NASHVILLE – Trevecca Nazarene University is proud to announce the 2025 Trevecca Athletic Hall of Fame Class, honoring five individuals whose excellence, leadership, and service have shaped Trojan athletics.
The new inductees are Josh Helton (Basketball), Katelyn Atkinson (Volleyball), Tyler Tichenor (Baseball), Breanna Zeis (Softball), and Gregory Ruff (Meritorious Service).
These five join an elite group of athletes, coaches, and contributors who have defined the legacy of Trevecca sports. The 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place during Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, November 8 at 9:00 a.m. in the Trevecca Community Church. Admission is free and open to the public.
Josh Helton (Basketball, 2004–08) was a record-setting guard for the Trojans, finishing with 1,618 career points and a program record 304 made three-pointers. A three-time NAIA Sweet 16 qualifier and 2008 NAIA All-American, Helton's clutch shooting and leadership helped define one of the golden eras of Trevecca basketball on the Hill. Helton is being inducted posthumously, following his tragic passing in the summer of 2024.
Breanna Zeis (Softball, 2010–13) was a standout slugger for the Trojans, finishing her career among Trevecca's all-time leaders in batting average, home runs, RBIs, hits, and doubles. In 2013, she hit .508—the second-best single-season average in program history—and earned NCCAA National Player of the Year and G-MAC Player of the Year honors. Zeis's consistency, power, and leadership helped define a dominant era of Trevecca softball, leaving a lasting mark on the program.
Tyler Tichenor (Baseball, 2013–16) is one of Trevecca's all-time greats, holding career records for hits (353), runs (215), stolen bases (109), total bases (443), and games played (214). The program's first-ever G-MAC All-American, Tichenor batted over .390 all four seasons and was a catalyst for multiple conference championships, leaving an unmatched legacy of consistency, speed, and leadership.
Katelyn Atkinson (Volleyball, 2013–16) is Trevecca's all-time leader in kills (1,705), kills per set (3.80), and points (1,943). The 2015 G-MAC Co-Athlete of the Year and three-time All-Conference honoree, she led Trevecca to its first G-MAC Tournament championship and NCAA Division II Regional. A dominant outside hitter from Goodpasture Christian School, Atkinson left an unmatched legacy as one of the top players in G-MAC history.
Gregory Ruff (Meritorious Service | Athletic Communications/Broadcasting, 1998–present) is the voice and storyteller of Trevecca athletics, leading its sports information office, pioneering live streaming, and broadcasting Trojan games for more than three decades. His award-winning communications work and leadership have shaped the identity of Trevecca sports.
Everyone is welcome to attend the 2025 Trevecca Hall of Fame induction ceremony as part of the 2025 Trevecca Homecoming weekend, the ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 8 at 9:00 AM. Admission is free.
The Trevecca Athletic Hall of Fame started in 1993 and now is home to 102 Trevecca Hall of Fame inductees.
Who is next? Be a part of the Hall of Fame process by nominating someone for consideration to a future Trevecca Hall of Fame Class.
Trevecca Hall of Fame Nomination Process
Trevecca Hall of Fame Nomination Submission Form
MORE ON THE 2025 TREVECCA HALL OF FAME CLASS
JOSH HELTON | Men's Basketball | Mt. Juliet, Tenn. | Mt. Juliet High School | 2004-2008
Helton's career as a Trojan was marked by consistency, clutch performances, and record-setting achievements that helped define an era of success for Trevecca men's basketball. Josh Helton | TNU Bio
Helton arrived at Trevecca after a standout career at Mt. Juliet High School, where he scored 1,394 career points.
At Trevecca, Helton became one of the most accomplished guards in program history, finishing his collegiate career with:
· 1,618 total points (sixth all-time scoring)
· 304 made three-pointers (Trevecca record)
· 40.1% three-point shooting (fifth all-time)
· 399 assists (sixth all-time)
· 203 steals (seventh all-time)
· 80.5% free throw shooting over his career
During Helton's four-year tenure, Trevecca posted an overall record of 93–41, including a 41–19 record in the TranSouth (TSAC), and made three of its five all-time NAIA National Championship appearances, reaching the Sweet 16 each time.
