Mt. San Jacinto College Athletics revealed its 2025 Class of Hall of Fame inductees. The inductees this year are outstanding student-athletes, veteran contributors, and the 2018 Mt. San Jacinto College Women’s Basketball Team, to pay tribute to their achievements and enduring impacts on MSJC athletics. The induction will take place on campus in October of 2025 and will honor the legacy that these individuals and teams have created.
2018 Women’s Basketball Team
The 2018 women’s basketball season etched its name in history as the first-ever CCCAA State Championship was achieved in program history. Guided by head coach Chris Mozga, the Eagles finished with an outstanding season record of 29–3, including the Inland Empire Athletic Conference regular season and tournament championships.
The team excelled through its strengths on offense, rugged defense, and a balanced roster, where several players could step up to the challenge when the time called. The championship game resulted in a victory against Merced College, 81–52, where they demonstrated their skill and togetherness. Besides the wins, the team internalized the principles of perseverance and teamwork, setting a high standard for MSJC women’s basketball teams to follow. Some members of this team went on to four-year colleges to further their athletic pursuits, carrying with them the values that MSJC instilled in them to their new endeavors.
Britney Thomas
One of the 2018 roster’s leaders, Britney Thomas, was one of the most-decorated players in the history of MSJC. She was never anything less than the Eagles’ leading scorer and rebounder, garnering many All-Conference and All-State honors. As the state title run became a reality, Thomas was named State Tournament MVP as her incredible performance under pressure became evident.
The dominance that Thomas displayed on the court propelled the program to all-time highs, and her leadership extended beyond stats. She led her teammates by example in discipline, hard work, and competitiveness. After stints at MSJC, Thomas transferred to California Baptist University to advance her basketball career to the Division I level. The individual induction is in recognition of her individual success and her contribution to the heralded 2018 team.
Dennis Smith
Dennis Smith played for both the football and the basketball teams for the Eagles from 1997 to 1999. The basketball court saw him lead the team to the state championship game in his sophomore year, when the team ended with an outstanding 32–6 record. Smith also starred in consecutive football bowl games, reflecting both his multi-sports abilities and his commitment to MSJC sports.
Following MSJC, Smith attended the University of Utah, where he played college football, showcasing the discipline and prowess he had developed while representing the Eagles. Smith’s dual-sport accomplishments are a testament to the qualities and work ethic among student-athletes at MSJC and remains an inspiration to student-athletes to this day in trying to juggle multiple responsibilities.
Dan Nelson
Dan Nelson is being honored for emeritus service. A former college basketball player for MSJC, Nelson guided the Eagles to conference championships in 1988 and 1989. Off the court, Nelson became an anchor of the community in San Jacinto, donating time to youth initiatives, charities, and athletic advancement in the San Jacinto Valley.
Nelson’s service to MSJC athletics extends beyond the court, as he has sponsored generations of student-athletes to advance in their personal and academic endeavors. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a recognition of his lifetime service in developing the region’s athletic growth and the local community.
Dr. Thomas Jackson
Dr. Thomas Jackson held the position of MSJC’s team physician for over 35 years, from 1984 to the present. A board-eligible orthopedic surgeon, Jackson administered thousands of student-athlete physicals, worked home football games, and rendered integral medical care in all athletic pursuits.
Jackson’s commitment provided student-athletes with the care they needed to give their best while maintaining safety and wellness. His behind-the-scenes efforts translated into the success and longevity of several MSJC athletic teams, rendering his contribution massive and long-lasting.
The 2025 Hall of Fame induction will recognize both individual excellence and team success. Each inductee is a distinct chapter in MSJC’s athletic history, from ground-breaking performances on the court or on the field, to decades-long service and medical care to student-athletes. The class of 2025 embodies the Mt. San Jacinto College standard of excellence, industriousness, and community.
