Skip To Main Content

Hiram College

q

Hiram College Announces 2026 Hollinger Hall of Fame Inductees

Five Inductees To Be Honored On Saturday

10/26/2026 11:59:00 AM

HIRAM, Ohio — Five former Hiram College student-athletes will be recognized for their achievements and contributions to Terrier athletics as members of the 2026 William Hollinger Athletic Hall of Fame class. The induction ceremony will take place Saturday, October 31, as part of Hiram's Homecoming celebration. 

The 2026 class includes Jessica Bolanz '14 (softball), David Mason '10 (men's soccer), Santiago Morales '11 (men's swimming), Kristi Opfer '12 (women's volleyball) and Aaron Stefanov '14 (men's basketball). 

The inductees will gather for a private breakfast before being honored during the Homecoming football game at Charles A. Henry Field, which kicks off at 3 p.m. 

Named in honor of William "Bill" Hollinger '43, the Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose athletic accomplishments, leadership and service have made a lasting impact on Hiram College. Hollinger dedicated decades to the institution as a coach, athletic director, faculty member and scholar. Although he retired in 1989, he remained connected to the College until his passing in 2011. The Hall of Fame continues to reflect his lasting influence on Terrier athletics. 

Jessica Bolanz '14 | Softball 

Bolanz left her mark on the Hiram softball record book during her four-year career, becoming one of the program's most accomplished hitters. She earned All-North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) honors in 2013 and 2014 and received All-Region Honorable Mention recognition in 2013. 

Her career totals include a program-record 24 home runs, 120 runs batted in and a .595 slugging percentage. She ranks second in program history in both RBIs and slugging percentage. Bolanz also earned NCAC Player of the Week honors three times during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. 

As part of the 2011 Terrier squad, Bolanz helped Hiram earn a berth in the NCAA Regional Tournament. Following graduation, she established a career in the restaurant industry. 

David Mason '10 | Men's Soccer 

Mason was a standout on the Hiram men's soccer team throughout his four-year career, earning recognition at the conference, regional and state levels. He was named Second Team All-NCAC in 2007 before earning First Team honors in 2008 and 2009. He also received All-Region and All-Ohio recognition in each of his final two seasons. 

Mason's accomplishments earned him the Donald M. Campbell Award in 2010, presented to Hiram's outstanding male athlete. His involvement on campus extended beyond the soccer field, where he served as a resident assistant, campus tour guide and tour guide trainer and participated in several student activities. 

Mason has since built a professional career in engineering and clean energy. He serves as chief operating officer at Better Together Brain Trust, leading electric vehicle charging project development across Massachusetts and New England. 

Santiago Morales '11 | Men's Swimming 

Morales established himself as one of the most accomplished swimmers in Hiram history during his career from 2007 to 2011. He set records in four individual events and contributed to three record-setting relay teams. He continues to hold two individual program records and all three relay records, along with several marks established at the Alumni Memorial Pool. 

His impact at Hiram extended beyond competition through his involvement in undergraduate research, student leadership and campus service. Morales received the Michael Dively Leadership Award in 2011. 

After completing his undergraduate studies, Morales earned a master's degree and doctorate in psychology from Pennsylvania State University. He now serves as an assistant professor of psychology and pediatrics at the University of Southern California. His research centers on emotional development and regulation in children, and he has authored more than 90 scientific publications. 

Kristi Opfer '12 | Women's Volleyball 

Opfer helped establish a successful era for Hiram women's volleyball during her four seasons with the Terriers from 2008 to 2011. She earned Second Team All-NCAC honors in 2009 before securing First Team recognition in both 2010 and 2011. Her senior season also included selection to the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Great Lakes Region team. 

Opfer was part of the 2010 team that captured the NCAC regular-season championship and the 2011 squad that advanced to the NCAA Tournament. She remains one of Hiram's most efficient hitters, ranking second in career attack percentage at .314. 

A graduate of Hiram's Accounting and Financial Management program, Opfer has continued her professional career in the private sector. She currently works as a senior client services associate at Flexjet. 

Aaron Stefanov '14 | Men's Basketball 

Stefanov finished his Hiram basketball career among the program's all-time scoring leaders, totaling 1,469 points from 2010 to 2014. His career scoring total ranks fifth in Terrier men's basketball history. 

He was named NCAC Newcomer of the Year in 2010–11, earned Second Team All-NCAC honors in 2012–13 and was selected to the First Team in 2013–14. Stefanov also received the Donald M. Campbell Award. 

Known for his shooting ability, Stefanov holds Hiram career records for three-pointers made, three-point attempts and free-throw percentage. He also set Hiram and NCAC single-game records by converting all six of his three-point attempts in a contest. 

Since graduating, Stefanov has worked as a certified public accountant at Escott & Company in Kent, Ohio. He has remained involved in athletics through coaching youth basketball and baseball. 

The 2026 William Hollinger Athletic Hall of Fame class represents excellence across five Hiram athletic programs. Through their achievements in competition, leadership on campus and continued professional success, Bolanz, Mason, Morales, Opfer and Stefanov exemplify the lasting impact of Hiram student-athletes. 

Print Friendly Version

Ad

Sponsors Rotator