Nov. 29, 2007

Galen Morton, Sports Information Director, Dickinson State University

The driving force of Dickinson State's 2000 NAIA National Championship was properly recognized by her sport this week. For her outstanding achievements, Neslihan Yilmaz, the NAIA Player of the Year in 2000, was formerly inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame at the banquet of champions on Tuesday, November 27th, held in conjunction with the 2007 NAIA Volleyball National Championship in Columbia, Mo.

Individuals inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame must be persons of outstanding quality, high moral character, fine leadership ability and must be held in high esteem by their colleagues, former coaches and former athletes.

"The NAIA is proud to recognize an impressive Hall of Fame class. These individuals represent character-driven intercollegiate athletics and the proud tradition of the association," said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr. "It is an honor to celebrate these admirable student-athletes, coaches and athletic administrators for their roles in sport. The NAIA looks forward to honoring each inductee at NAIA events throughout the year."

The Hall of Fame consists of a division for each sport currently or formerly sponsored by the association and a division for general meritorious service to the NAIA. Each sport division is divided into three categories: athlete, coach and meritorious service.

Yilmaz, a native of Istanbul, Turkey is the Blue Hawk career leader in kills (2648), kills per game average (5.12) and digs (1979). She also holds the record for kills in a match (53) and in one season (774).

Neslihan Yilmaz exemplified the discipline, character, persistence, concern for others and sportsmanship necessary to grow as a student-athlete, leader and person while playing volleyball at Dickinson State from 1996 to 2000. She clearly exemplified the attributes of the NAIA's Champions of Character program and her individual and team performance improved each year during her career. Yilmaz was named All-American all four years, 2000 NAIA Player of the Year and 2000 NAIA Championships Player of the Year. Her contribution to the DSU Blue Hawk volleyball team was highlighted by a National Championship title during her senior year.

Her presence and actions on the court, at the University and in the community exemplified the very essence of character-driven intercollegiate athletics.

Yilmaz was also honored on Monday November 26 at the Dickinson State University Alumni and Foundation House. To learn more about DSU volleyball click here.

For the complete 2007-08 NAIA Hall of Fame release click here.