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2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
2014 Varsity Boys' Soccer Team
In the fall of 2014, coach Bob Hartman’s Boys’ Soccer Team broke a 39 year drought by defeating District 7 runner-up and defending state champion Sewickley Academy 4-0 in the PIAA Class A championship at Hersheypark Stadium. This victory marked the first solo boys soccer crown for District 11 since 1975, highlighting the remarkable efforts of the athletes and the support from coaches and parents. The Lions' defense, led by junior Tanner Shane ‘16 and senior Andrew Myers ‘15, was impenetrable, with key contributions from fullbacks Avery Chapman ‘16 and Tom Bloxam ‘16 and goalkeeper Marshall Merwine-Hanyon ‘15. Senior Ryan Peslis ‘15, scored one goal and assisted another. Myers scored the second goal with a rebounded free kick, and additional second-half goals from Peslis and junior Phil Astolfi ‘16, secured the decisive win.
Katherine “Katie” Hyland ‘07
Katie Hyland ‘07 was a standout 3-sport athlete, excelling in basketball, field hockey, and softball. She became the school's second leading all-time female scorer in basketball with 1,274 career points, earned MVP honors three times, and received numerous All-Area and All-Tournament recognitions. In field hockey, Katie was a two-time MVP, making the All-Colonial League and All-State teams, and leading her team to the state tournament her senior year. In softball, she was named MVP twice, and helped the team qualify for the District 11 playoffs all four years. After graduating, Katie attended Brown University, where she majored in Modern American History and played field hockey, earning the Rookie of the Year Award, serving as team captain, and securing her place in the record books for career points, goals, and assists. She went on to study at Boston College Law School and now practices at Pierce Atwood LLP in Massachusetts.
Robert “Bob” Hartman
Bob Hartman was the Soccer Coach at Moravian Academy for 18 years until his retirement in 2020. Known for his disciplined approach, Bob was the architect of Moravian Academy’s championship boys soccer program. Over his 18 years coaching the boys and 10 years coaching the girls, he built a tradition of excellence, teaching hundreds of students to be dedicated student-athletes. His teams' remarkable achievements include 5 Colonial League titles, 10 District XI titles, and 2 PIAA State championships. Bob was twice named Coach of the Year by the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association and was selected as National Coach of the Year in 2014 by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Reflecting on his relationship with players, Hartman emphasized trust and open communication, noting, “The boys knew I wasn’t their best friend -- I wasn’t going to let them get away with anything that’s for sure -- but someone they could definitely come and talk to.” His commitment to his players turned Hartman into a Lehigh Valley soccer figure, and former athletes consider playing for him an honor.
Bob Hartman was the Soccer Coach at Moravian Academy for 18 years until his retirement in 2020. Known for his disciplined approach, Bob was the architect of Moravian Academy’s championship boys soccer program. Over his 18 years coaching the boys and 10 years coaching the girls, he built a tradition of excellence, teaching hundreds of students to be dedicated student-athletes. His teams' remarkable achievements include 5 Colonial League titles, 10 District XI titles, and 2 PIAA State championships. Bob was twice named Coach of the Year by the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association and was selected as National Coach of the Year in 2014 by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Reflecting on his relationship with players, Hartman emphasized trust and open communication, noting, “The boys knew I wasn’t their best friend -- I wasn’t going to let them get away with anything that’s for sure -- but someone they could definitely come and talk to.” His commitment to his players turned Hartman into a Lehigh Valley soccer figure, and former athletes consider playing for him an honor.
