Dynamic Quartet Inducted into Claflin Athletics Hall of Fame
PHOTO GALLERY
ORANGEBURG, SC - The Claflin University Department of Athletics celebrated four legendary figures when four individuals were inducted into the Claflin University Athletics Hall of Fame. These dynamic individuals whose abilities on the court, the track, the diamond, and in countless other areas, have earned them a place among the greatest figures in school history.
Matisse Lee
Former Claflin University Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator Matisse Lee led the class. For over 20 years, Matisse Lee has had a tremendous impact on Claflin athletics at every level. She has served as an Associate Athletics Director/Senior Woman Administrator as well as the Assistant Athletics Director for Internal Operations/Student-Athlete Affairs as well. During her time, she has touched the lives of numerous student-athletes. She has accomplished all these feats while playing a pivotal role in the university's transition from the NAIA to the NCAA. She was recognized for her efforts when she named the 2023-24 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Senior Woman Administrator of the Year.
In addition to her efforts as an administrator, Lee also made an impact as head coach of the Lady Panthers softball team. She compiled a 196-123 record in seven seasons as head coach, including winning a school record 34 games during the 2016 season. She led the team to back-to-back Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference East Division Championships as well. During her coaching career, she was honored as the SIAC Softball Coach of the Year in 2014 and in 2011 when she was named the SIAC Co-Coach of the Year.
Her honors didn't begin with coaching as she was named the 2005 EIAC Softball Pitcher of the Year as well.
LaQuan Priest
LaQuan Priest had an historic track & field career as a Claflin Panther. During his career, he accomplished several historic feats and surpassed numerous milestones as a Panther. He was a two-time NCAA All-American, earning the honors in both indoor and outdoor track & field during the 2011 season. The honors came after he placed fifth in the 2011 NCAA Division II Men's Indoor Track & Field National Championship Meet and then he followed the effort with a sixth-place finish in the 2011 NCAA Division II Men's Outdoor Track & Field National Championship Meet. In addition to earning NCAA Division II All-American honors, Priest also earned several regional honors. He competed in the NCAA Division II track & field national championship meet three times during his career. In addition to his efforts on the national state, Priest also had several regional honors. He was an All-South region selection in the triple jump, and he was a two-time Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Male Field Athlete of the Year. He was also a multiple time SIAC champion in the triple jump. In addition to his athletic prowess, Priest also showed up in the classroom where he recorded a 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) in 2012.
Candice Witherspoon
Candice Witherspoon had a dynamic career in multiple sports at Claflin University. On the court, she was a member of back-to-back Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (EIAC) women's basketball championship teams in 2003 and 2004. She was also a member of the 2005 team that won the EIAC regular season championship. She carried her winning ways over to the softball diamond where she was named the 2005 EIAC Softball Co-Player of the Year and she earned a spot on the 2005 EIAC Softball All-Conference Team. She also was a member of the Pantherettes' 2003 EIAC Softball Championship Team. During that season, she earned a spot on the 2003 EIAC Softball All-Tournament Team.
Calvin Witherspoon
Calvin Witherspoon had a great career with the Panthers. On the court, he affected every aspect of the game. He finished his career averaging 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, two blocks, and 1.4 assists per game during his career. He led the Panthers to the 2004-05 Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (EIAC) Regular Season Championship. He was recognized for his efforts during the 2004-05 season when he was named the Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (EIAC) Men's Basketball Player of the Year. He was also named the 2005 Times & Democrat Men's Basketball Player of the Year.
The quartet were among 18 individuals who were honored at the 2025 Hall of Fame & Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony at the Orangeburg County Conference Center.
For more information on Claflin University athletics, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to
www.athletics.claflin.edu.
