**This story was updated on Nov. 2, 2021 with photos from the induction ceremony.**

COLUMBUS, Ohio –  On Tuesday afternoon, the Capital University Athletic Department, in conjunction with Alumni Engagement and the Varsity C, announced the 2021 Hall of Fame Class. This year, four new members will be joining this distinguished group of student-athletes to call Capital University home. 

The 2021 Induction Class includes Steven McCarthy '10, James Starks '08, Lizzy Stanton '09, and Lindsay Shepherd '08. 

McCarthy, a 2010 graduate and native of Dayton, Ohio, left his mark on the history of Capital Men's Soccer by putting together one of the most prolific four-year careers the program has ever seen from 2006 until 2009. McCarthy, a two-time All-American currently sits atop the record books in career points (156) and career goals (69). Each of his four seasons, Steven earned All-Region accolades from the United Soccer Coaches and National Soccer Coaches Association of America. In the state, McCarthy was a four-time All-Ohio recipient and was recognized by the Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association as the 2007 Division III Player of the Year. Within the conference, McCarthy earned four First Team All-Conference awards, in addition to being twice named the OAC Forward of the Year. Shortly after completing his career in the Purple and White, McCarthy played professionally with the Dayton Dutch Lions. 

McCarthy is currently the Head Men's Soccer Coach at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa where he also resides.  He and his wife, Samantha (nee Kennedy - Capital '10), welcomed their first child on March 2, 2021 -- a son named Kai. McCarthy's family holds strong Capital roots as both of his brothers Daniel '12 and Tim '14 attended the school and competed on the men's soccer team as well. Steven credited the university for helping him develop and learn the importance of building meaningful relationships with those around him.

Starks, a 2008 graduate, proved to be a force in the secondary for the Capital Football team during his career. A two-time All-American in 2006 and 2007 as a defensive back, Starks also made his name known to those in his region and conference. For his play, James was named a 2007 All-Region selection by D3Football.com and a three-time All-OAC First Team honoree. After graduating from Capital, Starks signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and played one season in the NFL. Also while at Capital, Starks competed in men's track and field from 2005 until 2007.

After playing with the Bengals, Starks went on to complete his Masters in Journalism from Kent State University and now serves as the Morning News Anchor at WTVG in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio. He is engaged to his fiance Nicolette and is scheduled to get married on November 20th of this year. He also has one stepdaughter, Ava (16). James says Capital helped get him where he is today by offering him support and instruction that he received as a student-athlete which propelled him into the opportunity of playing professional football, signing a free agent contract, seeing the world and kick-starting his career in journalism. 

Stanton, a 2009 Cap graduate, blistered the track over her tenure as a member of the women's track and field program. During her illustrious career, Stanton stood on the podium at the National Championships four times, earning All-American honors each time. In all, she qualified for the National stage six times. Stanton still has her name next to two school records in both of her marquee events -- the long jump and the 4x100 meter relay. In 2008, she set the long jump record with a leap of 18 feet and 9.25 inches. As a senior in 2009, she made history yet again with her 4x100 meter relay by clocking a time of 46.97 seconds at the National Championships. The time helped the team to a third place finish in the nation. Stanton teamed up with Brittany Carter, Kwesi Seabrook, and Jessica Starks to set the record. 

Stanton, a native of Cincinnati, now plies her trade with the Columbus Division of Fire as a Firefighter EMT/EMD and Hazmat Tech. In addition to firefighting, Stanton resides in the Columbus area with her two fur babies Ramsey and Kidd. Lizzy credits Capital for helping provide her an intimate learning experience while also allowing her to experience the big campus life while being in the heart of Columbus. 

Shepherd, a 2008 Capital grad, proved to be one of the best to see the ball field for Capital Softball, as shown by her resume. The 2007 All-American is the only player in program history to win the Adidas/NFCA Golden Shoe Award, which she won in both 2007 and 2008. She is one of the few to be a four-time All-Central Region by the NFCA and a three-time All-OAC First Team selection. Shepherd made her name on the basepaths and still holds the first and second most stolen bases in a single season with 47 and 42, respectively. Elsewhere in the career records, Shepherd sits first in stolen bases with 122, third in hits with 238, fourth in at-bats with 527 and sixth in runs with 129.

Shepherd is now working at Vandalia-Butler schools as a high school teacher and varsity softball and cheer coach. On April 17, 2021, Coach Shepherd picked up her 100th career win at the helm of the Aviator softball program. In addition to her coaching, Shepherd holds a master's degree in special education from Miami University, and she is currently receiving her American Sign Language license to teach ASL this coming school year. She currently resides in her hometown of Englewood, Ohio with her five-year old daughter Addison. She credits Capital as giving her the opportunity to grow and learn in a community that enhances experiences, creates diverse understanding, and provides endless opportunities for all athletes and students. 
 
McCarthy, Starks, Stanton, and Shepherd were officially inducted into the Capital University Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 30th. The honorees were celebrated at an outdoor breakfast ceremony in the morning where they received their official induction and award. Later in the day, the inductees were recognized again at halftime of the Homecoming Football Game against Otterbein.