Hall of Fame
Michelle DeSmith Eichinger graduated from Northland College in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a marketing emphasis. Michelle's tenure at Northland was marked with academic accolades including the Dean's List as well as recipient of the Kohler Company Scholarship.
Michelle's contributions and achievements to Northland's athletics are numerous. She received many honors and awards in both basketball and volleyball including team captain position in the two sports. During her volleyball career, Michelle was two-time All-American, Most Valuable Player at the NLCAA National Volleyball Championship in '82 and Northern All tournament Volleyball Player in 1985. She was also voted 3-time Most Valuable Player of the volleyball team ('82, '84, and '85). She lettered in each of the four years she played. Michelle's basketball career was also comprised of many noteworthy achievements; Michelle played basketball for three years, lettering each year. She was voted outstanding rookie in basketball (1983-84) and she received the Sportsman Award for Basketball for Northland's 1985-86 season. Additionally, Michelle was selected to the All Tournament Basketball team for the Hamline and Northland Invitationals. Other awards Michelle received included the Milton Gardner Senior Athletic Award for outstanding achievements in both athletics and academics. She also received the Outstanding Freshman Athlete Award.
Michelle is currently studying for her Masters Degree in Education at the University of New Mexico. She is also presently employed at Governor Bent Elementary School. There she functions as both Technology coordinator, responsible for curriculum integration and management of the school's Local Area Network, and instructor for an enrichment program geared for 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades.
When not working or studying, Michelle keeps up with her love for athletics as a basketball coach for grades 1-5. She is also volunteer animal caretaker at a local wildlife park.
Michelle currently resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico with her husband Mark.
