Gators coach Mary Wise ready to be first volleyball inductee into Florida Sports HOF
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 | Volleyball, Cross Country, Scott Carter
Mary Wise and Hulk Hogan now have something in common. And no, Wise isn't leaving UF to join the WWE.
Wise is being inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday night in Tampa, one of eight inductees in the 50th Anniversary Enshrinement. Wise will be the first person from volleyball inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame. Hogan is the only professional wrestler ever inducted.
Wise was informed in December of her induction. She wasn't totally surprised that no volleyball coach or player had ever been inducted, but she hopes her selection will start a trend.
“The fact that there are more high-school sponsored volleyball [teams] than any other sport in the state, it's probably time that the sport is recognized,'' said Wise, who recently completed her 20th season at UF. “There are a lot of girls and boys playing volleyball now.''
“I may be the first, but I hope I'm certainly not the last. There has been a lot of good volleyball talent to come out of the state or to play in the state.''
To read more about Wise's journey from a 21-year-old head coach to the Florida Sports Hall of Fame, click here for a story I wrote on her during volleyball season.
Wise is one of eight inductees to be honored Wednesday night at the Florida State Fairgrounds. She will be joined by former NFL players Derrick Brooks and Tony Boselli, former Heisman Trophy winner Gino Torretta, former major leaguers Fred McGriff and Vince Coleman, former NHL star Dave Andreychuck, and professional surfer Kelly Slater.
Tampa native and former big-league manager Lou Piniella will also be on hand to present a special recognition award to late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.
Wise is attending the ceremony with her 16-year-old son Mitchell and says she plans to keep her speech short considering some of her fellow inductees.
“It's recognition in my name of the success of the University of Florida volleyball program,'' Wise said Tuesday. “There are a lot of players – and a lot of very talented players – as the reason for those wins. It speaks to how fortunate to be here as long as we have.''
The enshrinement will be broadcast on Bright House Network's sports channel in the Tampa and Orlando markets.
