BETHANY, Okla.—Southern Nazarene University Athletics is proud to unveil the 2025 Hall of Fame Class, honoring five individuals whose legacies have shaped SNU Athletics' history. This year's inductees span multiple sports and generations, representing excellence in performance, leadership, and character.
The 2025 class includes men's basketball legend Jim Dimick, volleyball standout Delia Febres, national title-winning coach and university leader Dr. Loren Gresham, softball All-American Amy Madden, and tennis national champion Larikah Russell.
Jim Dimick – Men's Basketball (1964–1968)
Following Southern Nazarene's 60th anniversary of intercollegiate athletics celebrated last school year, Jim Dimick's induction serves as a fitting tribute to the program's foundational years. A member of Coach David Baker's inaugural 1964–65 team, Dimick quickly became the face of men's basketball at Bethany Nazarene College. He led the team in scoring all four years, averaging 21.3 points per game as a freshman and recording multiple 30-point games, including a 35-point performance against John Brown University.
Former teammate and coach Larry Mills called Dimick "the true cornerstone of launching the era of intercollegiate athletics at Southern Nazarene University." He was known as the consummate teammate, a deep thinker, and an excellent student. Dimick's No. 14 jersey was retired in 1968 — the only men's basketball number ever retired — and he passed away in 1993 while studying for the ministry in Boston, living out the valuable Christian principles learned at Bethany Nazarene College.
Delia Febres – Volleyball (1981–1983)
Delia Febres made her mark on SNU Volleyball during a decorated career filled with postseason honors and clutch performances. She was named All-Sooner Athletic Conference, earned All-NAIA District 9 First-Team honors, and was named MVP of the District 9 Tournament. She also received recognition on the All-NCCAA Regional Team and the NCCAA National All-Tournament Team.
Former head coach Dr. Stephane Shellenberger described her as "the epitome of the complete volleyball player," adding that her physical gifts and natural leadership helped lead SNU to its first NAIA District Championship. She praised her as a model of the Christian student-athlete, saying, "Delia placed a time stamp on the future success of the volleyball program and the decorated history of women's athletics at SNU."
Dr. Loren Gresham – Men's Basketball Coach (1979–1986)
Dr. Loren Gresham's impact on Southern Nazarene University is immeasurable. As the head men's basketball coach from 1979 to 1986, he amassed 145 wins and coached 19 All-Conference players and one NAIA All-American. In 1980–81, he guided SNU to a Sooner Athletic Conference Co-Championship, a District Nine Title, and the program's first men's NAIA National Championship.
Beyond coaching, Dr. Gresham served the university for over four decades — most notably as SNU president — shaping generations of students. SNU President Dr. Keith Newman said, "Dr. Gresham's legacy is lived out in thousands of places and countless ways each day as SNU alumni serve with the grace modeled for them through his life. I count it a great privilege to follow in his footsteps." His steady vision and commitment to Christian education have left an enduring mark on the university he so faithfully led.
Amy Madden – Softball (2010–2013)
Amy Madden is one of the most prolific hitters in SNU Softball history. A two-time NAIA All-American and a three-time All-Central Region selection, she became the first All-Conference player of SNU's NCAA Division II era in 2013. Her record-setting career included 50 home runs and 213 RBIs — both standing as program records.
Former head coach Tere Webber called her "one of the most driven and motivated players I've had the privilege of coaching." Despite the demanding schedule of a Pre-Med major, Madden put in countless hours on her own to perfect her game. Webber added, "Her growth as a young woman was encapsulated by being named the President's Outstanding Female — and that's what made me most proud."
Larikah Russell – Tennis (2002–2006)
Larikah Russell dominated the national small college tennis scene during her four-year career at SNU. A four-year starter at No. 1 singles and doubles, she won four Intercollegiate Tennis Association Small College National Championships — three in singles and one in doubles — and earned three invitations to the NCAA Division I Indoor National Championships.
Coach Phil White described her as "one of the best all-around athletes to ever attend SNU" and highlighted her Final Four leadership run in the NAIA national championship. He also praised her humility and faith, adding, "She was always looking to build up teammates and demonstrated Christlike character in everything she did." Following graduation, Russell represented the Bahamas in international tennis and softball competitions and is now a top coach in the Bahamas, where she continues to inspire future generations.
The 2025 Hall of Fame class will be officially honored at a special induction ceremony this fall.
Click here for more information on the SNU Athletics Hall of Fame.
