Massachusetts Athletics Announces 2025 Hall Of Fame Class

AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts Athletics has announced that Michaela Butler (Women's Diving 2009-14), Victor Cruz (Football, 2005-09), Deanna Groark (Rowing, 1995-97) and Chaz Williams (Men's Basketball, 2011-14) will be inducted as the George "Trigger" Burke Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

During the enshrinement ceremony, Massachusetts Athletics will also bestow three special recognition awards: the Martin Jacobson '68 Distinguished Alumni Award, the John Francis Kennedy '76G Maroon Leadership Award and the Elaine Sortino Alumna Award for Achievement. UMass graduate Mike Morris '80 will receive the Jacobson Award, Joanne Keller will receive the Kennedy Award and Amanda Kraus '95 will receive the Elaine Sortino Award.

The UMass Athletics George "Trigger" Burke Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 6 at 11 a.m. in the Campus Center Auditorium. Please register online at www.umassalumni.com/hof2025.

Questions regarding the event can be addressed to Director of UMass Athletic Events & Fan Engagement Jason Germain at jag@umass.edu.

Michaela Butler • Women's Swimming and Diving • Diver • 2009-14
One of the most decorated divers in the history of UMass women's swimming and diving, Michaela Butler's records in the one-meter and three-meter dives have stood for over a decade. In the one-meter, she posted a total of 336.23 in the 2013-14 season, which currently stands as the Joseph R. Rogers Jr. Pool Record. Butler scored a 351.80 in the three-meter dive during the 2013-14 season to set the record.

A three-time All-American, Butler was the first member of the UMass swimming and diving program to become an All-American, and was also the first to do so in the Atlantic 10 Conference. She placed within the top-five twice in the one-meter dive at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships, sitting fourth in 2013 and fifth in 2014. Butler ranked fourth in the three-meter dive in the 2014 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships, as well, to help earn All-America status.

Butler was a six-time Atlantic 10 individual champion, earning the gold in both the one- and three-meter dives in 2012, 2013 and 2014. She qualified for the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships three times in her career, starting in 2013 in the one-meter dive, before qualifying in 2014 for the one-meter and for the three-meter in 2015. While at the NCAA's, Butler posted US World Team Trials certified scores.

Victor Cruz • Football • Receiver • 2005-09
During a standout career at UMass, Cruz established himself as one of the program's all-time greats. He earned First Team All-CAA honors twice, in 2008 and 2009, while also garnering national recognition as an Honorable Mention All-American by College Sporting News in 2008 and a Preseason Third Team All-American in 2009. That same year, he received preseason accolades from the CAA coaches and Phil Steele Magazine.

An Afro-American Studies major, Cruz's name is etched in the UMass record books. In a legendary performance against James Madison in 2008, he posted a school-record 262 receiving yards on 13 catches—tying the school mark for single-game receptions and ranking fourth all-time in CAA history. That game also marked his first multi-touchdown game. Over the course of the 2008 season, he became just the sixth player in UMass history to record over 1,000 receiving yards in a single season, finishing with 1,064 yards on 71 receptions. His 5.92 receptions per-game ranked among the program's top single-season marks at the time as well.

Cruz continued his dominance in 2009, tallying 868 yards on 59 receptions across 11 games—averaging 78.9 receiving yards per-game, which ranked third in the CAA and 27th nationally. His consistency was unmatched, closing out his college career with a 22-game reception streak dating back to September 6, 2008. He finished his collegiate career with 131 receptions for 1,958 yards, placing him eighth all-time in both categories at UMass, and fifth in receptions per-game (4.23). In addition to his receiving prowess, he contributed on special teams as UMass' primary punt returner in 2009.

Following his collegiate success, Cruz signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He proved himself at the professional level, playing for the Giants from 2010 to 2016. In 2011, he helped lead the team to victory in Super Bowl XLVI and was named a Second-Team All-Pro. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2012 and made NFL history with a record-tying 99-yard touchdown reception in 2011—gaining 89 yards after the catch, the most ever on such a play at that time.

In the NFL, Cruz accumulated 303 receptions, 4,549 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns, leaving a legacy as an exciting, dynamic playmaker and Super Bowl Champion.

Deanna Groark • Rowing • 1995-97
Deanna Groark established herself as one of the best rowers in program history. At UMass, Groark was a 1997 NCAA silver medalist in the Varsity 8+ after capturing the Atlantic 10 Championship in the same event earlier that season. Her crew remained undefeated in dual meet competitions in the Varsity 8+ throughout the year.

