For the Press Times
GREEN BAY – University of Wisconsin (UW)-Green Bay Athletics will induct five former Phoenix athletes into the Athletics Hall of Fame on June 10, as the 22nd class.
The 2023 inductees include men’s soccer player, Joe Hoffmeyer ‘82; women’s basketball standouts Kayla (Tetschlag) Karius, ‘11, and Celeste (Hoewisch) Ratka, ‘11; long-time university administrator, Dan Spielmann; and men’s basketball standout Keifer Sykes, ‘15.
The enshrinement ceremony will take place at the Weidner Center at UW-Green Bay.
Joe Hoffmeyer
Hoffmeyer created a legacy on the Phoenix men’s soccer team 1978-82.
In 1982, he was tabbed to the United Soccer Coaches All Region Team, WSCA All-Wisconsin Team and was given the Hagemeister Leadership Award.
During his time with the Phoenix, GB went 59-20-7.
Known as one of the best defenders in program history, an award named in his honor was given out from 2000-12 to the best defender on the team.
Hoffmeyer led the defensive line for one of the best defenses in program history in 1981.
That season, Green Bay gave up just 0.64 goals per game, which is the second-lowest mark in program history.
Kayla (Tetschlag) Karius
Karius left a legacy at Green Bay after her four-year career on the women’s basketball team from 2007-11.
She broke out during her sophomore campaign, winning Horizon League Sixth Player of the Year.
As a junior during the 2009-10 season, Karius set an individual season record with 214 rebounds and garnered three Horizon League Player of the Week selections.
She is one of 37 members in program history to eclipse 1,000 career points, which she did on Dec. 31, 2010, with a bucket against Detroit Mercy.
Karius ended her Phoenix career with 1,372 points, the ninth-most by any player since the program transitioned to Division I.
Celeste (Hoewisch) Ratka
Celeste Ratka ranks ninth all-time for most points scored in program history, racking up 1,425 career points from 2007-11.
Her senior season ranks among one of the best single seasons by a Phoenix player ever, garnering Horizon League Co-Player and Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors.
She was also named Horizon League Tournament MVP after the Phoenix won the title in 2011.
She still ranks in the top-10 in career free throws made and attempted, assists, steals and games played.
Dan Spielmann
Named one of the top-50 most influential leaders in Green Bay Athletics history, Dan Spielmann served in multiple roles for UW-Green Bay over a 40-year span.
His duties included Athletic Director during the program’s rise to NCAA Division I, University Counsel, Chief of Staff and Policy Advisor to five different Chancellors.
During his time as the athletics director from 1985-94, he helped propel the program to new heights in the early years of the Division I status, finding University support for tuition waivers for student-athletes and community support to develop the Phoenix Fund.
Spielmann was also instrumental to adding seven sports to meet the requirements of NCAA Division I membership.
Keifer Sykes
Keifer Sykes led one of the best runs the program has seen 2011-15.
He was a Bob Cousy Award finalist after a spectacular season in 2013-14, helping the Phoenix upset the Virginia Cavaliers while being named Horizon League Player of the Year.
Sykes finished his Phoenix career as one of just two players to ever eclipse the 2,000-point mark at 2,096, just under 200 points shy of the all-time leading scorer, Tony Bennett.
Sykes also ranks in the top 10 in free throws made, assists, steals and games played.
After playing overseas from 2015-20, Sykes joined the Indiana Pacers’ G-League team in 2021 before being elevated to the professional team during the 2021-22 season.
Sykes is currently on the Detroit Pistons’ G-League team, the Motor City Cruise.