Earlier this week, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced that FAMU’s Earl Holmes and Natalie White will be inducted into its Hall of Fame.“We are thrilled to recognize another class of remarkable inductees who have made a considerable impact to their communities, institutions and our conference,” said Dennis E. Thomas, MEAC Commissioner. “I’d like to applaud the Hall of Fame Class for all of their achievements both athletically and professionally.”
The 2011 Hall of Fame class will be honored in conjunction with the 2011 MEAC Basketball Tournament, held March 7-12 at the Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem. A brunch will take place on Friday, March 11, beginning at 9 a.m. at the M.C. Benton, Jr. Convention Center.
Earl Holmes, Florida A&M- Holmes played for the Rattlers from 1992 to 1995, finishing as the school’s all-time leader in tackles. Holmes, a three-time All-MEAC First Team selection, holds the school record with 509 total tackles (309 solo). During his senior season, he set school marks for solo tackles (103) and total tackles (171). He captured the NCAA Division I-AA and Black College All-American honors in 1994 and 1995. The 1995 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and Sheridan Broadcasting Network College Defensive Player of the Year, Holmes was selected in the fourth round of the 1996 National Football League (NFL) draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played 10 seasons in the NFL as a member of the Steelers (1996-2001), Cleveland Browns (2002) and Detroit Lions (2003-05) before retiring. Holmes currently serves as the Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers coach at his alma mater.
Natalie White, Florida A&M- White played point guard for the Lady Rattlers, helping them to two regular season MEAC titles (1994, 1995) and the 1995 MEAC Tournament crown. During her career, FAMU earned its' first-ever NCAA Tournament bid (1995). White holds the NCAA Division I record as the all-time steals' leader (624) and is second all-time in the school record books in assists (497). She led the nation in steals as a freshman (143), junior (172) and senior (191). The 1995 MEAC Player of the Year White still holds the NCAA record for total steals as freshman. The guard earned All-MEAC First Team honors in 1993-1995. She was also a four-time Black College All-America recipient (1992-95).White currently serves as an Account Executive/Dream Ambassadors Coordinator for the Women’s National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) Atlanta Dream.