Senior year 2007–08:
Trevecca went 25–10 (14–6 TSAC) and advanced to the NAIA Sweet 16. Helton poured in 552 points, shot 42.5% from three, and was a threat in every game. He scored 20+ points on nine occasions, hit six threes in four different games, and recorded a career-high 34 points on January 7 vs. Crichton College (he had matched a personal best 31 earlier that season vs. Michigan-Dearborn). He also notched one double-double (points and assists). \
Honors: NAIA All-American (Honorable Mention), NAIA All-Tournament First Team, TranSouth First Team, and three TranSouth Player of the Week awards
Junior year 2006–07:
The team went 17–14 (10–8 TSAC). Helton scored a season-high 31 points vs. Lambuth, recorded 20+ points in five games, and had one double-double. He was named to the TranSouth First Team.
Sophomore year 2005–06:
Trevecca posted a 26–7 mark (9–3 TSAC) and earned another NAIA Sweet 16 berth. Helton was twice named TranSouth Player of the Week, made the All-Conference Second Team, and nearly posted a triple-double (10 points, 11 assists, 8 rebounds vs. Union in the TSAC final).
Freshman year 2004–05:
In his debut season, Trevecca went 25–8 (8–2 TSAC) and made the NAIA Sweet 16. Helton scored 20+ in three games, hit five threes in multiple contests, and was named to the TranSouth All-Freshman Team.
Helton's presence extended beyond raw numbers. He was a versatile combo guard, effective in transition and in half-court sets. Trevecca coach Sam Harris praised Helton's feel for both guard spots, his scoring ability, and his basketball IQ.
He continued a local tradition of Mt. Juliet High School products excelling for the Trevecca basketball program – former Bears like Tim Bell, David Blandford, Darryl Keckler, Gary Van Atta, Jeremy Dixon and Helton carried forward that lineage while becoming one of the program's signature players.
BREANNA ZEIS | Softball | Murfreesboro, Tenn. | Blackman High School | 2010-2013
Breanna Zeis stands as one of the most accomplished players in Trevecca Nazarene University softball history. A native of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Zeis played for Coach Ben Tyree and was a cornerstone of the Trojans' lineup from 2010 to 2013.
Breanna Zeis stands as one of the most accomplished players in Trevecca Nazarene University softball history. A native of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Zeis played from 2010 to 2013 under Coach Ben Tyree and was a cornerstone of the Trojans' lineup. Over her four-year career, she finished second all-time at Trevecca in runs scored (160), doubles (65), and RBIs (179); third in home runs (34); fourth in hits (241); and sixth in batting average (.387). Zeis's combination of power, consistency, and defensive reliability cemented her legacy in the program.
Senior year 2013:
Zeis capped her career with one of the most outstanding individual seasons in program history. She batted .508—second-best in Trevecca history—while leading the G-MAC in batting average, RBIs (48), doubles (17), and home runs (12), and finishing second in hits (62). Her .959 slugging percentage reflected her power at the plate. She recorded a 16-game hitting streak, had multiple hits in 22 games, and played error-free defense all season. Her accomplishments earned her:
· NCCAA National Player of the Year
· NCCAA All-American First Team
· NCCAA Mid-East Region Player of the Year
· NCCAA Mid-East First Team
· G-MAC Player of the Year
· Five-time G-MAC Player of the Week
Junior year 2012:
Zeis's junior year saw her solidify her role as a leader on and off the field. She posted impressive offensive numbers, including multiple multi-hit games, and played with defensive precision. Her performance earned conference recognition and positioned her for a historic senior season.
Sophomore year 2011:
Building on her freshman campaign, Zeis continued to refine her offensive game and emerged as one of the team's top hitters. She contributed significantly in both runs and RBIs, demonstrating the power and consistency that would define her career.
