CVV News

November 21, 2025

Modesto, CA — Modesto Junior College (MJC) has a storied athletics tradition dating back to the 1920s, producing legends across the sports world—including NFL Hall of Famers, NBA first-round draft picks, NCAA Final Four coaches, MLB All-Stars, Olympic gold medalists, and even a Wimbledon champion. The lobby walls of MJC’s gymnasium serve as a living museum, lined with the photos of former student-athletes, coaches, and contributors whose achievements have left a lasting mark on the College and beyond.

The MJC Athletics Hall of Fame honors these individuals who represent the highest level of excellence in sport. Past inductees include such icons as Gino Marchetti, Cy Young, Dave Maggard, Alex Olmedo, Paul Wiggin, Jeff Winans, Dot Jones, and Ray Lankford, to name a few.

This coming spring, 15 new members will join this distinguished group as part of the 12th induction class. The class features nine athletes, two contributors, and two coaches, whose careers exemplify MJC’s proud athletics heritage. A new category for this class, in which past teams will be recognized for their effort, two teams will be inducted as well.

2025 Inductees

Mary Shea – Track & Field Coach Shea elevated MJC cross country and track and field into one of the region’s most competitive programs, with multiple Conference and NorCal titles and many more individual champions and All Americans. Mary has worked tirelessly for the sport, whether it was a coach on the USA team that competed at multiple IAAF championships or as the USA Women’s Track Coaches Association President.

Steve DaPrato – Football Coach 1990-1999 DaPrato led the Pirates for 10 years as an assistant and Head Coach with innovation and discipline, earning a reputation as a master motivator who developed athletes both on the gridiron and in life. Established the highest winning percentage in 97 years at MJC, led the program to 4 bowl wins, 2 conference championships and continued his coaching and administrative career at Chabot College.

Melissa Stivers – Softball A dominant force on the diamond, Stivers was known for her power at the plate and consistency in the field, setting marks that stood among MJC’s best.

Tim Richard – Water Polo/Swimming 2012-2014 Richard’s performances in the pool earned him state recognition and helped establish MJC as a swimming powerhouse during his era. 2013 State Champion in the 200 IM, 100 and 200 breaststroke and currently holds 9 school records. Continued his dominance at Oklahoma Baptist were he was the 2014 NAIA National Champion in the 400 IM.

Erica Crain – Water Polo/Swimming 2008-2010 Crain led the Pirates to a 4th place finish in the 2009 Eater Polo State Championships, the same year crowned MJC, Big 8 and Nor Cal MVP. Was a member of the 2010 200 free relay state championship team. Continued both sports at CSU East Bay.

Yaritza Arista – Women’s Soccer 2014-2015 Two time Big 8 Offensive MVP and All American Arista was a fierce competitor whose skill and leadership anchored the team to the college’s first Big 8 Title. Competed at San Jose State and currently competes in professional soccer with Mazatlan FC.

Kacey Ball Cheary – Women’s Soccer/Basketball 2006-2008 Ball Cheary was a standout soccer defender (CVC and Big 8 Defender of the Year) who then competed at Idaho State University. She also left her mark as one of MJC’s most versatile women’s basketball players.

Marvin Jefferson – Men’s Basketball 2004-2007 Jefferson dominated the paint for the Pirates, leading the state in blocked shots). Later Marvin continued his success at higher levels at the University of Idaho (09 All WAC Defensive Team) and oversees playing professional basketball- currently with Turkey’s Nefci IK Baku Team.

Greg Panelli – Football 2007-2009 Panelli’s strength and leadership at the quarterback position was instrumental to MJC’s 2x Graffiti Bowl Championships (09 Graffiti Bowl MVP), earning him recognition as one of the program’s toughest competitors (2x All Conference) and MJC’s all-time passing touchdown leader.

Meghan Devlin – Swimming 2008-2010 Devlin excelled in multiple individual and relay events, consistently ranking among California’s elite swimmers during her time at MJC. 2010 State Champion in the 50 and 100 yard backstroke and a member of the 200 yard medley state champion relay team. Won 16 All American awards in swimming during her career at MJC.

Caitlin DeNise – Water Polo/Swimming 2009-2011 DeNise set records and led the Pirates in key meets, embodying the grit and dedication that defined MJC’s swimming tradition. Member of the 2010 200 Free Relay State Team, 2011 State Champion in the 200 IM and 100 Fly (still holds the MJC record in the 100 fly).

Ron Agostini – Contributor, Journalist Agostini chronicled MJC athletics for decades as a journalist, capturing Pirate athletic history with over 20 years reporting on the MJC Basketball tournament and other sports, through his reporting and championing student-athletes in the community.

Cheryl Mulder – Contributor, Athletic Training 1992-2020 Mulder wore multiple hats during her tenure at MJC. Educator, coach, mentor and athletic trainer Cheryl made sure the student-athletes had the support needed to perform and recover at their best.

1980 Football Team One of the most celebrated squads in program history, the 1980 Pirates captured the State and National title and cemented their legacy with grit, talent, and teamwork.

2008 Women’s Soccer Team A trailblazing team that set program records, the 2008 squad combined skill and chemistry to achieve a State Final Four finish, ranked eighth in the national all while being the state academic team winner.

Continuing the Tradition

The MJC Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes individuals and teams whose contributions exemplify the Pirate spirit of excellence, perseverance, and community. With this 12th class, the Hall of Fame now includes more than 150 inductees across generations.

For ticket information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact the MJC Athletics Office at mjcathleticsdepartment@gmail.com or at athletics.mjc.edu