Lourdes University Athletics Hall of Fame Welcomes Its Inaugural Class
In a celebration of excellence, Lourdes University proudly announces the induction of two remarkable athletes into its inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame. Molly Shonk, a standout in women’s volleyball, and Jared Yoshino, a lacrosse alum, will be honored during a special ceremony to be held on November 3, 2023, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Franciscan Center.
Molly Shonk: A Volleyball Sensation
Molly Shonk’s journey to the Lourdes University Athletics Hall of Fame is a testament to her incredible talent and dedication to the sport of volleyball. Transferring to Lourdes University in her junior season, Shonk made an immediate impact, leaving an indelible mark on the Gray Wolf women’s volleyball program.
During her time with the Gray Wolves, Shonk achieved numerous accolades, including being named a two-time NAIA Third Team All-American in 2015 and 2016. Additionally, she earned the distinction of a two-time AVCA All-Mideast Region First Team selection. In 2015, Shonk was honored as the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year and secured two First Team All-WHAC awards during her tenure.
Shonk’s impressive leadership skills guided Lourdes to two WHAC regular season and tournament championships, leading to consecutive NAIA National Championship berths in 2015 and 2016. The 2015 season saw Shonk contribute significantly, helping the team achieve a remarkable 32-match winning streak and a school-record 33 victories.
Her impact on the program’s history is undeniable, ranking fourth in career kills with 748 and fourth in program history with 827 digs. Shonk’s single-season records, with 391 kills in 2016 and 357 kills in 2015, solidify her legacy as one of the program’s all-time greats.
Shonk’s excellence extended beyond the court, as she excelled in the classroom, earning CoSIDA Academic All-American Second Team honors in 2016. She was also recognized with WHAC All-Academic Team and NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors during her time at Lourdes.
After her graduation from Lourdes, Shonk continued her volleyball career, playing one season of beach volleyball at Florida International University and participating in multiple AVP qualifiers. She was also inducted into her high school alma mater, Bishop Hartley High School’s Hall of Fame, in February 2023. Today, she serves as a senior litigation paralegal for Cassone Law Offices and is the head coach of the boys’ volleyball team at Bishop Watterson High School.
Jared Yoshino: Lacrosse Trailblazer
Jared Yoshino’s journey through Lourdes University’s lacrosse program is one for the record books. Joining the Gray Wolf men’s lacrosse team during its inaugural season in 2014, Yoshino quickly became a standout player, earning a series of impressive accolades throughout his career.
As a freshman, Yoshino earned MCLA All-America Third Team honors, setting the stage for his future success. In 2016, he garnered Honorable Mention accolades and, as a senior when the program transitioned entirely to NAIA, he was named a NAIA First Team All-America selection. His impact on the field was recognized with the title of 2014 Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year, along with three First Team All-WHAC selections and one Honorable Mention citation. Additionally, Yoshino earned two Second Team All-Central Collegiate Lacrosse Association honors and one Third Team All-CCLA honor in 2015.
Under Yoshino’s leadership, the Gray Wolves made history, securing berths in two NAIA National Invitationals and earning a spot in the MCLA Championships during his career. The 2016 team, in particular, achieved a school record with 16 wins in a season. The 2014 team also left an enduring legacy with the program’s first-ever 10-game winning streak.
Yoshino’s impact on the program’s record books is undeniable, with a remarkable 359 points accumulated over his four-year career. His 184 goals and 175 assists are program records, and he is the only player in Lourdes history to surpass the 100-assist mark. Yoshino also holds the program record for ground balls collected during his career, with 270. His 68 assists and 135 total points during the 2016 campaign remain school single-season records to this day.
Yoshino’s excellence extended beyond the field as he excelled in the classroom, earning CoSIDA Academic All-American Second Team honors in 2017 and two WHAC All-Academic Team distinctions.
After graduating from Lourdes, Yoshino embarked on a new journey by starting his own painting company, Yoshino Paint Pros, in 2022. He and his wife Abby (Miller), a former Gray Wolf soccer player, welcomed their son, Oliver, into the world.
Don’t Miss the Induction Ceremony
The induction ceremony for Molly Shonk and Jared Yoshino will commence at 7:00 p.m. on November 3, 2023, at the Franciscan Center. The event promises to be an unforgettable evening, with NBA superstar and CBS sports analyst Clark Kellogg as the featured speaker.
Tickets for the event are available for $60 each or $400 for a table of eight. To secure your place at the ceremony or to obtain additional information, please visit www.lourdes.edu/halloffame.
Join us in celebrating the outstanding achievements of Molly Shonk and Jared Yoshino as they make history as the inaugural inductees of the Lourdes University Athletics Hall of Fame. Their dedication, talent, and contributions to the world of sports will forever be etched in the university’s rich legacy.