NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Christopher Newport's Athletic Hall of Fame Committee announced Tuesday the selection of BELLE TUNSTALL as the final member of the 2021 class of inductees. Tunstall, from Vienna, Va., was a two-time All-American for the Captains field hockey program and is regarded as one of the top student-athletes in the history of the program.

Tunstall, a graduate of James Madison High School, played on Christopher Newport squads from 2011-2014. She was a key member of four Captains squads that won 62 games and lost just 17. She led the Captains to the NCAA Tournament three out of four years and all the way to the Final Four in 2013.

"Where most people see obstacles, Belle sees opportunities," Head Coach Carrie Moura said. "She will make the most of those opportunities, whether it's a University Fellowship, a trip to the London Olympics, a record breaking run in the NCAA Tournament, or now in her career where she is absolutely dominating in realty, Belle Tunstall can accomplish anything."  

In addition to her two All-American accolades, Tunstall was also voted both region and state Player of he Year. She continues to hold CNU Field Hockey all-time records for career points with 115, goals with 41, and assists with 33.

"Belle came to a few clinics on campus while she was in high school," Moura remembered. "My first feeling was that she was average. Then, I saw her dribble a ball down field and she was ten times faster than all the players who didn't have a ball.  A few minutes later, I offered her a spot on the roster."

In Tunstall's freshman season in 2011, the Captains finished 12-6, but five of the team's losses were by just one goal.

"I knew they could do better, and Belle knew she could do better," Moura continued. " She took it upon herself to elevate her level of play and also the team's.  In the spring season, her fitness was on another level, and her skills were starting to match her speed.  She made a commitment, expected others to commit, and remained hyper-focused on seeing the program succeed."

The program's success was clearly evident as the Captains went 17-2 in 2012, and then followed with the remarkable 21-2 Final Four run in 2013.

"There is no singular moment that stands out about Belle," Moura said. "We can laugh and share many stories about her time at CNU, but, what plays over in my mind is a compilation of moments displaying her competitive drive and ability to make others feel like they are valued.  She is a positive force with everything she is a part of.  I will forever appreciate what she has brought to the culture of the program."

Tunstall joins Jalon Brown of men's soccer, Sabrina Hill of softball, Brian Jaeger of men's golf, and Rudy Rudolph of football to make up the Hall of Fame class of 2021.

The Christopher Newport Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 1989 and currently has 148 members. The Hall of Fame honors those men and women who have made significant contributions as a member of the Captains, whether as a player, coach, administrator, or friend of the program. This marks the 33rd Hall of Fame induction class, and the group will be formally inducted next year along with the 2022 class due to CoVID restrictions this year.