WALL OF FAME MEMBERS

JILL (BRANDT) LYNN
V-HAWKS WOMEN'S BASKETBALL 1993-1996

“Jill Brandt is, and always will be, the cornerstone of our basketball program,” said her basketball coach, Bobbi, Vandenberg.

As the first recruit in a new era of Viterbo Women's Basketball, Brandt was asked to handle the ball, score from the perimeter, rebound, run the floor, defend the opponent's quickest player, and often play over 30 minutes in a game.

“She set the tone in practice and in games with her effort,” said Vandenberg. “Her positive attitude during some challenging times allowed our young players to see the big picture and gain confidence that winning seasons were right around the corner. There is now a tradition of players in her mold that has allowed the program to grow and succeed.”

Over her three year career, Jill averaged a modest 8.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while being asked to fill varying roles. But ask any player that was on Brandt's team and they would tell you that she led the squad every year in floor burns and leadership.

Brandt was an excellent student, earning NAIA All-America Scholar-Athlete recognition after her senior year, and picking up an NCBT Scholar-Athlete award from Senator Bill Bradley during her career. She also excelled on the volleyball court, where she played two seasons for the V-Hawks.

Jill Brandt was instrumental in laying the foundation for a V-Hawk women's basketball program that, after her departure, would quickly grow to a team of national prominence. Without the presence of Brandt, the V-Hawks would have been missing part of their identity-the hustle, work ethic and intensity that exist today.

Chris Lee was simply one of the most talented baseball pitchers to ever take the mound for Viterbo.

“Everyone knew that when Chris was on the mound, we had a great chance to win,” said his coach, Sean McDermott. “He brought a great deal of confidence to his teammates simply because he had that ability to dominate on any given day.”

And dominate he did. At he end of his four-year career at Viterbo, he held eight V-Hawk pitching records, including the most career victories with 21. At the time of graduation, he had also pitched more innings (244), started more games (39), and threw more complete games (20) than any other player had in the history of Viterbo baseball. He finished second all-time in career strike-outs (180), and even cemented his name in the record book for his performance at the plate; in a game during his sophomore season, he became the first V-Hawk to ever hit for the cycle.

“I think Chris really enjoyed the spotlight and seemed to perform his best when it counted most,” said McDermott. “He pitched in a lot of big games, and really seemed to love those opportunities.”

His performances certainly didn't go unnoticed. After earning All-Conference Honorable-Mention accolades his freshman year, he was named to the MCC First Team during his junior and senior seasons.

According to some observers, Lee had the potential to even play professionally. However, a little over a year after he graduated from Viterbo, Chris was tragically killed in a car accident.

Chris Lee will long be remembered at Viterbo for his engaging personality, ever-present smile, and as one of the best players to ever lace up a pair of cleats for the V-Hawks.