By John-Paul Bonadonna
The Windsor-Essex County Sports Hall of Fame (WECSHOF) shines a bright spotlight on University of Windsor alumni.
Among the distinguished inductees, five Lancers stand out for their connection to our campus and community: Melissa Bishop-‑Nriagu, Noelle Montcalm, Korissa Williams, Kara Ro and Andy Kiss.
The Lancers were among a strong roster of inductees including Olympians and national champions to coaches and builders of sport including Steve Bell, Bruce Carter, Tyrone Crawford, Jordan Steen and Luke Willson.
Melissa Bishop-Nriagu’s (BHK ‘10, B.Ed ‘11) storied career includes a silver medal in the 800 metre at the 2015 World Championships — the first podium finish for a Canadian woman in that event — and service to Team Canada in multiple Olympic Games. On campus she earned numerous all-Canadian and Ontario University Athletics (OUA) all-star honours and captured UWindsor’s Banner Shield for top female athlete.
Noelle Montcalm (BScN ‘12) likewise represented Canada at the Olympic level and led UWindsor’s track program to provincial and national titles. She is also the recipient of multiple OUA MVP awards.
Korissa Williams (BComm ‘15) has been celebrated as one of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Top 100 women’s basketball players of the century. Her performance in OUA and CIS championships elevated the Lancers women’s program.
Kara Ro (BA ‘00) captained the University of Windsor Lancers women’s volleyball team before her record-setting journey to undefeated pro boxer. She remains involved as a boxing and MMA trainer, ring announcer and expert commentator.
Andy Kiss (BSc ’85 / BComm ’88) claimed Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations gold as both a high school athlete and teacher. That same success followed his move to coaching the St. Clair Saints, earning medals four times since 2013.
From the track to the court and from the ring to the bench, these alumni embody Lancer spirit.
Congratulations to Melissa Bishop-Nriagu, Noelle Montcalm, Korissa Williams, Kara Ro and Andy Kiss on this well-deserved honour.