Johnson, Powell to be Inducted into the S.C. Athletic Hall of Fame – University of South Carolina Athletics

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Feb. 3, 2025) – Lower Richland High’s Richard Seymour, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, World Cup standout Clint Dempsey of Furman and Coastal Carolina baseball coach Gary Gilmore, who led the Chanticleers to the 2016 NCAA title, highlight the 10-member South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame’s induction Class of 2025.

Also being enshrined include the University of South Carolina’s All-American catcher Landon Powell and five-time WNBA All-Star Shannon Johnson of Hartsville; Clemson offensive lineman Harold Olson, who helped the Tigers to the 1958 and ’59 ACC titles and Susan Hill-Whitson, the most celebrated tennis player in Clemson history; Ralph Lundy, who led Erskine and College of Charleston soccer to unprecedented heights; Erskine basketball legend Don Whitehead and Claflin’s storied women’s basketball coach Nelson Brownlee, who will be enshrined posthumously.

“Once again, we have another impressive class that will be enshrined in our state’s hall of fame in May,” said Executive Director Andy Solomon. “Our nominating committee has a most difficult challenge annually, and this year was no exception. They created a competitive ballot from more than 200 names and, as expected, the best rose to the top. We are thrilled with the tremendous individuals who create the Class of ’25.

The South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame’s Induction Banquet honoring the class of 2025 is set for Monday, May 19, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The 10 individuals will be forever enshrined with the state’s highest athletic honor.

The SCAHOF Banquet is the largest annual celebration of Palmetto State sports stars under one roof. The traditional introduction of past inductees, the “Walk of Legends,” is one of the event’s highlights. The affair, which includes a reception and dinner, begins at 5:30 p.m. Tables of eight may be purchased online at https://scahof.org/Banquet.

2025 SCAHOF Inductees

Nelson Brownlee (Women’s Basketball; Orangeburg; Claflin)

Nelson Brownlee enjoyed an unparalleled career as a high school and college coach that spanned 42 years. An Orangeburg native and S.C. State graduate, Brownlee began his coaching career in 1958 at Mt. Vernon High School in Mt. Vernon, Ga. He later coached 14 years at Wilkinson High in Orangeburg and two years at Orangeburg-Wilkinson following the merger.

Brownlee gained national notoriety as head coach at Claflin University in Orangeburg for 27 years…