Meet The 2025 Athletics Hall Of Fame Inductees
September 9, 2025
Launched in 2023, the Mounds Park Academy Athletics Hall of Fame celebrates the people whose talent, leadership, dedication, and support have helped shape MPA’s rich athletic tradition. Each year, the Hall of Fame honors outstanding alumni athletes, coaches, and Panther supporters by sharing their accomplishments and preserving the stories and moments that have defined MPA Athletics across generations.
The 2025 Hall of Fame class continues that tradition, recognizing individuals whose impact reaches well beyond wins, records, and competition. Their stories reflect the character of MPA Athletics and the lasting connections formed among teammates, coaches, families, and fans.
MPA is proud to introduce the 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees:
David McGaha, longtime coach and mentor
David McGaha joined Mounds Park Academy in 1983, just one year after the school opened, helping students grow both in the classroom and through athletics. Inspired by the vision of founders Bob and Lois Kreischer. David found a school that valued thoughtful teaching, strong relationships, and the freedom for educators and coaches to guide students in meaningful ways.
Throughout his time at MPA, David appreciated the support of the administration and the opportunity to shape classes and teams according to a clear sense of purpose. He approached each school year with dedication, striving to create an environment where students could challenge themselves, build confidence, and reach their potential. He hopes students and colleagues remember him as a committed, caring teacher and coach who genuinely invested in the people around him.
David’s advice to today’s athletes is simple: effort and commitment are always within your control. By dedicating yourself fully to your sport and making the most of every opportunity, you can leave high school with the satisfaction of knowing you gave your best. Outside of school, David also enjoyed writing, completing two books of short stories and even turning one into a recorded audiobook project with the encouragement of close friends.
Lauren LaRoche ’99, alum athlete
Lauren LaRoche was one of MPA’s most accomplished track and field athletes, earning a state championship in the 400-meter dash as a freshman in 1996. Lauren credits MPA with providing much more than success on the track.
Lauren values the way MPA encouraged her to become a well-rounded student, challenging her to step outside her comfort zone and develop the confidence to pursue any goal. She remembers feeling consistently supported by teachers and coaches who encouraged her to think independently, speak up, and take on new opportunities. Those lessons in confidence, collaboration, and perseverance have remained with her long after graduation.
One of the most influential people in Lauren’s life was legendary coach Bev Docherty, whose encouragement and mentorship helped her excel as both an athlete and a person. Lauren’s journey nearly began by accident when science teacher Ms. Ed encouraged a shy fifth-grader to try cross country. That decision sparked a lifelong love of running and set her on a path that would become one of the most rewarding parts of her MPA experience.
Olivia Lansing-Herrick '06, alum athlete
Olivia Herrick was a multi-sport athlete at MPA whose athletic career included a runner-up finish at the state golf tournament and eventually led to a Division I golf scholarship. While individual accomplishments were important, Olivia’s favorite memories center on being part of a team: preseason soccer practices, bus rides, shared goals, and the friendships and camaraderie that come from competing together.
Olivia credits MPA with shaping not only her athletic success but also her outlook on life. Through athletics, she learned the value of teamwork, respect, discipline, and perseverance. She appreciated being part of a community where students were known, supported, and encouraged to explore new opportunities, both in and out of the classroom.
Among her greatest influences were the women of MPA’s physical education department, including Ms. Stoltz, Ms. Samuelson, Ms. Docherty as well as other coaches who demonstrated that hard work, competitiveness, and athletic achievement could go hand in hand with leadership and character. Olivia hopes she is remembered as a positive teammate and coach who helped others grow while enjoying the process. Her advice to today’s athletes is simple: play a sport every season, stay curious, and embrace every opportunity to challenge yourself. A broken thumb during her sophomore year unexpectedly led her to focus more intensely on golf, a decision that ultimately changed the course of her life and helped earn her a full college scholarship.