In 1996, she was a member of the first-ever collegiate women's 8+ crew to win the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta—one of three gold medals she earned during the fall race season. The other two came at the Head of the Textile and the Head of the Housatonic. That same year, Groark's boat also won a silver medal at the Head of the Connecticut, all in the Varsity 8+ category. Her squad claimed the Atlantic 10 Championship title in 1996 and earned a silver medal at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association Regatta, both in the Varsity 8+.

During the 1995 fall head race season, Groark won a gold medal at the Head of the Connecticut and a silver at the Head of the Charles, both in the Open Women's 4+. She also led her Varsity 8+ crew to victory at the International Collegiate Regatta and secured a first-place finish at the New England Championships in the same event.

Groark, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Isenberg School of Management, had a celebrated national team career, highlighted by a gold medal in the Women's 8+ and a silver in the Women's 4+ at the 1998 U.S. Rowing National Championships. She also earned silver medals in the Women's 4+ at the Head of the Charles in both 1996 and 1997. In 1995, she placed first, second and third at the American Rowing Championships in the Women's Intermediate 8+, 2x, and 4x, respectively.

Earlier, Groark claimed a bronze medal in the Women's 8+ at the 1993 U.S. Olympic Sports Festival. Internationally, Groark competed in the Lucerne World Cup (8th place, Open Women's 8+), the Royal Henley Regatta (Women's Invitational 8+) and the 1998 World Championships as a spare on the U.S. sweep team. She finished fourth in the 1997 World Championships in the Open Women's 4- and took ninth in the Women's 2x at the 1996 Nations Cup. At the 1995 Royal Canadian Henley, Groark won gold in the Women's Intermediate 8+, and silver in both the Senior 8+ and Senior 4x. That same year, she placed seventh in the Women's 4x at the Nations Cup Regatta.

Chaz Williams • Men's Basketball • Guard • 2011-14
One of the most iconic figures in Massachusetts men's basketball history, Chaz Williams finished his career as a three-time First Team All-Atlantic 10 selection becoming just the eighth player in program history to receive the recognition in three consecutive seasons. The Brooklyn, New York native also earned both NABC and USBWA First Team All-District honors during his three seasons in the Maroon & White. Consistently one of college basketball's top offensive catalysts during his time in Amherst, Williams finished his career first in program history in career assists (702) and seventh in points scored (1,563). A two-way player, he racked up 199 career steals, ranking second in UMass history behind only Edgar Padilla.

Williams recorded some of the top individual seasons in program history, sitting top-10 with 627 single-season points during the 2011-12 campaign. He also holds the Massachusetts single-game assists record with 15 versus BYU in December 2013.

As a redshirt senior, Williams averaged 15.6 points and 6.9 assists per-game during the 2013-14 season, helping lead the Massachusetts squad to its most recent NCAA Tournament appearance and a 24-9 overall record. A true iron man, he played in 136 collegiate games, starting 102 of his 103 appearances representing the University of Massachusetts. Williams is still actively playing with an impressive professional career that includes stops in the NBA G-League as well as leagues in Finland, Iceland, Poland and Turkey, among other European nations.

MARTIN JACOBSON '68, 19H DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD: Mike Morris '80

This award recognizes a University of Massachusetts alumnus, who in their lives after UMass have made significant contributions of leadership and service to the University and its athletics department. In addition, the honoree has demonstrated an appreciation for and worked to enhance UMass' rich athletic heritage as an important component of the undergraduate educational experience.

Mike Morris graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1980 and he was a standout member of the cross country team. He played a key role on the 1978 IC4A Championship team—at the time, an honor emblematic of the best college and university cross country team in the East—and was also part of the 1979 Yankee Conference Championship squad. During his time on campus, Morris forged lifelong bonds with a close-knit group of teammates known affectionately as "The Greys" — a name born from the grey uniforms worn from 1977 to 1979 and a reflection of the enduring friendships that began during those years.

"Mike Morris has represented UMass remarkably since he left the flagship campus 45 years ago," said director of athletics Ryan Bamford. "A tremendously successful business entrepreneur, Mike and his teammates have been leaders in their support of our cross country and track programs for many years. Mike embodies every characteristic of the student-athlete experience at UMass: success in sport, a rigorous and developmental academic experience and forged bonds with teammates and staff that last a lifetime. We are proud of Mike's accomplishments and the ways he continues to help us shape the future of Massachusetts Athletics."

Morris has remained a dedicated and generous supporter of UMass—giving back in impactful ways over the years. Most recently, he joined his fellow Greys in a group gift of $2 million toward the renovation of the Curry Hicks Cage to create an indoor training facility to benefit the UMass cross country and track and field programs. This transformational project will convert the historic Cage into a modern, sport-specific space featuring a dedicated practice area, sprinting and field event surfaces, an upper-level 4,000-square-foot running track and a welcoming lobby that celebrates the program's proud history. In recognition of his leadership and generosity, the new indoor track area will be named in honor of Morris.
Today, Morris is the founder and president of Enzyme Research Laboratories, Inc., a leading biotechnology company based in South Bend, Indiana.

