Independence High School is proud to announce the 38th class of the Independence Athletic Hall of Fame, recognizing four outstanding alumni whose athletic achievements, leadership, and sportsmanship have left a lasting legacy in Blue Devil history.
The Class of 2025 includes Maura Collins (Class of 2018), Jim Loker (Class of 1971), Kyle Stefanski (Class of 2018), and Sophia Trombetta (Class of 2018). These distinguished alumni will be formally inducted during a special celebration on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
Hall of Fame Induction Events
The Hall of Fame ceremony will begin with a halftime presentation during the Girls Basketball game vs. Cuyahoga Heights, where MC Jim Riley will introduce each inductee. A luncheon and formal induction ceremony will follow immediately after the varsity game (approximately 2:00 p.m.) in the Independence High School Media Center.
Community members, alumni, family, and friends are invited to attend. Those planning to participate in the luncheon are asked to contact Tim Skoczen at 216-701-0502 or tjskoczen@gmail.com no later than Monday, January 19, to assist with catering arrangements. A $20 donation is requested but not required.
Meet the Class of 2025
Maura Collins – Class of 2018
Sport: Volleyball
One of the most accomplished athletes in Independence High School history, Maura Collins earned four varsity letters in volleyball and served as team captain during her junior and senior seasons. She was a three-time First Team All-Conference selection, a two-time CVC Conference MVP, and a two-time Division III All-District and All-Region MVP.
Maura was named First Team All-Ohio in both 2016 and 2017 and remains the only player in school history with more than 1,000 career kills and 1,000 career digs. A finalist for Under Armour All-American, she helped lead Independence to multiple conference, district, and regional championships.
She continued her success at the University of Dayton, where she was a four-year starter, two-year team captain, Second Team All-Conference selection, and a member of Atlantic 10 Conference championship teams.
Jim Loker – Class of 1971
Sport: Track & Field
A dominant force in the shot put, Jim Loker earned four varsity letters in track and field and served as team captain during his senior year. He was a two-time First Team All-Conference athlete and set a school record in the shot put (58’4.5”), a mark that still stands.
In 1971, Jim captured sectional and district championships, placed third at the OHSAA State Championships, and earned First Team All-Ohio honors. He continued competing at the collegiate level at The University of Akron, earning three varsity letters in track and field.
Kyle Stefanski – Class of 2018
Sports: Football, Basketball, Baseball
Kyle Stefanski distinguished himself as a three-sport standout, earning 12 varsity letters across football, basketball, and baseball. As a football team captain, he was named Team Offensive MVP and set a school record for most completions in a single game.
In basketball, Kyle served as a three-year team captain, three-time Team MVP, surpassed 1,050 career points, and earned multiple All-Conference and All-District honors. On the baseball diamond, he was a two-time team captain, CVC MVP, and First Team All-District selection.
Kyle’s exceptional leadership and character were recognized with the IHS Athletic Boosters Senior Athlete of the Year Award, the Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Award, and the IHS Babe Ruth Award.
Sophia Trombetta – Class of 2018
Sports: Golf, Basketball, Softball
One of the most decorated golfers in school history, Sophia Trombetta earned four varsity letters in golf and was a four-time First Team All-Conference selection. She was named CVC Most Valuable Player twice, holds multiple school records, and was a three-time sectional and district medalist.
Sophia was a two-time Division II First Team All-Ohio honoree and helped lead Independence to a Division II State Championship in 2017, following a state runner-up finish in 2016. She also earned varsity letters in basketball and softball.
She continued her athletic career at the University of Michigan on a full golf scholarship, serving as team captain and helping the Wolverines capture the Big Ten Team Championship in 2022.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Independence Athletic Hall of Fame honors alumni whose achievements exemplify excellence, leadership, and dedication both on and off the field. The Class of 2025 reflects the proud tradition of Independence High School athletics and the lasting impact of Blue Devil athletes across generations.
Independence High School invites the community to join in celebrating these remarkable individuals on January 24, 2026, as they take their place among the school’s most honored alumni.