DAHLONEGA – The University of North Georgia Department of Athletics and the Athletics Hall of Fame Committee are proud to unveil the 16th class of the North Georgia Athletics Hall of Fame with the induction ceremony scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 24, inside the UNG Convocation Center. The evening will begin with a social hour, followed by a dinner and ceremony programming beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Tickets for the induction ceremony are available for $60 per person. To purchase your tickets, please register online by clicking here.
The UNG Athletics Hall of Fame honors individuals who have earned outstanding athletic achievements or made substantial contributions to the university. A nine-member Board of Directors is responsible for the Athletics Hall of Fame operations and serves as selectors for all honorees, based upon nominations.
This year's Class of 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame induction class includes:
1986-87 Women's Basketball Team
During the 1986-87 season, the Lady Saints rewrote the record books, finishing as the Runner-up in the NAIA National Championship in Kansas City. North Georgia finished the season 27-4, which serves as the most wins in a season during the 1980s and the most under head coach Lynn Jarrett.
The Lady Saints put together a fantastic regular season in which they started 15-0. They carried that momentum into the playoffs, taking down the defending National Champion Francis Marion in the Bi-District Championship.
Coach Jarrett's team was led by a strong group of eight returning players and five new members to the program. During the postseason, Brenda Hill Gilmore and Gretchen Smith were both named to the NAIA All-Tournament Team, and Hill was selected as the tournament's Most Valuable Player. Hill brought home even more individual accolades, being named the National Player of the Year and an NAIA All-American.
The roster includes Stacy Bennett, Laurie Burkett, Lisa Crosby, Kim Davis, Sara Gaddis, Fonda Gravitt, Brenda Hill Gilmore (Class of 2011 Inductee), Cindy Hoyle, Charlene Jones, Sheron Jones, Connie Lummus, Annette Rogers, Gretchen Smith and Cindy Swanson.
Jim & Susan Montgomery
Jim & Susan Montgomery have been longtime supporters of North Georgia Athletics with deep roots in Dahlonega while continuing to make a lasting impact on student athletes and the community.
Jim has been a staple with North Georgia soccer for decades, starting with his time as a member of the inaugural men's soccer team in 1972 that was elevated to varsity club status.
The Montgomery family has continued to stay connected with the men's soccer program, starting the Tom C. Montgomery Scholarship in honor of their son. The scholarship is awarded annually to a member of the men's soccer team who demonstrates an enthusiasm for the game that goes beyond ability, a love for their teammates and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
As an education professional, Jim has been motivating and teaching physical education in the classroom for 30 years and coaching for nearly 50 years in the Metro Atlanta area.
The two have been leaders in the UNG soccer alumni engagement program while spearheading multiple alumni events for years.
Lindsay Reeves
A two-time NACDA/Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year, Lindsay Reeves dedicated over 20 years of devotion and faithful service to UNG student athletes and the greater North Georgia community.
Reeves was named the Director of Athletics at North Georgia in 2009 after investing five years as the Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator. She became the first female director of athletics in school history.
Under her leadership, Reeves oversaw the development of 13 NCAA Division II sports and over 225 student athletes. UNG's athletic programs flourished on and off the playing fields and courts during her time at North Georgia, highlighted by the UNG softball team winning the 2015 NCAA Division II National Championship. She played a pivotal role in mentoring teams on the conference, regional and national championship stages, all leading to the school's first PBC Commissioner's Cup in 2017.
Off the field of competition, Reeves was committed to shaping the overall development of student-athletes. During her time at North Georgia, she was heralded as an advocate for all areas of athletic excellence, which included team and student-athlete academic success and engagement with the community.
