Congratulations to our 2025 Athletics Hall of Honor inductees
On January 10, 2026, Charlotte Country Day School proudly celebrated the newest class of inductees into the Athletics Hall of Honor, bringing together 250 alumni, families, coaches, trustees, faculty, friends, and fans to honor individuals whose commitment and contributions have shaped the legacy of Country Day Athletics.
The program featured heartfelt tributes, inspiring video highlights, and personal reflections from inductees and presenters. A strong sense of Bucs for Life and community filled the room as Bucs from multiple generations gathered to recognize excellence, service, and impact in athletics.
2025 Athletics Hall of Honor Inductees
Dr. Don D’Alessandro | Contributor
Presented by Mary Beth Luxton, “Dr. D” as he is affectionately known, was recognized for his team-first philosophy and transformative leadership in developing Country Day’s sports medicine program and his steadfast care for student-athletes. His impact ensured safer, healthier outcomes for generations of Buccaneers.
Betsy and Alfred Brand | Contributors
Presented by Chief Financial Officer David Mancos, longtime supporters Betsy and Alfred Brand were honored for their unwavering dedication to Country Day through service, support, and quiet leadership. Surrounded by their Buc children and grandchildren, including fourth-grade teacher Elizabeth Brand Bingham ’88, the Brands continue to demonstrate deep care and dedication to Country Day.
Kay and Ray* Shaw (In memoriam) | Contributors
Presented by Lacrosse Program Head Coach Brad Touma, Kay Shaw and the late Ray Shaw were celebrated for their generosity and example-setting commitment, which helped cultivate a culture of giving that has positively shaped the broader Country Day community. Surrounded by generations of Bucs, along with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, the family was recognized as their son, Whit Shaw, accepted the honor on behalf of his parents.
J. Nolan Mills III ’79 | Student-Athlete
Introduced by 2024 Athletics Hall of Honor Inductee Coach Ed Walton, Nolan Mills ’79 was recognized as an outstanding student-athlete whose achievements in golf, football, and beyond reflect excellence both on and off the field. Particularly in golf, Nolan embodies the finest qualities of Country Days athletic tradition: talent shaped by discipline, teamwork rooted in respect, and a pursuit of excellence that continues well beyond graduation.
Tripp Phillips ’95 | Student-Athlete
Inducted by longtime coach and 2024 Athletics Hall of Honor Coach Calvin Davis, Tripp Phillips ’95 was honored for an exceptional tennis career spanning the collegiate and professional levels, as well as for his continued impact as a coach. Throughout every stage of his journey, Tripp has exemplified the values of leadership, competitive excellence, and character that define Country Day Athletics.
Dr. Francis Alvin Pearman II ’01 | Student-Athlete
Inducted by his father, Coach Al Pearman, Dr. Francis Alvin Pearman II ’01 was recognized as an exceptional student-athlete whose record-setting achievements in track and field and football – at the collegiate and professional levels – were matched only by his leadership and character. Now an assistant professor of education at Stanford University, Alvin continues to inspire the next generation of Bucs as the keynote speaker for a special Upper School assembly honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Suzie Pignetti | Coach
Presented by 2024 Hall of Honor inductee Francie Chapman Mangan ’79, Coach Suzie Pignetti was honored as a true trailblazer in girls’ athletics. Her visionary leadership and coaching excellence elevated Country Day’s programs on both the national and international stage, while expanding opportunities for student-athletes—especially girls—across generations.
Bob Witman | Coach
Inducted by his son and Director of Alumni Relations and Head Football Coach, Drew Witman ’06, Coach Bob Witman was recognized for his extraordinary legacy of mentorship and coaching, giving countless student-athletes the gift of guidance, time, and inspiration.
Bob Plyler | Coach
Presented by 2024 Athletics Hall of Honor Inductee Stephanie Neill Harner ’91, Coach Bob Plyler was honored for his nearly five decades of influence as an exceptional coach, gifted teacher, and nurturing advisor whose timeless character and quiet leadership continue to shape the lives of many even beyond the fairways.
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Thanks to the vision and dedication of the Athletics Hall of Honor Committee, led by Athletics Hall of Honor Chair and Trustee Kelly Walton Miller ’90, the Hall of Honor continues to celebrate and preserve the tradition of athletic excellence while creating a physical and archival space to be a source of pride and connection for alumni and an inspiration for current and future students.
The Athletics Hall of Honor was revived in 2024 after nearly two decades, thanks to the significant and thoughtful contributions from numerous Country Day community members, including ongoing support from the Boosters Club.
View Photo Highlights from the 2025 Athletics Hall of Honor Event.