Freshman year 2010:
Zeis made an immediate impact as a freshman, quickly establishing herself as a key contributor in the lineup. She showcased her hitting ability and versatility in the field, helping the Trojans maintain a competitive edge. Her early success laid the groundwork for a standout collegiate career.
Zeis's legacy is a testament to her skill, dedication, and impact on the Trevecca softball program.
Before her collegiate success, Zeis was a standout softball and soccer player at Blackman High School in Murfreesboro. She played at Blackman for Blaze head coach Scott Dorsett. She also played summer ball for Dorsett and the won the World Series. That experience laid the foundation for her remarkable achievements at Trevecca.
TYLER TICHENOR | Baseball | Centertown, Ky. | Ohio County High School | 2013–2016
Tyler Tichenor stands among the all-time greats in Trevecca Nazarene baseball and the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC). A four-year starter from 2013–2016, Tichenor set program and conference career records for hits (353), runs (215), stolen bases (109), total bases (443), and games played (214). He also finished second in career RBIs (170) and ranked third all-time in G-MAC batting average (.404). Tichenor became Trevecca's first-ever G-MAC All-American, earning ABCA First Team All-American honors in 2014, while collecting multiple All-Region and All-Conference awards throughout his career. Known for his elite contact hitting, speed, and consistency, Tichenor led the G-MAC in hits all four years of his career while guiding the Trojans to multiple conference championships.
Senior year 2016:
Capping off his career, Tichenor hit .406 with 84 hits, 45 runs, 34 RBIs, 11 doubles, three triples, and two home runs while stealing 29 bases. He set Trevecca's career records for hits (353) and stolen bases (109) and tied the program record for runs scored. He earned All-Region honors from ABCA, D2CCA, and NCBWA, plus multiple G-MAC and TSWA Player of the Week awards.
Junior year 2015:
Tichenor continued his dominance with a .398 batting average, 90 hits, 56 runs, 43 RBIs, 16 doubles, five triples, one home run, and 25 stolen bases. Nationally, he ranked among NCAA Division II leaders in hits, toughest to strikeout, triples, and stolen bases. He repeated as G-MAC First Team and earned ABCA and NCBWA All-Region recognition.
Sophomore year 2014:
As a sophomore, Tichenor put together one of the finest single seasons in Trevecca and G-MAC history. He batted .428 with 101 hits, 63 runs, 59 RBIs, 13 doubles, and seven triples while stealing 30 bases. He set the conference single-season hits record (101) and became the first G-MAC Baseball All-American, earning ABCA First Team All-American and NCCAA All-American honors.
Freshman year 2013:
Tichenor wasted no time making an impact, hitting .392 while starting all 55 games. He collected 80 hits, drove in 34 runs, and scored 52 times. His speed was a weapon, stealing 25 bases in 29 attempts. His performance earned him NCCAA All-American honors, G-MAC First Team, and NCCAA Mid-East All-Region.
Tichenor starred at Ohio County High School under coach Vic Evans, where he was a two-time All-Region selection. He batted .518 with 32 hits, 10 doubles, and 20 RBIs, while swiping 52 stolen bases. On the mound, he logged 30.1 innings and struck out 24 batters. A leader on and off the field, Tichenor was team captain and MVP as both a junior and senior, and capped his prep career with an East-West All-Star Game selection.
KATELYN ATKINSON | Volleyball | Hermitage, Tenn. | Goodpasture Christian School | 2013–2016
Katelyn Atkinson ranks as one of the most accomplished players in Trevecca Nazarene volleyball history and in the history of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC). A four-year starter and offensive force from 2013–2016, Atkinson became the G-MAC's all-time leader in kills (1,705), kills per set (3.80), and points (1,943), while finishing fourth all-time in digs (1,294) and seventh in aces (118). She is also Trevecca's all-time career leader in kills, kills per set, points, and points per set, while holding single-season and single-match records that still stand.
Her honors include G-MAC Freshman of the Year (2013), G-MAC Co-Athlete of the Year (2015), three-time All-Conference First Team selection, AVCA All-Region recognition, and D2CCA All-Midwest Region Second Team honors. She was also a multiple-time G-MAC and Tennessee Sports Writers Association (TSWA) Player of the Week.