ELAINE SORTINO ALUMNA AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT: Amanda Kraus '95
This award recognizes a University of Massachusetts alumna, who in their lives after UMass has made significant contributions of leadership and achieved excellence in their respective fields. In addition, the honoree has demonstrated an appreciation for and worked diligently to enhance UMass' rich athletic heritage as an important component of the undergraduate educational experience.

Amanda Kraus has had a storied career in the world of rowing. Currently serving as the CEO of US Rowing, a position she has held since 2020, Kraus founded Row New York in 2002 to help make the sport of rowing, paired with top-notch academic support, accessible to young people in NYC. In addition to her work at Row New York, she was a United States fellow to South Africa through a sports-based youth development exchange. Kraus has been a regular blogger on the Huffington Post as well as an Adjunct Associate Professor at NYU's Wagner School of Public Service and a member of the Catalog for Giving's board of directors. She has received numerous awards including: 2024 Wise NYC Metro Women of Inspiration Award, 2012 Community Leadership Award winner by President Obama's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, US Rowing's Anita DeFrantz Award (2011), US Rowing's John J. Carlin Service Award (2008) and NYU Partnership Award for serving girls and women with disabilities.

"Amanda was a true student-athlete leader in the early years of our highly successful women's rowing program and has carried out an extraordinary career in sport since graduation," added Bamford. "Her high academic achievement and love of rowing merged to forge a career that has helped bring rowing to underrepresented populations, enhancing opportunities for New York City youth in particular. Amanda embodies the spirit, leadership and determination of Coach Sortino and is a wonderful alumna representative of our entire athletics program."

Kraus holds an MA in Education from Harvard and a BA in English from the University of Massachusetts, where she was captain of the women's rowing team, a member of a National Championship boat, and a member of the Commonwealth Honors College.

JOHN FRANCIS KENNEDY '76G MAROON LEADERSHIP AWARD: Joanne Keller

Awarded annually to a recipient who has made significant and lasting contributions of service and loyalty to promote and generate competitive excellence and student-athlete impact within the University of Massachusetts Department of Athletics.

Joanne Keller started her career as a line cook at UMass at the Hampshire Dining Commons in 2007. She began working in the kitchen as a breakfast cook, but really wanted to be more interactive with the student body. Soon thereafter, she was voted by her co-workers to become the omelet cook which became her unofficial title as "The UMass Omelet Lady, Joanne". Her everyday interaction with the students, especially the student-athletes who came to the omelet line before or after their morning classes, practices and workouts was incredible. Keller built up a great relationship with many student-athletes, not only cooking for them but remembering their birthdays with a candle in their omelet and singing "Happy Birthday" and of course, a photo. She had the pleasure of meeting many new student-athletes and their families on their first day's dining at Hampshire. She would always introduce herself and made sure if they needed anything to let her know. Over the years, Keller has attended countless UMass sporting events while taking photographs to share with the athletes and their families. She has set up celebratory omelet stations over the years, including for the 2021 National Championship hockey team, the 2007 men's soccer College Cup team and the 2024 men's soccer team that advanced to the Elite Eight.

"Joanne Keller represents what makes the University of Massachusetts such a special place," said Bamford. "Joanne's culinary career extends well beyond her outstanding omelets, she is a wonderful ambassador and has built truly awesome relationships with our student-athletes and staff over the years. In short, she has become a part of our UMass Athletics family. Joanne's infectious positive energy and genuine interest in the lives of our student-athletes has created bonds that extend well beyond graduation. We are grateful for her support and have great pride honoring her with the 2025 Kennedy Award."

In the spring of 2025, Keller arranged a special cooking station for Chancellor Javier Reyes and taught him how to cook omelets for the students. She has kept in contact with many former athletes and their families and recently made a trip to Baltimore to stay with a former UMass Football player's mother and attend a Baltimore Orioles game. Keller made sure that being in the omelet line had a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Over the years she has been recognized as a finalist for Linecook of the Year by The Massachusetts Restaurant's Association, Stars of The Industry in 2017, Chancellor's Citation Award in 2018, selected by a men's lacrosse student-athlete for being a top supporter in 2019 and was an honorary coach for men's swimming and diving in 2025. Keller retired in 2020 but came back to work part time in 2021 to the UMass family she loves and will continue to put a smile on her customers' faces in the omelet line.

University of Massachusets Athletics

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