DAHLONEGA – The University of North Georgia Department of Athletics honored three new inductees into the UNG Athletics Hall of Fame during the 16th annual induction ceremony Sept. 24 at the UNG Convocation Center.
The Class of 2026 includes the 1986-87 women's basketball team, Jim and Susan Montgomery, and former Director of Athletics Lindsay Reeves.
The UNG Athletics Hall of Fame was established in 2011 to honor individuals who have achieved outstanding athletic accomplishments or made significant contributions to the university. A nine-member Board of Directors oversees the Hall of Fame and selects honorees from submitted nominations.
With the induction of the Class of 2026, the UNG Athletics Hall of Fame now includes 73 individuals and three teams.
1986-87 Women's Basketball Team
The 1986-87 Lady Saints rewrote the North Georgia women's basketball record book, finishing as the runner-up at the NAIA National Championship in Kansas City.
North Georgia finished the season 27-4, marking the program's most wins in a season during the 1980s and the most wins under head coach Lynn Jarrett.
The Lady Saints opened the season 15-0 and carried that momentum into the postseason, defeating defending national champion Francis Marion in the Bi-District Championship.
Jarrett's team featured eight returning players and five newcomers. During the national tournament, Brenda Hill Gilmore and Gretchen Smith were named to the NAIA All-Tournament Team, with Hill earning tournament Most Valuable Player honors.
Hill also was named the NAIA National Player of the Year and an NAIA All-American. She previously was inducted into the UNG Athletics Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2011.
The 1986-87 team roster included Stacy Bennett, Laurie Burkett, Lisa Crosby, Kim Davis, Sara Gaddis, Fonda Gravitt, Brenda Hill Gilmore, Cindy Hoyle, Charlene Jones, Sheron Jones, Connie Lummus, Annette Rogers, Gretchen Smith and Cindy Swanson.
Jim and Susan Montgomery
Jim and Susan Montgomery have been longtime supporters of North Georgia Athletics, with deep roots in Dahlonega and a lasting impact on UNG student-athletes and the North Georgia community.
Jim's connection to North Georgia soccer dates to 1972, when he was a member and co-captain of the inaugural men's soccer team, which was elevated to varsity club status.
The Montgomery family has remained closely connected to the men's soccer program through the years. They established the Tom C. Montgomery Scholarship in honor of their son. The scholarship is awarded annually to two members of the men's soccer team who demonstrate an enthusiasm for the game that goes beyond ability, a love for their teammates and a commitment to excellence on and off the field.
Jim has spent 30 years as an education professional, teaching physical education, and nearly 50 years coaching in the Metro Atlanta area.
Jim and Susan also have been leaders in the UNG soccer alumni engagement program, spearheading multiple alumni events throughout the years and helping strengthen the connection between former players and the program.
Lindsay Reeves
Lindsay Reeves, a two-time NACDA/Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year, was honored for more than 20 years of service to UNG student-athletes and the greater North Georgia community.
Reeves was named North Georgia's Director of Athletics in 2009 after spending five years as the Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator. She became the first female director of athletics in school history.
During her tenure, Reeves oversaw the development of 13 NCAA Division II sports and more than 225 student-athletes. North Georgia's athletic programs experienced significant success both on and off the field during her tenure, highlighted by the softball team's 2015 NCAA Division II National Championship.
Reeves also played a key role in guiding teams through conference, regional and national championship competition, culminating in North Georgia's first Peach Belt Conference Commissioner's Cup in 2017.
Beyond competition, Reeves emphasized the overall development of student-athletes. She advocated for academic achievement, athletic excellence and community engagement while working to support the success of teams and individual student-athletes.
Her career at North Georgia spanned more than two decades and left a lasting impact on the university's athletics program, its student-athletes and the surrounding community.
