Charlotte, NC – The NJCAA announced today two inductees into the NJCAA Women's Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. This year's class includes Evelyn Akhator from Chipola and Michael Landers from Trinity Valley and Baton Rouge.
Evelyn Akhator | Student-Athlete | Chipola (FL)
Evelyn Akhator played at Chipola College from 2013-2015 where she set numerous program records and led the Indians to the 2015 NJCAA National Championship. She posted team-high numbers in points, rebounds, and blocks both seasons. Akhator's 743 points and 584 rebounds in 2014/15 are single-season Chipola records. Her performance was recognized with 2015 NJCAA First Team All-America honors and the selection as the 2015 NJCAA Women's Basketball Player of the Year. Akhator received numerous other awards, including 2015 WBCA Two-Year College Player of the Year and 2015 FCSAA Female Athlete of the Year.
After her time at Chipola, Akhator transferred to the University of Kentucky where she ranks second all-time in career rebounding average at 10.1. In 2017, Akhator was the third overall selection in the WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings and has also played professionally in Russia. Turkey, Spain, and France. A native of Lagos, Nigeria, Akhator has led Nigeria to consecutive FIBA Women's AfroBasket titles.
Akhator displayed her leadership qualities on and off the court. She was named the 2015 Neal Sportsmanship Award winner at Chipola's annual award ceremony. Akhator also established the Benny A Foundation in honor of her mother who passed away in 2013. The organization focuses on eliminating child trafficking among young girls, creating awareness for road accidents, and offering basketball camps for children.
Michael Landers | Coach | Trinity Valley (TX) & Baton Rouge (LA)
Michael Landers, currently serving as Athletic Director at Navarro College, made history at Trinity Valley Community College and Baton Rouge Community College. After coaching at his alma mater, East Texas Baptist University, Landers became the head women's basketball coach at Trinity Valley in 2000. Landers led the Cardinals to the NJCAA National Championship title in 2004 and was named the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Two-Year College National Coach of the Year. He also served on the WBCA Board of Directors as the Two-Year College representative from 2004 to 2008.
In 2009, Landers established the athletic department and women's basketball program at Baton Rouge as the Athletic Director and Head Coach for the 2009-2010 season. He posted a 22-6 record for the Bears and received his second WBCA Two-Year College National Coach of the Year honor.
Landers then returned to Trinity Valley for two more seasons from 2010 to 2012 where he led the Cardinals to a second national championship in 2012. He remains the all-time winningest coach in Trinity Valley program history with a 335-39 record. Landers was inducted into the Trinity Valley Hall of Fame in 2018. He amassed two national championships, one runner-up finish, seven Region 14 championships, and 14 conference championships.