Atkinson's career highlight came in 2015, when she powered Trevecca to its first G-MAC Tournament championship in program history, sending the Trojans to their first NCAA Division II Regional. Known for her consistency, power, and leadership, she is remembered as one of the foundational stars of Trevecca volleyball's NCAA Division II era.
Senior year 2016:
As a senior leader, Atkinson delivered 405 kills, 459 points, 334 digs, and 28 service aces while averaging 3.68 kills per set. She earned her third G-MAC First Team selection and added two G-MAC Player of the Week honors. She closed her career as Trevecca's all-time leader in kills and points while ranking among the top players in conference history.
Junior year 2015:
Atkinson's junior campaign stands as one of the greatest in Trevecca history. She amassed 501 kills, 571.5 points, 337 digs, and 84 blocks while hitting .277. She led the G-MAC in kills and ranked second in hitting percentage. Atkinson was named G-MAC Co-Athlete of the Year, earned AVCA All-Region honors, and was named to the D2CCA All-Midwest Region Second Team. She led the Trojans to their first-ever G-MAC Tournament championship and NCAA Division II Regional appearance.
Sophomore year 2014:
She elevated her game in year two, leading the G-MAC in kills (429) and points (472.5). She averaged 3.97 kills per set and tallied 287 digs and 24 aces. Atkinson set a program single-match attack percentage record (.519) and recorded match highs of 24 kills and 24 points. She earned her second straight G-MAC First Team selection.
Freshman year 2013:
Atkinson immediately made an impact, playing in a team-high 116 sets while leading the Trojans in kills (370) and service aces (43). She averaged 3.12 kills per set and added 308 digs, establishing herself as one of the top young players in the G-MAC. Honors included G-MAC Freshman of the Year, G-MAC First Team, and TSWA Player of the Week.
Atkinson starred at Goodpasture Christian School, where she was a dominant middle and outside hitter. She helped lead her teams to district and regional success while earning multiple all-tournament and all-district honors. Her combination of size, athleticism, and skill earned her recognition as one of Middle Tennessee's top prep players and laid the foundation for her record-breaking Trevecca career.
Gregory Ruff | Administrator, Sports Information, Broadcaster | 1998–present
Gregory Ruff has been the voice and the storyteller of Trevecca athletics for more than three decades, shaping how Trojan sports are seen, heard, and remembered. After graduating from Trevecca in 1987, Ruff returned in 1998 to become the university's first full-time Sports Information Director and Director of Sports Broadcasting.
Since then, he has built an award-winning athletic communications program while continuing his unmatched broadcasting tenure.
Athletic Communications Leadership
- Founded Trevecca's first Office of Sports Information, expanding publications, media coverage, and digital storytelling.
- Led the creation of the university's first live audio streaming (2003–04) and later video streaming (2006–07) for Trojan sports. Today, nearly every sport benefits from the groundwork he laid.
- Under his leadership, Trevecca earned more than 30 "Best of CoSIDA" or "Best of NAIA-SIDA" awards for publications, websites, and design.
- Recognized nationally, including the 2016 NCAA Division II Excellence in Communications Award for his work with cross country.
- Elevated to Assistant Athletic Director in 2020 after more than two decades of service.
Ruff has broadcast Trevecca athletics for 33 seasons, beginning as an undergraduate and continuing through the NCAA era. Beyond Trevecca, he has called games for Vanderbilt, Belmont, the OVC Championships, NAIA National Network, TSSAA Championships, the Nashville Speedway, and professional teams like the Nashville Stars. His freelance work spans ESPN Radio, CBS, ABC, Fox Sports, and Westwood One.
He has held leadership roles with NAIA-SIDA, the TranSouth Conference, and the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, and presented nationally at CoSIDA conventions. His mentorship has trained countless students in sports media.
Gregory Ruff's contributions extend beyond statistics and stories. He has been the voice of Trojan athletics, the architect of its communications, and a bridge connecting athletes, fans, and the broader community for over 30 years.
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