Kate McCullagh Joins the 2024 NIU Hall of Fame Class

Kate McCullagh: Northern Illinois University (NIU) has announced that Kate McCullagh, the all-time leading scorer for the NIU volleyball team, will be inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024.

Kate McCullagh
Image credit: niuhuskies

McCullagh joins the 2024 Hall of Fame Class, which includes Jordan Lynch (football, 2009–13), Holly Reichard (gymnastics, 2008–11), and Pete Waite, volleyball head coach (1988–98). They will be honored during the Homecoming Weekend on October 18–19.

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Kate McCullagh Career Highlights

Kate McCullagh played for the Huskies from 2003–06 and finished her NIU career with a school record of 1,936 kills. She also ranks fourth in the program’s history with 496 total blocks. McCullagh was the first player from NIU to receive AVCA All-America honors, earning an honorable mention in 2006.

In her freshman year in 2003, McCullagh quickly became a key player, earning MAC All-Freshman Team honors. She ranked ninth in the conference with 1.12 blocks per game and tied a MAC Tournament record with 10 block assists.

McCullagh continued to excel, earning honorable mention All-MAC recognition in her sophomore year and ranking ninth in the league in kills per game, seventh in blocks per game, and eighth in points per game. During the 2004 season, she recorded double-figure kills in 28 of 33 matches.

In 2005, McCullagh finished seventh in the country in kills, averaging 5.39 per game, and earned Second Team All-MAC honors. Her 690 total kills that season remain the second-most in a single season in program history.

McCullagh’s outstanding performance in 2006 led her to be named the MAC Player of the Year. She finished fourth nationally with 5.74 kills per game and recorded 20-plus kills in 10 matches and 30-plus kills in seven matches. McCullagh helped the Huskies win 20 matches and a MAC West Division crown during her senior season.

McCullagh remains one of only four players in the program’s history to earn All-America honors and one of five to be named MAC Player of the Year.

The Woodstock, Ill., native’s induction into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame celebrates her remarkable career and contributions to the Huskie volleyball program.

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