East Peoria, IL - The Illinois Central College Athletic department is proud to announce the inductees of the 2026 ICC Athletics Hall of Fame Class, which this year includes players from softball, volleyball, and men's basketball. This year's inductees are: Sandy (Piccoli) Griggs (softball & volleyball), Christine Koehl (softball), Rachel Muller (softball), Jennifer Bartlett (volleyball), and Anthony Allison (men's basketball).
The Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on the evening of Saturday, February 7th at the Illinois Central College CougarPlex.
Sandy (Piccoli) Griggs – Softball & Volleyball (1979-1981)
Sandy (Piccoli) Griggs is one of Illinois Central College's most accomplished two-sport athletes, excelling in both softball and volleyball from 1979 to 1981. A dominant right fielder, she earned an extraordinary sweep of postseason honors as a freshman, being named 1st Team All-State, All-Regional, All-Sectional, and All-National Tournament while helping ICC win State and Regional titles and finish 3rd nationally. She continued her excellence the following year, again earning 1st Team All-State honors and becoming one of ICC's first unanimous 1st Team All-Americans in softball. Griggs also played a key role on the ICC volleyball team that captured State and Regional championships and placed 7th in the nation in 1981.
After ICC, Griggs continued her standout career at NCAA Division I West Texas State University where she served as team captain, earned team MVP honors twice, and set 10 school records in hitting and pitching. She finished as one of the top hitters in the nation in 1983 and also competed semi-professionally for the Pekin Lettes. Beyond her playing career, she has made a lasting impact through decades of youth coaching, clinics, and leadership roles in local softball organizations. A true pioneer, leader, and ambassador for the sport, Sandy Piccoli-Griggs exemplifies excellence on and off the field and is a deserving inductee into the Illinois Central College Athletics Hall of Fame.
Christine Koehl – Softball (1988-1990)
Christine Koehl's career at Illinois Central College from 1988 to 1990 ranks among the greatest pitching performances in ICC softball history. A dominant force in the circle, she helped lead the Cougars to an outstanding 113–31 record, back-to-back Sectional and Region 24 Championships, a National Runner-Up finish in 1989, and a 3rd place finish in 1990. Individually, she earned 1st Team NJCAA and NFCA All-American honors in 1990 and, alongside catcher Rachel Muller, became part of the first—and only—All-American battery in program history. She also earned NJCAA All-Tournament honors in both national tournaments and a spot on the All-Region Team in 1990.
Her statistics stand as some of the most remarkable ever recorded at ICC: seven no-hitters, three one-hitters, three shutouts in 1989, and three perfect games in 1990—including one with 19 strikeouts and back-to-back perfect games totaling 33 strikeouts. She led the nation in 1990 with 283 strikeouts in 175 innings, posted a 0.28 ERA, and all made the Dean's List. Continuing her success at Eastern Illinois University, she ranked among the region's top pitchers, where she earned NFCA All-Midwest Region honors and finished with standout ERA and strikeout marks. Christine Koehl's unmatched dominance, competitive drive, and historic achievements make her a deserving inductee into the ICC Athletics Hall of Fame.
Rachel Muller – Softball (1988-1990)
Rachel Muller stands among the most accomplished catchers in Illinois Central College softball history. A cornerstone of the program from 1988 to 1990, she helped the Cougars to a remarkable 113–31 record, back-to-back Sectional and Region 24 Championships, and two top-three national finishes, including a National Runner-Up result in 1989. In 1990, she became ICC's only catcher ever to earn 1st Team NFCA All-American honors and, alongside pitcher Christine Koehl, formed the program's first—and only—All-American battery. A two-time All-Region First Team and All-Region Tournament Team selection, Muller combined power and precision on both sides of the ball, recording a .334 career batting average and an elite .990 fielding percentage.
Muller matched her athletic excellence with academic achievement, earning ICC President's List and Dean's List recognition in 1990. She continued her career at NCAA Division I University of South Florida, where she excelled as both a catcher and first baseman, earning All-Tournament Team honors at the 1992 Frost Cutlery Classic and the San Diego State Tournament, while also securing spots on the Bulls Athletic All-Academic Team in 1991 and 1992. A true leader and trailblazer, Rachel Muller's legacy of competitiveness, leadership, and scholarship firmly establishes her as a deserving inductee into the Illinois Central College Athletics Hall of Fame.
Jennifer Bartlett - Volleyball | 1989–1991
Jennifer Bartlett made history at Illinois Central College as the first-ever recipient of an athletic scholarship, setting the stage for future generations of student-athletes. Competing for the Cougar volleyball team from 1989 to 1991, Jennifer was a standout on the court, earning 2nd Team NJCAA All-American honors in 1991. She also received the ICC Athletic Department's prestigious "Women in Sports Award" for her outstanding contributions. During her two seasons, her teams consistently excelled at the National level, finishing 9th at the NJCAA Division I Tournament both years.
After her stellar career at ICC, Jennifer continued her volleyball journey at Bradley University on an NCAA Division I athletic scholarship. Following her collegiate career, she remained devoted to the sport, dedicating her time and passion to developing volleyball opportunities for young athletes in Central Illinois. Jennifer is the founder and owner of Central Illinois Elite Volleyball Club in Peoria, which she started to help fill the need for a solid competitive program in the Peoria area. Starting with just five teams, she has grown the organization into a powerhouse program with nearly 45 teams. Her leadership and vision have helped shape the landscape of youth volleyball in the region, giving countless athletes the chance to develop their skills and pursue their dreams. ICC has had a number of former Central Illinois Elite Volleyball Club players compete throughout the years as well as having had many players go on to play at four-year universities.
Jennifer Bartlett's legacy as a trailblazer, athlete, and coach continues to inspire, reflecting her lifelong commitment to volleyball and the community she serves. Jennifer's level of athletic excellence and lifelong devotion to the sport of volleyball makes her an outstanding selection for the Illinois Central College Athletics Hall of Fame.
Anthony Allison – Men's Basketball (1992-1994)
Anthony Allison is one of Illinois Central College's most decorated men's basketball student-athletes, starring for the Cougars from 1992–1994. A dominant scorer and efficient leader, he recorded five 40-point games in 1994 and set ICC's all-time field-goal percentage record at 62%, a mark that has stood for more than 30 years. His exceptional play earned him NJCAA All-American honors and solidified his place among the program's greats. Allison continued his success at NCAA Division I Valparaiso University, helping the Crusaders win back-to-back Mid-Continent Conference championships and reach their first NCAA Tournament in 1996, the same year he was named Mid-Continent Player of the Year. He graduated from Valparaiso with a degree in Elementary Education.
Allison went on to a 13-year professional basketball career in Europe, winning two national championships in Finland and showcasing his talent on the international stage. Following his playing career, he transitioned into the automotive manufacturing industry, where he has spent 22 years and currently serves as a Plant Manager in Huntsville, Alabama. His leadership style continues to reflect the discipline and teamwork learned through athletics. Anthony Allison embodies the excellence and lifelong impact of Illinois Central College athletics, making him a worthy inductee into the ICC Athletics Hall of Fame.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE NEWEST HALL OF FAMERS?
The 2026 Hall of Fame Class will be informally recognized during halftime of the men's basketball game in Ramsey Gym on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Shortly after the game, the formal Hall of Fame Ceremony will take place in the Illinois Central College CougarPlex.
More information on the event will be forthcoming.
