Athletics Inducts 2025 Hall of Fame Class

Gainesville, Georgia- The Brenau University Department of Athletics unveiled its 2025 Hall of Fame class on Friday, honoring cross country/track and field runner Brittany Aikens Norris, soccer player Dana Garner Chapman, swimmer Courtney Hayward and track and field/swimmer/cheerleader Ayana Daniels. 

Vice President for Athletics and head soccer coach Mike Lochstampfor touted the versatility and all-around excellence of this class, saying, “This class had everything, including a soccer player with numerous accolades who was instrumental in elevating the program as both a player and assistant coach, a distance runner who competed in multiple championship meets and set multiple records, one of Brenau's most competitive and successful distance swimmers who still holds several NAIA national championship records, and a dual sport athlete competing as both the university's first diver, as well as being an incredibly talented pole vaulter who helped both teams garner several conference championships”

“Additionally, each of these inductees excelled academically and they were all engaged in campus activities on the side,” noted Lochstampfor.  

Aikens Norris (2012-2015) has the distinction of being the first cross country runner  to be inducted into the Brenau Athletics Hall of Fame. Blazingly fast on the cross country trail, Aikens Norris was also a trailblazer for the cross country program as the first Brenau runner to qualify for the NAIA national meet, which she did all four years of her collegiate career.  Aikens Norris holds the fastest time in the outdoor 10,000 meter run and is ranked among the school leaders in the indoor and outdoor 5K races.  In 2014, she was tops among Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) runners, by winning the 10,000 meter run. A multiple SSAC All-Conference award winner during her career. Aikens Norris also excelled in the classroom by receiving NAIA Scholar Athlete and SSAC All-Academic recognition throughout her four years at Brenau

Garner Chapman (2002-2005/2009-2010) contributed to Brenau in a dual capacity as both a standout soccer player and assistant soccer coach. During her standout playing career, she posted 43 goals and 20 assists, which ranks her among the best to suit up for the Golden Tigers soccer team. In 2005, she led the team in goals, and was honored as her team’s Most Valuable Player and as a AAC First-Team All-Conference player. Noted for her leadership ability, Garner Chapman was a three-time team captain, which translated well into her career as an assistant coach. During her coaching tenure, Garner Chapman’s impact is unquestioned as she was instrumental in recruiting fellow BU Hall of Fame members Lily Futrell and Marilyn Anderson, both of whom were inducted in 2024.

Heyward, (2014-2017) enters the Hall of Fame as one of the most decorated swimmers in NAIA history.  A nine-time NAIA All-American, Heyward made her mark in the 400 IM, 500 freestyle, 1650 freestyle, and as a member of both the 400 medley and  800 freestyle relay teams. Individually, the Queensland, Australia native won eight individual swimming titles, including a dominant run from 2014-2017 in the 500 freestyle where she won the event in three consecutive seasons. Heyward received CollegeSwimming National Swimmer of the Week three times and won 10 individual conference titles. She also currently holds five individual Brenau swimming records.  

Daniels (2016-2019) is among the most versatile of inductees as a standout in track and field, diving and cheerleading. Daniels immediately made her own mark on the track by earning SSAC Freshman of the Year recognition. Her impact on winning was immediately evident as she served as a two-time team captain as her leadership and athletic ability helped propel the squad to four consecutive SSAC team titles. As a member of the Brenau swimming and diving team, the multi talented stalwart also earned an individual title in diving and was a part of three conference championships. Daniels maintained her commitment to leadership and the spirit of team by serving as a four-year spirit cheerleader for the Golden Tigers.

“This is a phenomenal group of women that were inducted this year and I'm grateful for their numerous contributions to the university and am proud of their personal and professional achievements!” 

Additionally, Brenau senior basketball player Kayla Stafford received the fourth annual Michael Clanton Excellence in Athletics Award.  The McDonough, Ga. native excelled on and off the court during her Golden Tiger career.

“Kayla’s work ethic, academic performance, leadership and volunteerism are traits that best represent the spirit of the Clanton Award” said Stewart. “She worked incredibly hard to become a dominant player for the basketball team, but more importantly, she embodies the Brenau Ideal and made a significantly positive mark on the University”.  

The Clanton award is the highest award given by the Brenau University athletic department. The award honors former head athletic trainer, Mike Clanton, who dedicated his effort, time and passion to the Brenau athletic department. Requirements for the award may include, a minimum of a 3.25 grade point average, have junior or senior status with at least two years enrolled at Brenau, and Brenau and outside community involvement and contribution to the team;

Started in 2013, the Brenau Athletics Hall of Fame is now represented by 47 former athletes, coaches and benefactors of the Brenau Athletics Department.