SIOBHAN ZERILLA, Class of 2005, was also a sure fire Hall of Famer from the time she accepted her Wilmington College degree. It still didn't mute the moment.
"I was very honored," said Zerilla. "The program has had a lot of great athletes. I am honored to be categorized in that group."
Standing at 5-foot-8, Zerilla seemed much like an unimposing figure until the lights came on and she stepped onto the court. She immediately was a force in the Ohio Athletic Conference, earning All-OAC honors in each of her four seasons. Zerilla was named first team in 2005, the same season she picked up All-American honors.
She was a key figure on the 2004 National Championship team and the 2003 Elite Eight team. While the 2004 team brought home the Walnut and Bronze, there is a thought that the 2003 team was more talented.
"I could argue for my first year's team with Mackenzie (Hammond), Sara (Starks) and (Megan Woodruff)," said Zerilla. "But, I don't think you can compare the years. It depends on how the tournament is seeded, and who gets hot at the right time."
More than 10 years following the end of her basketball career, Zerilla is 10th all-time in Division III rebounding. She holds the school record with 1,330 boards.
She feels it's a WC record that could stand for a while.
"For someone to break the record, she will probably have a unique toughness," said Zerilla.
Her stellar career almost never got off the ground floor. Her high school coach convinced Zerilla to try it for a year. Needless to say, one year became four, and Zerilla is a Hall of Famer.
She works for PCN Development, building high end residential homes in south Florida.
Thursday: Bruce Wasem
Wednesday: Brandon Tisdale
Tuesday: Damien Garnett
Monday: Michelle (Buck) Cron