ARDMORE, Okla., and TISHOMINGO, Okla. — Murray State College Athletics recently announced five outstanding former student-athletes selected for induction into the Murray State College Athletics Hall of Fame.
Troy Black, Grant Macciocchi,
Jacob Padilla, Chandler Robertson and Kristi (Russell) Reed will be honored for their historic achievements and lasting impact on Aggie Athletics on November 8, 2025, at Murray State College.
"We are proud to honor the Class of 2025 for their lasting impact on Murray State College athletics and the example they set for future Aggies," said
Brandon Bowling, Murray State College Athletic Director. "Their achievements on and off the field continue to inspire our student-athletes to pursue excellence in everything they do."
Black, Macciocchi, Padilla, and Robertson were key members of the 2017 Murray State College baseball team, one of the most successful teams in the program's history. The team posted a 49-14 record — the most wins in program history — and captured the Region 2 Tournament and Plains District Tournament championships, which earned them the #1 seed at the NJCAA Division II World Series.
The Aggies ranked among the nation's best in nearly every offensive category, setting multiple team records, including 588 runs and 699 hits (both first nationally), and a .347 team batting average (6th nationally).
Troy Black
A cornerstone of the 2017 team, Troy Black delivered one of the greatest single seasons in Murray State College history. He set the single-season batting average record (.450) and the on-base percentage record (.585), which ranked third in the nation. Black also set single-season records for walks (69) and sacrifice flies (8) — the latter leading the nation. On the mound, he recorded 11 saves, a mark that stands as both the single-season and career record and ranked third nationally.
Black's performance earned him First Team All-Region 2, Region 2 All-Tournament Team and Region 2 Gold Glove (3B) honors. He continued his baseball career at the University of Kentucky.
Grant Macciocchi
Grant Macciocchi was one of the most versatile and dynamic players in Murray State College history, excelling both offensively and on the mound. In 2017, he set single-season records for at-bats (242), runs scored (98), hits (95), doubles (23) and stolen bases (32), while also leading the team with seven triples.
As a pitcher, Macciocchi compiled a 7-0 record with a 2.30 ERA over 58.2 innings, allowing just 15 earned runs and striking out 52 batters. His dominant season earned him Second Team NJCAA All-American, First Team All-Region 2, Region 2 Player of the Year and Region 2 All-Tournament Team honors. He went on to play at the University of Kentucky.
Chandler Robertson
Chandler Robertson was a two-year standout for the Aggies, posting a .401 batting average in 2016 and .369 in 2017. He was one hit shy of breaking the single-season hits record and set the single-season RBI record (74), while also tying the record for sacrifice bunts (17).
Robertson graduated as the career leader in hits (166), runs scored (115), at-bats (433) and sacrifice bunts (23). A First Team All-Region 2 honoree, he continued his career at the University of Central Florida.
Jacob Padilla
Jacob Padilla made an immediate impact during his two seasons with the Aggies. In 2017, he hit .342 with 11 home runs and a .995 fielding percentage. He followed up with a stellar 2018 season, batting .375, again hitting 11 home runs and driving in 60 RBI with a .728 slugging percentage.
Padilla was a First Team NJCAA All-American, First Team All-Region, Region 2 Defensive Player of the Year and Region 2 Gold Glove winner. He was also a member of the 2018 Region 2 regular season championship team, the most recent Aggie baseball team to achieve that milestone. Padilla continued his career at Penn State University.
Kristi (Russell) Reed
The Hall of Fame class is rounded out by Kristi (Russell) Reed, a 2007 NJCAA All-American and one of the most accomplished two-way players in Murray State College softball history. That season, Reed helped lead the Aggies to a 21-21 record while excelling both in the circle and at the plate.
As a pitcher, she logged 139 innings, recorded 132 strikeouts, walked just 17 batters and finished with a 12-8 record and a 1.90 ERA. At the plate, Reed collected 46 hits, drove in 33 RBI, hit .343 and swiped 22 bases.
Her rare combination of pitching dominance and offensive production earned her All-American honors and cemented her legacy as one of the all-time greats in Murray State College softball history.
Through their achievements, leadership and passion for the game, this year's Hall of Fame inductees have helped shape the proud legacy of Murray State College athletics—a legacy that continues to thrive with every new generation of Aggies.
"It's an honor to recognize this year's Hall of Fame class for their exceptional accomplishments and commitment to Murray State College," said Dr. Tim Faltyn, Murray State College President. "They embody the best of Aggie athletics."
Sports Information Director: Justin Wagner | jgwagner@mscok.edu
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