Southwest Honors Hall of Fame Inductees at 2025 Accolades Brunch
Hall of Fame inductees, Southwest Tennessee Community College representatives, and
special dignitaries gather for a commemorative photo during the 2025 Accolades Brunch,
held as part of Homecoming Week to honor ten standout student-athletes whose achievements
have shaped the legacy of Saluqi athletics.
Southwest celebrated 10 distinguished alumni during its 2025 Hall of Fame Accolades Brunch on Oct. 31, 2025 as part of Homecoming Week, honoring former student-athletes whose achievements on and off the field have left a lasting legacy. Each inductee’s story reflected the resilience, talent and community spirit that define Saluqi athletics.
This year’s inductees included:
Steve Ballard led the men’s basketball team to 44 wins between 1985 and 1987, helping elevate the program’s competitive profile during a pivotal era. His leadership on the court laid the foundation for future success.
Lorico Duncan, a two-time NJCAA All-American and defensive standout, scored 1,240 career points and led the Saluqis to a national runner-up finish in 1998. He went on to win an NCAA Division II title at Kentucky Wesleyan University and played professionally in Mexico, cementing his status as one of the program’s most decorated alumni.
John Grice became Southwest’s first two-time NJCAA All-American, scoring 1,154 points and leading the team to a third-place finish in the NJCAA National Tournament. He continued his career at the University of Memphis, where he helped the Tigers reach the NCAA Tournament, and later played professionally in the American Basketball Association.
Lester Hudson, who played from 2004 to 2006, guided the Saluqis to a Region 7 championship and became one of the few Southwest athletes to reach the NBA. His success at the professional level remains a source of pride for the college.
Ashley Shields, who played professionally for three seasons in the WNBA and 17 years overseas, reflected on her journey. “Coach Martre saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” Shields said. “That day she gave me another chance—it changed my entire mindset.”
Amie Williams, a standout for both Shelby State and Southwest from 1999 to 2001, earned NJCAA All-American honors and shared her personal journey during the ceremony. “When I became pregnant in high school, I thought my story was over,” Williams said. “But my family lifted me up and reminded me it was just beginning.”
Johnie Sanfratello, a record-holding baseball player from 1994 to 1995, went on to coach and serve as athletic director at Tipton-Rosemark Academy. Under his leadership, the school’s softball program reached the state tournament 11 times and won a state championship in 2014.
Nick Smith, who played baseball at Southwest from 2003 to 2004, set multiple career records in hits, doubles, home runs and RBIs. He continued his career at Troy University, where he hit 21 home runs and drove in 89 runs over two seasons, becoming one of the team’s top hitters.
Amber Haynes, who joined the softball program in 2009, set single-season records in home runs and slugging percentage. “Those 17 home runs didn’t come from nowhere,” Haynes said. “They came from drills, agility, weight training—and a lot of love.”
Alex Turner, honored for her record-breaking softball career from 2014 to 2015, credited her teammates for their role in her success. “This recognition is as much theirs as it is mine,” Turner said. “We jelled on and off the field. They were my favorite team to play with.”
Together, these athletes represent the spirit of excellence, resilience and community that defines Saluqi athletics. Their stories continue to inspire future generations at Southwest.