2023 UMA Athletic Hall of Fame and Athlete Awards

From Left to Right, Carmen Bragg '18, Brendan Gilpatrick, Dean Graham '90
From Left to Right: Carmen Bragg ’18, Brendan Gilpatrick, Dean Graham ’90

The UMA Sports Hall of Fame has inducted three new individuals for 2023, adding stellar athletic contributors from men’s and women’s sports to the existing 18-member Hall. The public is invited to attend an evening of recognition of athletes and supporters from both the past and present on Friday, May 5, 2023, from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm at UMA’s Augusta campus in the Kennebec Savings Bank Fireside Lounge, Randall Student Center, 46 University Dr., Augusta, Maine.

Established in 2018, UMA’s Hall of Fame recognizes individuals or teams who have made outstanding contributions to UMA athletics. Each has helped bring excellence and distinction to the University and its athletic programs.

The Class of 2023 Hall of Famers was selected by the UMA Sports Hall of Fame committee and approved by UMA interim president, Joseph Szakas and Athletic Director Chris Hart.

Honorees for 2023 include:

Brendan Gilpatrick – Brendan is the first coach in UMA history to win a USCAA National Invitational Championship (women’s track and field). Brendan was integral in the implementation of the track and field program at UMA. He helped to create and implement off season training programs for all student-athletes and improved UMA gym facilities to ensure student-athlete success. Brendan was instrumental in the formation of the student-athlete lounge at the Augusta Fitness Center, providing a space for all athletes to connect. Most of all, Brendan make strong personal connections with the student-athletes at UMA and put in the extra time, effort, and energy to ensure that they succeeded academically, felt supported, and were always heard.

Carmen Bragg ’18 – Carmen was the USCAA National Student-Athlete of the Year in 2017. While at UMA, Carmen surpassed the 1,000-point mark for her collegiate basketball career. She earned numerous player of the week honors, as well as earned a spot on the YSCC All Conference team in both basketball and cross country. She is a three-time USCAA National Academic All—American. As a UMA student, she volunteered weekly at the Augusta Food Bank, at numerous blood drives, campus clean-up initiatives, and spent time caroling for the homeless during the holidays. She served in the Student Government Association, the Honors Program, and as an Admission Ambassador where she worked closely with potential new students.

Dean Graham ’90 – 3 Years Team Captain, 1523 career points, 962 career rebounds. NAIA District 4 All Star. 4 year starter; Career average double 16.2 PPG 10.2RBPG 3 year team captain 1987-‘88,1988-’89, 1989-’90. Dean graduated in 1990 with Bachelor’s degree in BA as the all-time leader in points (1523), and rebounds (962). He was a Maine College Basketball Coaches and Writers Association Rebounding Leader District 5 NAIA 1986-’87, and 1987-’88 seasons Recipient of the Dick Haskell UMA Commitment Award. He was selected to the NAIA District 5 All Northeast College Conference Team 1988-’89 and 1989-’90 seasons NAIA District 5 All Star selection in 1990. Dean was assistant coach for Men’s Basketball at UMA for 2 seasons 1990-’91 and 1991-’92.

We will also be announcing award winners for current UMA Student Athletes which will include Player of the Year, Individual Team Awards, Highest Team GPA, and recognize some great accomplishments from the past year.