Liza Janssen Petra '94 to be Inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame

WELLESLEY, Mass. -- Liza Janssen Petra '94 will be inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame at a major ceremony at the DCU Center in Worcester on August 8th, 2015. She will join other honorees representing a variety of categories, ranging from high school players to senior adults who still play the game at age 65 and over. The New England Basketball Hall of Fame dinner has become one of the largest sports dinners in America. Approximately 1,900 people will be present on August 8th.

The August 8th ceremony will be preceded on August 7th with activities at the iconic St. Mary's High School Gymnasium in Worcester. The August 7th program will include the first Annual New England Basketball Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete Game between high school scholar-athlete teams representing Boston and Worcester. On August 8th, the festivities will include a series of panel discussions featuring Hall of Famer's David Thompson and Dave Cowens, and a special ceremony in celebration of the History of Women's Basketball in New England.   

A member of the inaugural Wellesley Athletics Hall of Fame class inducted in 2014, Liza Janssen Petra was a nationally recognized force during her four-year basketball career. She helped turn the Wellesley program from an 8-15 record to an 18-6 record by her final season, winning two Seven Sisters Championships in the process. A two-time Kodak National Basketball All-American in 1993 and 1994, she also earned the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Player of the Year award in 1993 and ECAC and New England Player of the Year accolades following the 1993-94 season.

"I am more than humbled to be included with so many of basketball's greatest players and coaches," said Janssen Petra of her selection. "I carry great love for the game and reflect fondly on days of hard work at practices, amazing victories, and even the most devastating defeats at Wellesley. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to relive those moments through this recognition, which I gratefully accept on behalf of my Wellesley teammates, coaches and athletics department." 

Janssen Petra ended her basketball career with 1,739 points including six games with 30+ points. In 1993, she was named an NCAA Division III Offensive Player of the Week and Seven Sisters Tournament MVP while leading the division in blocked shots. During her final season she led all of Division III in rebounds with 388. Janssen Petra is currently the Alumna Co-Chair of Wellesley Friends of Athletics. She has served on the committee since 2010 and has been instrumental in the continued growth of Wellesley athletics and recreation.

For further information, visit www.nebasketballhalloffame.com