Oct. 8, 2007

The 2007 Saint Francis University Athletics Hall of Fame induction class includes one of Old Dominion's very own. On November 17, Associate Athletic Director Deb Polca will be one of six individuals and two teams inducted to the Red Flash Hall of Fame. Polca will become the first female administrator to be enshrined at SFU.

During her time at Saint Francis, Polca made significant strides for the athletics program in several capacities. As a women's basketball coach, she transitioned Saint Francis into Division I status, where the Red Flash have earned nine automatic bids into the NCAA Tournament. She also coached women's tennis during her tenure. She served as assistant director of athletics from 1983-1991 and was promoted to associate director of athletics in 1991.

Polca came to Old Dominion from Eastern Illinois University where she was the senior associate athletic director. Since 2004, Polca serves as Associate Athletic Director and the Senior Women's Administrator at Old Dominion. She is also currently a member of the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Issues Committee.

Prior to her time at SFU, Polca was an assistant professor of physical education and head women's basketball coach at the University of Bridgeport. She also taught physical education and coached women's basketball at Villa Maria Academy in Erie, Pa.

Polca earned a bachelor of science degree in health and physical education from Slippery Rock State College and a master of education from Ohio University.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place during a dinner to be held at DeGol Arena prior to the 7 pm tip-off of an SFU men's basketball non-conference matchup with Lehigh University.