon professors are excellent resources and can eventually become life-long mentors. Pramote also says for student-athletes to enjoy their four years here because it is a wonderful opportunity and an honor to represent Elon University.

The last hall of fame inductee is William "Tank" Hardin who played on the baseball team back when Elon was a "College," as opposed to a "University!" Since leaving Elon, William has been teaching in the Guilford County School system for the last twenty years. He is currently the head coach at Page High School in Greensboro, N.C.

William's favorite baseball memory is the dog pile that ensued after Elon beat USC Aiken to advance to the 1986 NAIA World Series. His favorite memory overall is when his mother got to watch him walk across the stage and receive his Elon diploma.

William was extremely proud that he was given the opportunity to be a student-athlete at Elon, and says the best part of being a student-athlete was all the relationships he got to build. His advice to current student-athletes is to believe in three things: attitude, cooperation and effort. Those three things are the ingredients for success. He also says that if you want to achieve your dreams, you need to come to your activity with a positive attitude, the desire to cooperate and your best effort.

All three of the Elon Sports Hall of Fame inductees claim to have never stepped foot in the Alamance fountain. As an Elon student, I know this is a right of passage and I think a few changes need to be made to their schedule for this upcoming weekend. I hope to see you all at the induction ceremony in Whitley Auditorium at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, or better yet, at the Alamance fountain!