Domanski, Gauthier, Jensen Pierce and Taylor Inducted as Hall of Fame Class of 2024

DEARBORN, Mich. – The University of Michigan-Dearborn Department of Athletics & Recreation has announced a class of four inductees into the 2024 Athletics Hall of Fame. The committee announced on Wednesday (Aug. 21). Kari Domanski (Volleyball), Rich Gauthier (Men's Ice Hockey), Marisa Jensen-Pierce (Softball), and Thomas Taylor (Men's Ice Hockey) were recognized after their distinguished athletic and academic careers. 

Kari Domanski - Volleyball (1991-1994)

Domanski is regarded as one of the best players in UM-Dearborn volleyball history. "For the 30 years I coached, Kari is one of the best players to come through our program," said current Hall of Famer and former Head Volleyball Coach Mike Gibson. While at UM-Dearborn, Domanski was selected as the District 23 Player of the Year, as voted on by the district coaches. Domanski received All-Conference accolades twice at UM-Dearborn and was named an Honorable Mention All-American. 

Richard Gauthier - Men's Ice Hockey (1990-2019)

Rich Gauthier was a long-time assistant coach for the men's ice hockey program. Gauthier spent almost 30 years with the program. During that span, Gauthier helped the men's ice hockey program become one of the most decorated sports in UM-Dearborn Athletics history. The team accumulated 20 ACHA National Tournament appearances, five Regular Season Conference Championships, four Conference Tournament Championships, two ACHA National Tournament Semifinal appearances, and a National Runner-Up finish in 1991-92. 

Marisa Jensen Pierce - Softball (2009-2010)

Jensen-Pierce was a two-time First Team All-Conference award winner in the inaugural seasons of the UM-Dearborn softball team. Pierce totaled 83 career hits in 234 at-bats while amassing 17 doubles, 16 home runs, 62 RBIs, and slashing .355/.401/.658 for a career OPS of 1.059. "I am humbled and honored at this acknowledgment," Jensen-Pierce says, "I cannot thank my parents enough for all the hours and money they put into my softball career, and for being my number one fans and always cheering me on." 

Thomas Taylor - Men's Ice Hockey (1997-2001)

While at UM-Dearborn, Taylor received All-American honors three times. During his sophomore campaign, he was named an ACHA Honorable Mention All-American; the following two years, he was named to the First Team. In the 1999-2000 season, Taylor was named a finalist for the ACHA's Player of the Year. In his senior season, Taylor was named the assistant captain for Team USA at the 2001 World University Games in Zakopane, Poland. 

These four inductees will be officially enshrined into the UM-Dearborn Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 13. More details will follow.