BIRMINGHAM – Tara Kidwell, who led the UAB women’s soccer program to its first-ever Conference USA Tournament Championship and NCAA College Cup berth, has been named to the UAB Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2020. Kidwell is the first UAB women’s soccer player inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The Blazers’ all-time leader in points (101), goals (38) and assists (25) played for UAB from 2001 to 2004. She was part of 49 victories, 28 in league play, in her four seasons, which is the most for any UAB women’s soccer class.
In Kidwell’s senior season in 2004, she was instrumental in leading UAB to a school record 16 wins and the C-USA tournament title. The Blazers upset Wake Forest in the College Cup to advance to the Second Round.
The 2004 season saw Kidwell lead the league in scoring with 35 points and 14 goals – both are still UAB single-season records. For her efforts, she was named Conference USA Player of The Year. Additionally, Kidwell was selected to First-Team All-Conference USA, Soccer Buzz All-American Honorable Mention and United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region First Team.
As a junior, Kidwell was named First-Team All-Conference USA, Coaches All-Southeast Region First Team and Soccer Buzz All-Southeast Region Second-Team after guiding the Blazers to their first-ever Conference USA regular season title with an 8-2-0 league record. She finished with a team-best 10 goals and 24 points.
During her sophomore campaign, she was named Third-Team All-Conference USA and Soccer Buzz All-Southeast Region Third-Team after recording 29 points on 10 goals and nine assists.
As a freshman, Kidwell started 19 of 20 matches, recording 13 points.
Kidwell is the fourth inductee named to the five-member Class of 2020. The remaining Hall of Famer will be released tomorrow.
Class of 2020:
Dr. Jim Hilyer – Football
Elinor Kirk – Track and Field/Cross Country
Shayne Carnes – Baseball
Tara Kidwell – Women’s Soccer
Class of 2018:
Graeme McDowell – Men’s Golf
Jacque Nero – Women’s Basketball
Gary Sanders – Announcer
Patti Schroder – Volleyball
Class of 2017:
Daniel Gaitan – Men’s Soccer
Deanna Jackson – Women’s Basketball
Jerome Mincy – Men’s Basketball
Mirela Vladulescu Booker – Women’s Tennis
Roddy White – Football
Class of 2013:
Vonetta Flowers – Track and Field
Dr. Charles “Scotty” McCallum – UAB President
Steve Mitchell – Men’s Basketball
Harry “The Hat” Walker – UAB Baseball Coach
Class of 2009:
Gene Bartow – Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Director of Athletics
Dr. S. Richardson Hill – UAB President
Oliver Robinson – Men’s Basketball
Wanda Hightower Jordan – Women’s Basketball
Dr. Jerry D. Young – UAB Senior Vice President
