FOREST, Va. – The Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) announced its second Hall of Fame class today, with two Vixens earning the honor.
This year's second-ever class of conference stars features 36 of the best student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and contributors towards the league's rich history of excellence. The ODAC Hall of Fame now showcases 86 standouts following the inaugural class of 50 honorees in 2025-26 as the linchpin of the conference's 50th year anniversary celebration.
"The announcement of our second Hall of Fame class is another chance to celebrate the people who have helped make the ODAC what it is today," explained ODAC Commissioner Brad Bankston. "Each honoree has their own story, but they all made a lasting impact on our conference and helped set the standard for those who came after them. We're proud to recognize what they accomplished and excited to celebrate the lasting mark they've made on the ODAC."
Both Paul Cronin and Jennifer Crossland '86 were selected as Sweet Briar's representatives in this year's class.
Paul Cronin
- Director of the Riding Program at Sweet Briar and head instructor for 34 years
- Coaches multiple American National Riding Commission (ANRC) Champion and ANRC Reserve Champion teams
- During his 25-year career as a hunter and hunter seat equitation judge, Cronin served on the original American Horse Shows Association (AHSA), now United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), committee that planned and established clinics for fellow judges
- Named Educator of the Year by the Virginia Horse Council in 1997
- United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) President's Distinguished Service Award in 2007 for his work on the USHJA Trainers Certification Committee
- Published a book, Riding and Schooling the Sport House, in 2024
- Inducted into the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) in 2026
- Started the IHSA team at Sweet Briar in 1975, the first team in the state of Virginia to be established
Jennifer Crossland
- Four-year varsity letter-winner on the swim team from 1982-83 through 1985-86
- Earned All-American honors in 1983 after finishing second at the NCAA Division III Swimming & Diving Championships, the highest NCAA finish for any student-athlete in Sweet Briar history
- Currently holds Sweet Briar records in the 50-meter and 100-meter breaststroke events
- Also holds the program record in the 50-yard breaststroke
Information regarding a ceremony will be announced at a later date.
To see the full release from the ODAC, click
HERE.
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