Auburn, ME - Central Maine Community College (CMCC) proudly announces the induction of four distinguished individuals into its esteemed Athletics Hall of Fame. The new inductees, Shawn Spadea, Laura Murphy (Soohey), Samantha Belardo, and Joe Cormier, will be honored at a celebration to be held at the historic Poland Spring Inn in Poland, Maine, on Friday, October 18th, 2024.
Shawn Spadea, recognized for his exceptional achievements in basketball during his tenure at CM. Shawn was recongized on the Men's Basketball All-Decade Team of 1990-2000 and ranks 3rd on the All-Time Men's Basketball Scoring list with 1,474 points. He holds the record for points scored in a single season with 852. Addtionally, Shawn was recongized as All-American, Academic All-American, and All-Conference.
Laura Murphy, earned All-American honors in basketball, while also participating in softball. In her 2.5 seasons, Laura helped lead the Mustangs to two Yankee Conference Tournament and Regular Season Championships. Her career was highlighted with the programs first appearance in the national title game in 2014. Laura was a 2014 USCAA Honorable Mentional All-American and Academic All-American, and followed that up in 2015 by being named a USCAA 1st Team All-American, an Academic All-American, and YSCC 1st Team All-Conference. Laura also holds the Women's Basketball program record for rebounds in a single game, with 21. She finished her playing career, on scholarship, at NAIA Rochester College in Michigan. In 2021, Laura was recognized as part of the CMCC Women's Basketball All-Decade Team, and in 2022 her 2013-14 team was inducted into the CMCC Athletics Hall of Fame.
Samantha Belardo's impact on soccer at CMCC remains legendary, marked by her still holding the programs All-Time scoring record with 33 goals. Samantha was a 2019 USCAA 2nd Team All-American and a 2021 USCAA 1st Team All-American and YSCC All-Conference player. in 2019, Samantha helped lead the women's soccer team to their first ever Yankee Conference Tournament Championship Game where they finished as runner-up. In 2021, she was recognized as part of the CMCC Women's Soccer All-Decade Team.
Joe Cormier, known for his prowess in soccer left an indelible mark on CM athletics with his outstanding achievements and sportsmanship. Joe had a sensational 1997 men's soccer season as a Goalkeeper, forming a duo with Cliff Thurston. Together the pair set the then-program record for fewest goals allowed in a season with just 14 conceded in 1997. Cormier registered 16 saves in a single game vs Concord in 1997, second most in program history.
"We are thrilled to welcome Shawn, Laura, Samantha, and Joe into the CMCC Athletics Hall of Fame," said CMCC Athletic Director, Dave Gonyea. "Their contributions to our athletic legacy are truly remarkable, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements at the upcoming induction ceremony."
The induction ceremony will take place at the Poland Spring Inn, a venue steeped in history and tradition, providing an ideal backdrop for honoring these outstanding individuals. The event will include a cocktail reception followed by a formal dinner and induction ceremony. Tickets for the event can be purchased here: https://centralmaine.cc/HOF-2024
