Hall of Fame Profiles • Class of 2003

Steve Cooperman '80 (ice hockey)
Meegan Garrity Turini '97 (basketball, softball)
Lisa Guerrin Johnson '88 (soccer, basketball, softball)
Everett Nordstrom '47 (soccer, basketball, baseball)
Merle Solomon Olson '87 (volleyball, softball)

All profiles appear as written at the time of induction.

Steve Cooperman '80

One of the most outstanding competitors in Clark men's ice hockey history, Steve Cooperman was a four- year player who helped the program in its beginning stages as a varsity program. As a freshman, he had a significant impact on the ice hockey squad, which was then at the club level. One year later, the team was elevated to varsity status for the 1977-78 season. As a four-year player, Cooperman was selected by his teammates to serve as assistant captain in his senior season. Statistically, he led the team in scoring each season and notched 105 career goals. Cooperman ended his career as Clark's all-time leading scorer, a record that is intact today. In addition, he was the squad's leader in assists in his sophomore (20) and senior (26) seasons.

After graduating in 1980 with a degree in geography and environmental, technology and society , Cooperman returned to Clark and earned a master's degree in environmental affairs in 1984. He began his professional career as a lab analyst at the Waste Water Treatment Facility in Worcester. In 1987, he went to work for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup. He worked for the DEP for 10 years in several divisions, earning distinction on the Commonwealth's behalf. Cooperman actively volunteered at the Jacob Hiatt Magnet School, where his children attended. He received recognition by the Worcester Public School Department for his contributions to the school. To honor his dedication, the school has established a parent volunteer award, given annually in Cooperman's name.

Cooperman continued playing ice hockey after Clark. He competed in an organized league in Framingham from 1986-90, while splitting time as a player and coach in 1987. Steve passed away in 1997 after a long illness and is survived by his wife, Abbey Feinmark Cooperman '84, and their children Andrea (14) and Benjamin (11).

Presenter: Lee Plave '80, former teammate
Accepting: Alan Cooperman, father

Meegan Garrity Turini '97

A four-year standout on the basketball and softball teams, Meegan Turini is one of the most heralded players in Clark athletic history. She not only captained the basketball team as a senior, but also was selected captain of the softball team her junior and senior years.

A prolific scorer on the basketball court, Turini ended her career with a remarkable 2,793 points. She is Clark's all-time leading scorer and ranks second all-time in NCAA Division III women's career scoring. As a three-time basketball All-American, she received Honorable Mention in 1995, followed by First Team honors in 1996 and 1997. Turini led all NCAA players (male and female, all divisions) in scoring both her junior (29.1) and senior (28.4) seasons. She ended her career with an impressive 24.9 career points per game average, and she holds school records in eight individual game and six career offensive categories.

In addition to numerous individual accomplishments, Turini helped the Cougars to an impressive four- year 83-29 overall record. In her first-year, she led Clark to the 1995 NCAA Tournament Second Round, followed by the 1996 ECAC New England Championship, for which she was named tournament Most Valuable Player. Recognized with the several of the region’s highest awards, the 5’7” guard was honored as the ECAC and NEWBA Player of the Year. Throughout her career, she was selected as an ECAC All-Star all four years and NEWBA All-Star three times. In addition, she earned ECAC and NEWBA Rookie of the Year accolades in 1994. Turini also was the NEW 8 Player of the Year in 1996 and 1997 and was a four-time selection to the NEW 8 All-Conference team.

Also a four-year starting shortstop on the softball team, Turini helped lead the Cougars to a 75-24 overall record and three postseason ECAC Tournaments. She was selected to the regional All-America team her senior year. Her final collegiate honor was receiving the Hughes Award, given annually to the senior female athlete who has made a significant contribution to Clark's intercollegiate athletic program.

After graduating with a bachelor's degree in education, Turini remained in Central Massachusetts, returning to her hometown to teach at Clinton Middle School. In addition to her sixth-grade position, she has coached soccer, basketball, and softball teams in the Clinton Public School system. Meegan and her husband Job Turini make their home in Clinton.

