Markita Griffin-Roberts to be inducted into Akron Public Schools Athletics Hall of Fame

Markita Griffin-Roberts, a former standout basketball player at Ellet High School and Ball State University, received the exciting news this week that she will be inducted into the Akron Public Schools Athletics Hall of Fame. The moment she found out, she immediately shared the news with her son, Brian Roberts Jr., who played basketball at Copley High School and Allegheny College.

Griffin-Roberts expressed her disbelief and emotion upon receiving the news, stating that she never imagined she would be honored in such a way. She reflected on her high school career and the impact it had on her life, noting that her son may not fully understand the depth of her accomplishments on the court.

The APS Athletics HOF Class of 2024 features three women, including Griffin-Roberts, Stacy Hairston-Jones, and Tracee McCoy-Jenkins, highlighting the growing popularity and recognition of women’s sports in the United States.

Among the other inductees in the Class of 2024 are former NFL running back Chris “Beanie” Wells, Olympic hurdler Paul Sehzue, and former Akron Zips basketball player Bobby “Sumthin’” Smith. Wells, the youngest inductee this year at 35, expressed his surprise and gratitude at being included in the prestigious group.

Griffin-Roberts and Hairston-Jones, both highly decorated female basketball players in APS history, shared their excitement about the state of women’s basketball and the growing recognition of the sport. They reflected on their own careers and the impact they had on the game, expressing optimism for the future of women’s basketball.

As Griffin-Roberts prepares for her induction into the APS Athletics Hall of Fame, she looks forward to sharing this special moment with her son and reflecting on the legacy she has left behind in the world of sports.