A Historic Homecoming, ODAC, and a Legacy of Excellence
On Dec. 6, Hollins hosted longtime rival Sweet Briar for a swim meet that delivered both a decisive victory and a historic celebration. Before Hollins defeated the Vixens 118–48, a standing-room-only crowd gathered to honor the inaugural class of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Hall of Fame.
The induction coincided with the ODAC’s 50th anniversary. Created by the conference’s Board of Directors, the Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who helped shape the league’s first five decades. The inaugural class includes 50 former student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and contributors representing the conference’s member institutions.
Members of the Hollins community have played a lasting role in the ODAC’s history. Two of Hollins’ four inductees — Kat Horton ’97 and Lynda Calkins — were recognized during the December celebration.
Kat Horton was a standout swimmer from 1994 to 1996. She earned ODAC Swimmer of the Year honors in 1996, was a two-time All-ODAC selection, and achieved national acclaim as a four-time NCAA All-American. Horton captured NCAA national titles in the 100 and 200 butterfly in 1995 and still holds Hollins records in the 100 and 200 butterfly as well as the 200 and 400 individual medleys. She was inducted into the Hollins Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002.
“Being named to the inaugural Hall of Fame class of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference was a deeply humbling honor, made even more meaningful by being inducted alongside my coach Lynda Calkins,” Horton said. “Sharing the weekend with friends and family, connecting with swimming alumnae/i, and spending time with current student athletes and staff reminded me how powerful this community truly is. The experience reignited my love for the sport, and after nearly 30 years away, I’ve found myself back on the pool deck — and back in the water — with renewed joy and gratitude.”
President Hinton, Kat Horton ’97, Lynda Calkins, Director of Athletics Chris Kilcoyne, and ODAC Commissioner Brad Bankston celebrated the inaugural ODAC Hall of Fame event.
Calkins served as director of athletics from 1985 to 2008 and coached swimming for more than two decades. Under her leadership, Hollins won ODAC Swimming Championships in 1992 and 1993 and finished runner-up four additional times. She was named ODAC Coach of the Year four times and mentored 14 All-ODAC swimmers, including one ODAC Swimmer of the Year. Calkins also played a vital leadership role within the conference, serving on the ODAC Executive Committee and as ODAC President from 1995 to 1997. Nationally, she contributed to the advancement of women’s athletics through service on multiple NCAA committees, including the Council on Women’s Athletics and the NCAA Management Council. She was inducted into the Hollins Athletics Hall of Fame earlier this year.
“The 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s were an exciting time for women’s sports, the ODAC, and the growth of NCAA Division III,” Calkins said. “Being part of the first class of ODAC Hall of Fame is truly an honor. Hosting the ceremony at Hollins made it especially meaningful, as former and current student-athletes came together to celebrate and reflect.”
“These athletes, coaches, and administrators built a standard,” Kilcoyne said. “Their dedication, character, and pursuit of excellence created the foundation on which today’s student-athletes stand.”
Horton and Calkins are two of the four ODAC Hall of Fame inductees with ties to Hollins. Elizabeth Cheng ’14, the ODAC’s first Women’s Golfer of the Year and a two-time All-American, and a women’s athletics trailblazer, the late Marjorie Berkley, will be honored during separate on-campus ceremonies later this spring.