2025 HU Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

Huntington University celebrated four standout individuals as the newest members of the Huntington Athletic Hall of Fame during its annual Hall of Fame Luncheon on Saturday, part of the 2025 Ness Bros. Hall of Fame Classic festivities.

This year’s inductees include Matéa (Knispel) Rippe (Women’s Soccer), Jenna Donaldson (Women’s Basketball), Greg Slee (Baseball), and Bill Lightner (Meritorious Service).

“Each of our inductees has left a powerful and lasting mark on Forester athletics,” said Lori Culler, Athletic Director at Huntington University. “Their accomplishments, leadership, and the character they’ve displayed both during and after their time at HU embody exactly what the Hall of Fame stands for. It was an incredible honor to celebrate their achievements with the Forester community.”

The inductees were honored and shared remarks during the Hall of Fame Luncheon before being recognized at halftime of the men’s basketball game inside Platt Arena.

Matéa (Knispel) Rippe | Women’s Soccer (2015–19)
A dynamic presence in the midfield, Matéa (Knispel) Rippe left an indelible mark on the Huntington University women’s soccer program during her standout career from 2015–19.

One of the Foresters’ most prolific scorers, Rippe tallied 35 goals—including 11 game-winners—and 15 assists, securing her place among the program’s all-time greats.  She is just one of two HU women’s soccer players to earn an All-American shoutout, an honorable mention designation she received in 2017.

A three-time First Team All-Conference honoree, Rippe’s breakout season came in 2017 when she netted 18 goals, ranking 12th nationally in game-winners (7) while leading HU to a 10-8-2 record and a top-four finish in the Crossroads League—one of only four double-digit win seasons in program history.

Rippe earned her degree in pre-med/biology in 2019 and cherished the opportunity to share the field with her sister, Olivia, during her collegiate career. She is married to HU men’s soccer alum Travis Rippe, and together they reside in Indianapolis with their daughter, Ember. Rippe currently serves as a physician assistant with Community GoHealth Urgent Care.

Her impact on and off the field continues to exemplify the spirit of Huntington University athletics, earning her a well-deserved place in the Huntington Athletic Hall of Fame.

Jenna Donaldson | Women’s Basketball (2006–10)
A versatile 5-11 guard/forward, Jenna Donaldson was a cornerstone of the Huntington University women’s basketball program from 2006–10.

Known for her consistency, leadership, and scoring touch, Donaldson amassed 1,636 career points—currently 9th all-time in program history—while also collecting 587 rebounds during her four-year career in green and white.

Donaldson made an immediate impact as a freshman, earning MCC Newcomer of the Year honors after averaging 11.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. She went on to lead the team in scoring the next two seasons and earned All-Conference recognition all four years of her career.

Her junior campaign was one for the record books, as she helped guide the Foresters to a MCC Tournament Championship and berth to the NAIA National Tournament, where HU advanced to the Sweet 16—just the third time in program history. That season, Donaldson ranked 4th nationally in free throw percentage at 86.7 percent (111-for-128) while maintaining a shooting clip of over 40 percent from the field every year. She capped her career with a return trip to nationals as a senior, leading HU to an impressive 79-41 record over her four seasons.

Donaldson graduated from Huntington University in 2010 with a degree in business. She has since built a distinguished career in the United States Air Force, where she currently serves as a Major in the 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Her excellence on the court and commitment to service beyond it embody the values of Huntington University athletics, earning her a well-deserved place in the Huntington Athletic Hall of Fame.

Greg Slee | Baseball (2000–04)
A steady and commanding presence behind the plate, Greg Slee was a standout 6-0 catcher for the Huntington University baseball program from 2000–04.

Known for his exceptional defensive skills and leadership, Slee earned back-to-back NAIA Honorable Mention All-American honors as an upperclassman, while also being named All-Conference and All-Region as a junior and senior.

While Slee was more than capable at the plate—amassing 149 hits, including 33 for extra bases, and driving in 76 runs—he built his legacy on defense. Widely regarded as one of the top two defensive catchers in program history, Slee was a model of consistency and control, committing just three errors over his final two seasons. Few dared to test his arm; in 2003, he threw out 17 of 27 baserunners who attempted to steal against him.

During his four years in green and white, the Foresters averaged 23.5 wins per season, finishing in the top three in league standings in each of his final two seasons. Slee graduated in 2004 with a degree in history/social studies education, capping off his HU career by being selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 24th round (723rd overall) of the 2004 MLB Draft.

Slee has continued to make an impact beyond the diamond as the Assistant Principal at Bishop Dwenger High School. He and his wife, Katie (an HU alum), reside in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with their four children—Sophia, Isla, Roman, and Xavier.

A true embodiment of discipline, leadership, and excellence, Greg Slee’s contributions to Forester baseball have earned him a well-deserved place in the Huntington Athletic Hall of Fame.

Bill Lightner | Meritorious Service
A true Forester through and through, Bill Lightner has dedicated his life to the values of hard work, leadership, and service—first as a student-athlete at Huntington College and later as an educator, coach, and mentor whose influence has stretched across generations.

Lightner competed for the Huntington baseball and basketball programs from 1956–60, leaving his mark as both a versatile athlete and team leader. On the diamond, he was part of the first Forester team to play at Forest Glen Park’s Mike Frame Field, spending most of his career at first base before catching for legendary pitcher Tom Rethlake his senior year. On the hardwood, the 6-2 forward played under Coach Dick Klopfenstein and earned a reputation as a defensive stopper.

After graduating in 1960 with a degree in education, Lightner began a coaching and teaching career defined by integrity and excellence. His first stop was Danville High School, followed by a return to Huntington County where he led both baseball and basketball at Union Township High School, mentoring countless athletes—including future HU legend Steve Platt. Following consolidation, Lightner continued to impact young athletes at the south campus for a handful of years before heading to Huntington North High School. At HNHS he was an assistant baseball coach and served as the head coach of the girls’ basketball program, guiding the Vikings to a regional championship in his final season.

In a testament to his character, Lightner stepped away from coaching after that championship to focus on his family—a decision that reflects the same selflessness he modeled throughout his career. He went on to retire as an Assistant Athletic Director at Huntington North High School, further supporting student-athletes and the programs he loved.

Lightner’s lifelong commitment to athletics, education, and the Huntington community—along with his enduring partnership with his wife of 66 years, Betty Anne, whom he met at Huntington—exemplifies the very spirit of the Huntington Athletic Hall of Fame. His induction honors not only his achievements but also his decades of faithful service to the game and to others.

About the Huntington Athletic Hall of Fame
The Huntington Athletic Hall of Fame was established to honor individuals and teams who have made outstanding contributions to Forester athletics, either through athletic achievement or exemplary service. The 2025 induction class continues that proud tradition of excellence, leadership, and Christian character that defines the Huntington experience.