Considered ‘one of the finest players? in Oxford High School girls basketball history, Lisa (Starr) Tester will be inducted into the district’s Hall of Fame this month.
‘I’m humbled by the honor,? she said.
Tester helped lead former Coach Ian Smith’s basketball teams to an 88-11 overall record from 1978-81. Her career included three North Oakland Athletic Conference (NOAC) titles and back-to-back MHSAA district, regional and quarterfinal victories.
Tester earned four varsity letters in basketball as well as all-NOAC, all-Oakland County and all-state honorable mention awards as a senior captain.
She also earned two varsity letters in volleyball and was a four-year member of the Oxford equestrian team.
Tester said playing sports for Oxford impacted every facet of her life.
‘I would have to say that my athletic career and my coaches gave me the courage, drive and determination to take on the challenges in my life.? I have a quote from (Hollywood actor) John Wayne in my office that inspires me every day ? ‘Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway,?? she said.
‘Athletics prepared me to be courageous, take risks, reach for new challenges, and know that many hours of sweat and hard work are needed to accomplish the goal.? It also taught me about teamwork ? the value of team members and respecting the gifts and differences that each team member brings to the team. These life lessons have served me well though the years.?? ?
Tester graduated in the top 10 of her class in 1982 and attended Michigan Technological University (MTU) where she was a four-time letter winner in the Huskies women’s basketball program.
She was named a two-time captain and won the Scholastic Achievement Award in 1982-83. She received the the Harold Meese Sportsmanship Award in 1984.
Tester graduated with a degree in management information systems in 1986.
She now resides in Tennessee and is employed as Program Manager for International Paper.
Tester said she and her sister will come back to town for the Hall of Fame ceremony being held Sept. 5 at the Oxford High School Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m.
‘I’m really excited,? she said. ‘I’m looking forward to it and hoping to see some old friends.?
Tickets for the ceremony can be purchased for at www.oxfordathletics.org