Court of Honor

GABL Court of Honor

Inductees into the Court of Honor are individuals who have distinguished themselves through service to GABL and have been a positive influence on the youth of our community. Current members include Great American Basketball League founders, former officers, corporate partners, and those who have served GABL as board members, coaches, and officials.

2020 Honorees: Pam Nicely and Devon Kirkpatrick

• Pam Nicely started working with GABL in 2005 as a part of the administrative team that helps manage GABL’s day to day operations. She served in that role for 13 years.

• Devon Kirkpatrick started with GABL in their team uniform department in 2007 before moving on to being a part of the administrative team. Devon was an integral part of the GABL team from 2007 to 2017.

2019 Honorees: Jim Walsh, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Rich Hunter

• Jim Walsh served on the GABL Board of Directors from 2010–2013 and was a member of several committees, including serving two years as secretary-treasurer. He also coached in GABL for six years. He and his wife, Connie, have two sons and one grandson.

• Dick's Sporting Goods has been the Official Equipment Supplier for GABL since 2003 and a Corporate Sponsor for over 15 years. Their support extends beyond GABL to many youth sports programs across Kansas City and nationally.

• Rich Hunter volunteered as a coach for six years and served as an area director for three years. His company, Sports Management Associates, took over management responsibilities for GABL in 1995. Under his leadership, GABL has grown from a winter league for 2,200 boys to a year-round program serving over 8,000 boys and girls across Kansas City. He and his wife, Kim, have two children and four grandchildren, all involved with GABL.

2018 Honoree: Dan O'Dell

• Dan O'Dell served on the GABL Board of Directors from 2007–2012. He played a key role in transitioning GABL into the GABL Youth Sports Foundation. A lifelong sports official, Dan has worked over 2,000 high school varsity games and 10 State High School basketball tournaments. He and his wife, Maria, run one of the Midwest's most successful real estate teams and enjoy spending time with their six grandchildren.

2017 Honorees: Frank Dodd & Mark Quandt

• Frank Dodd has been involved with GABL for nearly 20 years—serving 12 years as a coach for his sons and six years as a board member (2010–2016). He contributed to multiple committees, including finance, golf, and honors.

• Mark Quandt, a 2017 Marcus Priddy Award recipient and Court of Honor inductee, began coaching in 1982. He has coached multiple youth teams, often alongside his son, Matt. He’s also been nominated as a Coach of Character and is a high school-level official in basketball, baseball, football, and volleyball.

2016 Honorees: Dennis Nicely & Aaron Miller

• Dennis Nicely has served GABL in various roles for over 20 years, including area director, board member, coach, and official. He played a significant role in launching the GABL Girls Program in 2005. Dennis retired in June as Senior Vice President at Bank of Kansas City.

• Aaron Miller has worked as a GABL staff member and instructor for nearly 20 years. He currently coaches his children’s teams, teaches in 3v3 and KidHoops programs, and serves as principal at Havencroft Elementary in Olathe.

2015 Honorees: Bill Nicks & Chris Spellman

• Bill Nicks has been a part of GABL for over two decades, serving as a coach, board member, and official.

• Chris Spellman held several leadership roles in GABL from 2004 to 2014, including vice president and secretary-treasurer.

2014 Honoree: Michelle Pond

• Michelle Pond served on the GABL staff from 2004 to 2012 through Sports Management Associates. She played a key role in forming the GABL Girls Program and organized events such as the GABL Golf Classic and the Honors Program.