Hall of Fame
Success as a two-sport athlete has landed Kimyenna Abron in the Benedictine University Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2017.
"Being in the Hall of Fame is very humbling," Abron said. "Running track has always been my first love, but being introduced to soccer by my English teacher in high school, took me to a whole different level. I never knew running track or playing soccer would get me this point of being honored in the Hall of Fame. I am grateful, appreciative and forever humbled by this induction."
Abron still holds the school records in women's outdoor track and field in the 100 and 200 meters. Abron is the only woman to run under 12 seconds in the 100 meters in school history, cruising to an 11.99 in 2008. Abron is also still the holder of the indoor records in the 55 meters and the 200 meters, also set in 2008 when she was named as the Most Valuable Runner and earning All-America status in the 100 meters outdoors.
Like Edward Hobart, also an inductee this year and the first men's soccer player inducted, Abron is the first women's soccer player to be inducted.
Abron doubles as one of the best women's soccer players in school history. Abron was a three-year letterwinner and a two-time All-NACC selection, earning honorable mention status in 2006 and a second team nod in 2007. Abron finished with 22 career goals, including five game-winners. She was second on the team in scoring in 2006 and 2007.
"My time at Benedictine influenced me personally because it taught me the importance of just being a person and living, mingling and uniting with people from all over with different backgrounds and not being viewed by the color of skin or gender but personality," Abron said. "Benedictine taught me how being diverse in personality and in the mind can take you places."
Outside of athletic success, Abron was heavily involved in the Benedictine community. Abron served as President of Benedictine's African American Student Union from 2006-08. She also served as Vice President of the Benedictine Gospel Choir and worked as a member of Benedictine's Funding Review Boards. Abron earned a leadership certificate for the third annual fashion show, 'Rock the Runway'.
Abron stayed at Benedictine to serve as a coach with the women's soccer team in 2008 and a volunteer recruiter for track and field.
"I am grateful, appreciative and forever humbled by this induction," Abron said. "I want to thank Dr. Carroll (former Benedictine University president), who gave me an opportunity of a lifetime to play soccer overseas, to the coaches who pushed me with their kind words to run track and not give up on soccer, to my teammates and to my friends and family who always showed support."
Abron is the second member of the Class of 2008 to enter the Hall of Fame. Tamika Curtis (Women's Basketball) was inducted last year.