Presenter: Pat Glispin, Clark Women's Basketball Coach (1984 - present)

Lisa Guerrin Johnson '88

Lisa Johnson’s undergraduate athletic career included playing a key role in the development of the women’s soccer program as well as competing on the women’s basketball and softball teams. After a standout season on the women’s soccer club team her first year, she helped Clark gain respectability in its initial of varsity competition. Selected by her teammates as a team captain in her junior and senior seasons, Johnson helped lead the Cougars to an impressive 14-4-2 record in 1986, in only their second year of varsity status. The Clark squad made an appearance in the MAIAW Tournament, where Johnson was named to the all-tournament team. As a senior in 1987, she earned All-New England honors after helping the Cougars to a three-year 25-17-5 overall record in their first three varsity seasons.

In addition to her soccer pursuits, Johnson played softball during her first two years and was a four-year player on the women’s basketball team. She was a basketball team captain her senior year and helped lead Clark to the 1988 ECAC Championship. For her outstanding play, she was selected to the NEWBA Senior All-Star Team.

Johnson graduated from Clark with a bachelor's degree in management. She then began a career in business and is currently a merchandise planner for Victoria's Secret. Her community activities include volunteering at the Columbus Animal Humane Society and participating in numerous "Races for the Cure" in Columbus, OH and Hartford, CT. Lisa is married to Kevin Johnson, and they reside in the Columbus, OH area.

Presenter: Gladstone "Fluney" Hutchinson, Ph.D '89, Clark Women's Soccer Coach (1985-1986)

Everett Nordstrom '47

When Everett Nordstrom came to Clark, he had an immediate impact on three athletic programs. The talented athlete excelled in basketball, leading the team in scoring as a rookie; and he made significant contributions to the soccer and baseball squads. Unfortunately, his athletic career was interrupted when Nordstrom went into the service as a supply corps officer in the U.S. Navy. After a three-year tour during World War II, he returned to Clark where, as a senior, he maintained his prominence as one the University’s top athletes. While continuing his efforts in basketball and baseball, Nordstrom led the soccer squad, both as team captain and leading scorer.

For his success and leadership roles, Nordstrom was a co-recipient of the Athletic Department’s Hebert Trophy, which is awarded annually to honor the senior male athlete who makes significant contributions to the intercollegiate athletic program. After receiving a bachelor's degree in business administration from Clark, he continued playing basketball in semi-pro leagues in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Nordstrom also had the distinct honor of playing against the legendary Bob Cousy in a league all-star game.

After beginning his professional career teaching and coaching at the New Hampton School in New Hampshire, Nordstrom followed with a position at Nichols College. He went on to work as a professional fundraiser for several educational institutions, including University of North Carolina and Peace College. Everett and his wife, Mary, reside in Raleigh, North Carolina and have five children: Russell, Christina, Phyllis, and twins Ellen and David.

Presenter: Tom Dolan '62, Senior Vice-President at Clark University

Merle Solomon Olson '87

Merle Solomon Olson was a standout four-year member and two-year captain of the volleyball and softball teams. She helped lead the volleyball team to a 109-50 record over her four-year career, including 25+ wins all four seasons. In her first two years, the Cougars won MAIAW Championships, followed by ECAC Tournament Runner-Up finishes in her sophomore and senior years. Olson was honored with her selection to the All-New England Team.

On the softball diamond, Olson played most of her career as a pitcher until an arm injury forced her to the designated player position. In her senior season, she led the team in hits (18), triples (6) and RBIs (19) and was second in batting average (.353). Olson was a two-time selection to the MAIAW Softball All-Star Team; and she received Clark’s Hughes Award, given annually to the senior female who has made a significant contribution to the intercollegiate athletic program.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Clark, Olson earned a master's degree in social work from the University of Connecticut. She is currently attending Anna Maria College, matriculating toward her teacher certification. For the past 10 years, Merle and her husband, Craig, have participated in the Pan Mass Challenge, a 192-mile two-day bike ride from Sturbridge to Provincetown that raises money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In addition, she has participated in a number of biathlons and road races over the years. Merle and Craig reside in Holden, MA with their daughters, Emily (7) and Allie (5).

Presenter: Elyse Darefsky ‘79, Clark Women's Volleyball Coach (1984 - 1986), Hall of Fame Member