AUGUSTA, ME— On Thursday, May 10th, 2018, the University of Maine at Augusta Athletic department inducted their inaugural class into the UMA Athletic Hall of Fame. The class included Alexandra “Aleigh” Mills (women’s basketball); Greg Chesley (men’s basketball); Ashley Peaslee (womens’s soccer and basketball); Susan Baker (athletic contributor). On this special evening, the athletic department also unveiled the new Hall of Fame wall wish includes a wall graphic as well as an interactive TV to view stories of each inductee.
UMA's Athletic Director, Jennifer Laney noted, "UMA athletics has a rich tradition with incredible student-athletes that have competed with pride, first as the Rebel's, followed by the Puma's, and now as the Moose. We are thrilled to unveil this Hall of Fame to truly honor the foundation that has been set for the future success of the UMA Athletic programs."
The first inductee into the UMA Athletic Hall of Fame was Aleigh Mills. Mills played basketball for UMA during the 2006-2007 season. She was selected for the YSCC All-Conference Team and led the nation in rebounding. Aleigh’s upbeat personality and leadership skills made an incredible impact on the program. Shortly after the end of her Freshman year, Aleigh tragically lost her life on July 10th, 2007. UMA retired Aleigh’s basketball jersey (#42) where it is on display in the Richard Randall Student Center.
Greg Chesley, a 1994 graduate of UMA, was a standout basketball player for UMA in his three seasons. Chesley currently sits in fifth place all-time in the UMA scoring record book, at 1,275. He recorded a career-high 550 points in a single season, which puts him seventh all time for the Moose. He also recorded 341 rebounds in a single season, which is good for third place in the Moose record books.
Chesley has maintained his presence within the basketball community in central Maine as the head coach for the Lawrence girls’ varsity team, the PAL youth basketball director for all of MSAD #49, as well as an official for many youth games.
Ashley Peaslee is a 2013 graduate of UMA whose name is synonymous with UMA athletics. Peaslee was named UMA Outstanding Female Athlete three years in a row. She was chosen as a USCAA All-American for Soccer in 2012. She also earned 3 all conference titles as well as a National all-tournament award for soccer. Peaslee was the first UMA women’s basketball 1,000 point scorer in the history of our program. She was selected 2 time all conference for basketball as well as a USCAA honorable mention. Peaslee’s senior year she helped lead the bowling team to their conference championship win. She was awarded the UMA women’s basketball career achievement award for her many contributions to our athletic department and our school.
Peaslee went on to earn her master’s degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Athletic Administration from Plymouth State College. She assisted with their women’s basketball program for two years. She now works as an Ed Tec 3 at the Children’s Center. She volunteers for the Gardiner youth programs to help spread her passion for athletics to the next generation.
Susan Baker has been a pillar of our community dedicating herself as an educator and mentor to the students here at UMA. She continually supports our student-athletes both in competition as well as in the classroom. Students leave her courses with stronger academic skills and greater confidence in their own abilities. Outside of the classroom, Susan engages students in co-curricular activities that enhance their overall college experience.
Specifically, in relation to student-athletes, she serves on the Athletic Advisory Committee as the faculty chair. Susan serves as a liaison, helping to ensure that student-athletes have the tools they need to be successful. She helps connect student-athletes with various student services on campus and is always there to be of assistance. Susan attends every home basketball game at UMA and can often be seen encouraging children onto the court at halftime to shoot around fostering another generation of athletes.
Please join us in congratulating our four inductees. Go Moose!