Adamczyk, Malizia named Hawks Hall of Famers
These Hawks are flying.
Renata Adamczyk (Dundas Parkside HS) and Heather Malizia (Burlington Notre Dame CSS) were recently inducted into the Laurier Golden Hawks Hall of Fame.
“Renata is one of the greatest basketball players to ever wear the purple and gold,” said Hawks head coach, Paul Falco.
During Adamczyk’s collegiate career (2006-2011), the former Parkside Panther was twice named OUA West Defensive Player of the Year; twice named an OUA first team all-star; a six-time recipient of the Golden Hawks athlete of the week; a three-time team MVP; and a recipient of the Joy Bellinger Award, which recognizes excellence in academics, athletics and community service. Add the Dean Esther Brandon Award honouring the female who contributes the most to Laurier athletics to Adamczyk’s impressive collegiate resume.
The OUA all-star was surprised and humbled when Peter Baxter, the Hawks athletic director (AD) made the call to the hall.
“I didn’t realize I had a record for rebounding (732) or a high shooting percentage (47 per cent), so it was neat to hear that,” said the unassuming Adamczyk.
The 28-year-old “absolutely loved her five-year experience as a Hawk. I automatically have a big smile thinking about the memories playing at Laurier,” said the kinesiology major.
Among numerous memories — too many to list — she has one favourite memory. Qualifying for the nationals.
After graduating in 2011, Adamczyk suited up as a pro in Germany and Luxembourg for one season.
Falco remembers “a gifted athlete who had an incredible feel for the game. What made Renata stand out was her great sense of anticipation and her overall versatility.”
While Adamczyk starred on the hard court, scoring 1,328 points — second in Hawks history — Heather Malizia starred on the pitch for Laurier’s soccer side.
Casey Downey, Malizia’s former high school (Notre Dame) and club coach (Burlington Xtreme), got “shivers” when he learned that his protégé had earned hall of fame status at Laurier.
“I was overjoyed upon hearing of her news,” said Downey, who coached Malizia when the Burlington Xtreme won the U16 Ontario Cup and secured silver at the Nationals (2004).
Malizia was “shocked” when she got the call to the hall from Baxter.
“I think I asked Peter if he was sure he hadn’t made a mistake,” said the modest Malizia.
“During my time at Laurier there were so many talented athletes and I guess I just never thought of myself as one of them.
“I had the pleasure of playing with some of the most talented players to ever suit up for Laurier and together we accomplished quite a bit,” said the all-Canadian.
“I can guarantee you my name wouldn’t have come up for nomination if our success at OU’s didn’t include two gold, one silver and one bronze over my five-year career (2007-2012).”
Individually, the 29-year-old scored a lot of honours wearing the purple and gold singlet. She was named three times an OUA first team all-star; once an OUA second team all-star; a CIS second team allCanadian; twice named team MVP; and a two-time OUA champion. And you can add two-time CIS academic all-Canadian to Malizia’s remarkable resume.
“Heather is one of the most humble individuals I’ve ever known. She does not like to share her successes,” Downey said.
“I’ve coached so many amazing kids. Heather is a great soccer player, but way better human being. She is … top of the ladder.”
Indeed Heather Malizia has reached the top of the Laurier ladder along with Renata Adamczyk. Both Hawk Hall of Famers.
Cecelia Carter Smith is a former four-time Canadian champion and indoor world and Canadian record holder in track and a member of the McMaster Sports Hall of Fame and the Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame.