Basketball
Two Boilermakers, Komara and Griffin, Induct into Hall of Fame 2025
2024-12-10
NEW CASTLE, Ind. – The world of Indiana basketball is set to witness a remarkable induction as two Boilermakers have been selected for the 2025 Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Women's Class. Current associate head coach Kelly Komara and Melina Griffin bring with them a wealth of talent and achievements that have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Uniting Past and Present in Indiana Basketball
Komara: A Lake Central Legend
Komara's roots in the state run deep. In 1998, she earned the prestigious title of Indiana Miss Basketball and was named the Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year for Lake Central. Over four seasons at the school, she amassed an astonishing 1,478 points, along with 356 rebounds, 435 assists, and 334 steals. Her leadership guided the Lady Indians to four sectional championships, three regional titles, and two semi-state wins.After her senior season, Komara was tabbed as an Indiana All-Star, a Nike/Parade/WBCA/USA Today All-American. Her collegiate journey began at Purdue during one of the program's greatest eras. As a freshman, she made her debut in an upset win over the reigning national champion Tennessee and played a vital role in the team's run to the 1999 NCAA National Championship.Komara went on to reach four NCAA Tournaments, winning three Big Ten titles and two Big Ten Tournament Championships. Her graduating class in 2002 boasted an impressive 112-22 record (83.6%), the best winning percentage in Purdue history. After her playing days, she was drafted in the third round of the 2002 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever and embarked on a successful coaching career that has spanned over 20 years. She has coached at Auburn, Vanderbilt, and Marquette before joining Katie Gearlds' staff back home in 2023.Griffin: An Anderson Trailblazer
Griffin was a 1992 Indiana All-Star at Anderson, where she scored a total of 1,274 points over a four-year career. She played a crucial role in helping Anderson reach the 1990 State Finals with a remarkable 20-6 record. Griffin was also named 1992 AP high honorable mention All-State, along with being selected three times for all-sectional, 1990 all-regional, 1990 all-semi-state, and three times all-North Central Conference.During her four seasons with the Boilermakers, Griffin recorded 366 points, 314 rebounds, and 136 assists. She was part of the team that reached its first Final Four in 1994 and qualified for the NCAA Tournament three times. Since her graduation in 1997, Griffin has had a diverse career. She has worked for Guide Lamp, the Anderson Sports Center, and since 2010, for Aspire Indiana Health. She is also a licensed IHSAA basketball official, a basketball trainer, and has volunteered for Tamika Catchings' Catch The Stars Foundation. Additionally, she earned a bronze medal as a member of the North Team in the 1993 U.S. Olympic Festival.These two Boilermakers' stories are a testament to the rich history and continued excellence of Indiana basketball. Their achievements will be honored on Saturday, April 26, 2025, as they take their rightful place in the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.