KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Western Michigan Athletics will induct the 2014 Hall of Fame class, Friday, Nov. 14 at the Fetzer Center and this week wmubroncos.com will take a look at each of our inductees: Jason Babin, football (2000-03), Larissa Chinwah-Mavros, women's tennis (1999-2002), Tracy Daniel, softball/volleyball (1983-86), Jamal Mayers, ice hockey (1993-96), Leon McGee, men's basketball (1991-93) and Dick Pond, men's track & field (1960-61).
Larissa Chinwah-Mavros
Chinwah-Mavros was a magician on the tennis court. All that talent and skill did not come overnight however as hard work and great coaching formed her into one of the best to come through the women's tennis program.
Chinwah-Mavros played from 1999-2002, garnering First-Tame All-Mid-American Conference awards each year. Not only was she a great tennis player but a great student with three Academic All-MAC selections (2000-02). She was the 1999 MAC Freshman of the Year and was a vital part in the 1999 and 2000 MAC Championship and NCAA participant teams. Chinwah-Mavros ranks 26th on the all-time wins list with 152.
“The recognition of my hard work, perseverance and dedication is overwhelming,” said Chinwah-Mavros. “I am proud to be among a group of the greatest athletes in WMU history.”
The pinnacle moment for Chinwah-Mavros came at the 2000 MAC Championships when her family from Australia traveled to watch her compete for the first time in nearly four years. In a match against Marshall University, Chinwah-Mavros played a near flawless match and helped the Broncos win their second straight MAC Championship.
“It was the best team atmosphere I have ever been a part of,” said Chinwah-Mavros. “To win in front of my parents, grandparents, brother and friends was amazing.”
In life there are many times when you have to take a chance and hope that it turns out in your favor. Chinwah-Mavros took a chance at WMU when she had met a group of tennis players who were going to WMU when she was competing in Germany. After connecting with head coach Betsy Kuhle, that chance turned into a Hall of Fame career.
“I am glad that I took the chance and am thankful that coach Kuhle also took the chance on me, “said Chinwah-Mavros. “She recruited a kid from the other side of the world based on just one video.”
It was Coach Kuhle's demeanor as both a coach and a mentor that affected Chinwah-Mavors not only throughout her collegiate days but post-graduation as well.
“She helped me reach my fullest potential and helped me navigate through some of the most difficult times in my personal life,” said Chinwah-Mavros.
After graduating from WMU, Chinwah-Mavros pursued a master's degree in public relations and journalism at fellow MAC school, Ball State. For the Cardinals she served as the women's tennis graduate assistant coach for three years. Upon completion of her Master's, Chinwah-Mavros headed to the windy city of Chicago to be a staff writer for the Daily Herald newspaper. During her seven year stint with the newspaper she covered local politics and education. Chinwah-Mavros is now a communications specialist in Minneapolis.
Chinwah-Mavros becomes the 12th member of the women's tennis program to be inducted into the WMU Hall of Fame and the first athlete to be inducted since 2008.
