Kari Stacy Hair inducted into athletic hall of fame

OMAHA, Neb. – Kari Stacy Hair '98 was inducted into the College of Saint Mary Athletic Hall of Fame Saturday.

The Alumnae Achievement Luncheon and Hall of Fame ceremony were part of 2018 Homecoming Weekend at CSM. Alumnae who are inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame are recognized for their outstanding athletic achievements during their collegiate careers as a Flame student-athlete.

"Obviously this is a huge honor for me," Hair said. "This is one of the most meaningful things that has ever happened to me in my life. I want to share this award with my teammates and coaches. I'm so excited, so proud and so flattered."

Hair was an easy selection for the Hall of Fame as her time on the CSM soccer team from 1994 to 1998 was impressive. She was known for her speed, strength, athleticism and passion for the game throughout her four-year career.

She was a part of the soccer program's inaugural season in 1994 and led her teammates to four consecutive MCAC conference titles. Hair and the Flames collected 38 regular season victories during her final two seasons with the program.

During her junior season, CSM finished No. 1 in the Great Plains Region of the NAIA and No. 10 in the final NAIA national poll. During her senior season, the Flames climbed as high as No. 6 in the nation. They competed in the NAIA National Championships both years.

Hair finished her collegiate career with 114 goals and 68 assists for 296 points. These accomplishments are still in the top 10 statistically in the history of NAIA women's soccer.

Additional awards she earned included being named all-conference each year, conference offensive player of the year three times and being named all-region first team and NAIA All-American in both her junior and senior season.

During her junior season, Head Coach Dan Harvey spoke about the impact Hair had on the team: "I knew she was good, but she has far exceeded my expectations. Kari plays with a tremendous amount of heart all the time."

The Papillion-La Vista High School graduate currently resides in Hernando Beach, Fla., with her family. She is an elementary teacher at Challenger K thru 8 School of Science and Mathematics.

"I can't even begin to explain what soccer has done for me," Hair said. "My coaches, mentors and teachers at College of Saint Mary taught me to become a leader. If I didn't have soccer at College of Saint Mary I really don't even know what I'd be doing right now. I'm grateful I got that opportunity."