2009
2009 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Melissa Walsh Albers, BA'02
At Creighton University, Melissa Walsh Albers was a shining example of what a student-athlete should be: dedicated to academics, loyal to teammates and coaches, passionate for the game of volleyball and filled with genuine concern for those around her.
It is with great pleasure that the University inducts Melissa, as the first athlete from its volleyball program, into the Creighton Athletic Hall of Fame.
In Melissa’s first year, she received Honorable Mention All-Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) and was named to the MVC All-Newcomer Team. In the years following, she was a three-time First Team All-MVC athlete, was twice named to the All-MVC Tournament Team and was a five-time MVC Player of the Week.
At Creighton, Melissa maintained a 3.93 GPA. As a result she was named three times to the MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team, was named MVC Scholar-Athlete of the Week and was a two-time College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-District First Team selection.
Melissa was a true leader by her example, and her ability to relate to people on a personal level earned her the admiration of faculty, administrators, staff and students.
It is with great pride that Creighton University and its alumni association name Melissa Walsh Albers as a member of the Creighton University Athletic Hall of Fame this eighth day of April, two thousand and nine.
Carrie Welle Anderson, BSBA'98
Carrie Welle Anderson is considered by many to be one of the best Missouri Valley Conference women’s basketball players in its history. Carrie received her Bachelor of Arts degree in finance from Creighton’s College of Business in 1998.
While at Creighton, she was a three-time First-Team All-Conference honoree and, for her play her junior year, was named the MVC’s Player of the Year. An outstanding student, Carrie was a second-team Academic All-American during her senior year. A strong competitor, Carrie understood how to use her talents, energy and emotions to positively advance the program while remaining committed to her family, teammates and education.
In reflecting upon Carrie Welle Anderson, women’s basketball Coach Jim Flanery said that what first came to mind was the importance of her family in her life and her life in theirs. Carrie knew when she came to Creighton that she wanted the entire experience and she pursued it in a sincere and energetic way. She used her boundless energy to impact many lives, from teammates to classmates, from faculty to coaches. She had a gift for being supportive and just being there for others.
It is with pride and gratitude that Creighton University and its alumni association name Carrie Welle Anderson as a member of the Creighton University Athletic Hall of Fame, this eighth day of April, two thousand and nine.
Rick D. Freehling, BSBA'94
The 1991 Creighton baseball team remains Creighton University’s only team, to date, to make it to the College World Series. Team member Rick Freehling was key in getting the team to that level.
Rick received his Bachelor of Science in business administration degree from Creighton, in 1994. An excellent athlete, he set multiple university records, many yet unmatched. He retains the #1 record at Creighton for all-time hits, career total bases and all-time triples. He is second for all-time runs scored and all-time walks.
Through his leadership, Rick gained his teammates consensus in working toward common goals. His courage in battling back from his own injuries made him one of the best to wear a Bluejay uniform and inspired his teammates to play with desire and with heart.
Many of the players from the early 90s’ teams went on to play professional baseball, with Rick signing on with the Florida Marlins. It has been more than 15 years since the team has played as a unit; however, teammates remain very close and hold deep regard for Rick.
It is, therefore, with great pleasure that Creighton University and its alumni association name Rick Freehling as a member of the Creighton University Athletic Hall of Fame, this eighth day of April, two thousand and nine.