The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Selects Gaitan and Jackson as Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Members
8/15/2017 3:49:00 PM | Blazer Boosters
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – UAB will enshrine five new members into the Athletics Hall of Fame, continuing upon the tradition that was conceived in 2009. The class of 2017 includes former men's soccer star Daniel Gaitan and women's basketball legend Deanna Jackson, the first names released among this year's honorees.
"We are grateful to have such exemplary individuals in this class, beginning with Daniel Gaitan and Deanna Jackson," UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram said. "These recipients are exceptional representatives of our university and are more than worthy of the Hall of Fame honors being bestowed upon their name."
In just two full seasons from 1979-1980, Daniel Gaitan holds multiple school records, which includes: career goals (57), career points (133- 57 goals, 19 assists), single season goals (35), single season assists (14), and points in a season (84).
Not surprisingly, his single season goals per game average (1.32) and single season points per game average (3.09) are also the best of any Blazer. Another of Gaitan's noteworthy accomplishments is his place at the top of the record books for most goals scored in a single game, a feat he achieved when he knocked in seven during a contest against Valdosta State. Additionally, he holds the other top three spots in the aforementioned category, recording five goals in a game on three separate occasions.
"When I learned that I was selected to be inducted into the UAB Hall of Fame, I was incredibly humbled and truly honored," Gaitan stated. "Soccer is a passion of mine and I worked very hard to be the best athlete that I could be. Playing soccer for UAB was one of the greatest privileges and accomplishments during my soccer career. I am most appreciative for this recognition."
The first UAB player drafted by the WNBA (8th overall to Cleveland), Deanna Jackson was the first Conference USA player to record 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds over the course of her career. Jackson routinely accumulated All-Conference and All-American honors during her time on campus (1998-2002), which culminated with AP All-America recognition (third team) following the 2001 season.
Jackson was also tabbed as the 2001 Conference USA Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Women's Naismith College Basketball Player of the Year award. She was the Conference USA Freshman of the Year following the 1998-1999 season, and was named to the Conference USA All-Tournament team at the end of her sophomore year. After breaking her fibula early in the 2002 season while leading the nation in scoring at 26.2 points per game, Jackson received Honorary Conference USA Player of the Year recognition.
She is second in UAB history with 2,144 points and is the career leader in total rebounds (1,118) and rebounds per game (11.0). Additionally, Jackson holds four other UAB individual records: points in a game, free throws made, free throws attempted, and minutes played. Named to the Conference USA All-Decade team in 2005, Jackson has her jersey retired at UAB.
"I want to thank UAB for inducting me into the Hall of Fame. It's an honor and a blessing. Words cannot express how I feel; thank you again for everything," Jackson said.
UAB will announce its next two Class of 2017 inductees on Wednesday. To keep up with the latest in UAB sports, follow @UAB_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram.
"We are grateful to have such exemplary individuals in this class, beginning with Daniel Gaitan and Deanna Jackson," UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram said. "These recipients are exceptional representatives of our university and are more than worthy of the Hall of Fame honors being bestowed upon their name."
In just two full seasons from 1979-1980, Daniel Gaitan holds multiple school records, which includes: career goals (57), career points (133- 57 goals, 19 assists), single season goals (35), single season assists (14), and points in a season (84).
Not surprisingly, his single season goals per game average (1.32) and single season points per game average (3.09) are also the best of any Blazer. Another of Gaitan's noteworthy accomplishments is his place at the top of the record books for most goals scored in a single game, a feat he achieved when he knocked in seven during a contest against Valdosta State. Additionally, he holds the other top three spots in the aforementioned category, recording five goals in a game on three separate occasions.
"When I learned that I was selected to be inducted into the UAB Hall of Fame, I was incredibly humbled and truly honored," Gaitan stated. "Soccer is a passion of mine and I worked very hard to be the best athlete that I could be. Playing soccer for UAB was one of the greatest privileges and accomplishments during my soccer career. I am most appreciative for this recognition."
The first UAB player drafted by the WNBA (8th overall to Cleveland), Deanna Jackson was the first Conference USA player to record 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds over the course of her career. Jackson routinely accumulated All-Conference and All-American honors during her time on campus (1998-2002), which culminated with AP All-America recognition (third team) following the 2001 season.
Jackson was also tabbed as the 2001 Conference USA Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Women's Naismith College Basketball Player of the Year award. She was the Conference USA Freshman of the Year following the 1998-1999 season, and was named to the Conference USA All-Tournament team at the end of her sophomore year. After breaking her fibula early in the 2002 season while leading the nation in scoring at 26.2 points per game, Jackson received Honorary Conference USA Player of the Year recognition.
She is second in UAB history with 2,144 points and is the career leader in total rebounds (1,118) and rebounds per game (11.0). Additionally, Jackson holds four other UAB individual records: points in a game, free throws made, free throws attempted, and minutes played. Named to the Conference USA All-Decade team in 2005, Jackson has her jersey retired at UAB.
"I want to thank UAB for inducting me into the Hall of Fame. It's an honor and a blessing. Words cannot express how I feel; thank you again for everything," Jackson said.
UAB will announce its next two Class of 2017 inductees on Wednesday. To keep up with the latest in UAB sports, follow @UAB_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram.
UAB Baseball | The Quick Cut: at Alabama
Thursday, April 23
UAB Beach Volleyball | The Quick Cut: Blazer Beach Bash
Saturday, April 18
UAB Softball | The Quick Cut: Memphis Series
Thursday, April 09
UAB vs ECU Post Game Press Conference
Sunday, March 08
