BELLEVUE, Neb. -- Bellevue University is proud to announce the induction of three outstanding former student-athletes and one standout coach into the Bellevue University Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the 12th Annual Hall of Fame Ceremony. The 2025 inductees include Molly Peterson Zach (Softball, 2001-03), Matt Briggs (Men's Soccer Coach, 2007-15), Brent Heller (Men's Basketball, 2000-04), and Dr. Taylor Mohler Wessels (Softball, 2012-15).
The induction ceremony will take place on the Bellevue University campus in the John B. Muller Administrative Services Building, Symposium Room on Saturday, Aug. 9. The evening will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the formal induction at 6:30 p.m.
In addition, the Hall of Fame Golf Outing will be held the day before, on Friday, Aug. 8, at Eagle Hills Golf Course in Papillion, starting at 1:30 p.m.
2025 Inductee Class
Molly Peterson Zach (Softball, 2001-03)
One of the most decorated softball players in Bellevue University history, Peterson Zach was a two-time NAIA first-team All-American (2002, 2003) and a two-time NFCA first-team All-American. She was also named the MCAC Player of the Year in 2002 and earned three consecutive first-team all-MCAC honors during her career.
She holds numerous spots in the Bruins' record books, including ranking fifth all-time in batting average (.407) and first in career stolen bases (102). In 2002, she was named Bellevue University Female Athlete of the Year, cementing her legacy as one of the program's all-time greats.
Peterson Zach lives in Valley, Neb., with her husband, former BU baseball player Matt Zach, and their three daughters, Mae Mae (19), Izzabella (17), and Lillee (14).
She currently is the Director of Faith Formation at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Valley.
Peterson Zach holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Human Services, both from Bellevue University.
Matt Briggs (Men's Soccer Coach, 2007-15)
Briggs led the Bellevue men's soccer program to new heights during his nine-year tenure, compiling a 101-56-15 (.631) record, ranking second in school history in career victories. Under his leadership, the Bruins won five conference regular-season championships and six conference tournament titles and made five NAIA National Tournament appearances, including two second-round berths (2009, 2014).
Briggs was a two-time MCAC Coach of the Year (2009, 2014) and mentored 68 all-conference players and seven NAIA All-Americans. His 2008 team made history by securing Bellevue's first-ever NAIA National Tournament appearance and finishing with a No. 6 national ranking.
Briggs has been on two mission trips to Kenya, delivering coaching sessions and supplying clothes, cleats, and food to children in villages living in poverty.
Briggs and his wife, Kim, live in Omaha with their sons, Cam (7) and Luke (6). He is now working as a cowboy, trying to find the best way to raise young men in today's world.
Brent Heller (Men's Basketball, 2000-04)
Heller was a key contributor to one of the most successful teams in Bellevue men's basketball history. As the starting point guard for the 2003-04 national runner-up team, Heller played a vital role in leading the Bruins to their first-ever NAIA National Championship game appearance.
A first-team all-MCAC selection in 2003-04, Heller also earned NAIA National Tournament all-tournament team honors. He holds multiple school records, ranking first all-time in career assists (505), first in career steals (271), and first in games played (132). In 2003-04, he set single-season records for assists (236) and steals (115). He was recognized as the Bellevue University Male Athlete of the Year in 2003-04.
Heller has four sons: Brent, Jr. (20), Dane (12), Leo (9), and Hank (7).
He earned his bachelor's degree in Communications from BU and has worked as a supervisor at the Douglas County Youth Center for the last 20 years.
Dr. Taylor Mohler Wessels (Softball, 2012-15)
One of the most dominant pitchers in program history, Mohler Wessels was named Bellevue University Female Athlete of the Year (2014-15) and earned NAIA All-American honorable mention honors in 2015. A four-time NAIA all-Nebraska selection, she was also a two-time first-team all-MCAC honoree and the 2015 MCAC Pitcher of the Year.
She holds the Bellevue career records for strikeouts (819), opponent batting average (.192), and shutouts (25) while ranking third in career wins (70). Her 243 strikeouts and 10 shutouts in 2015 stand as single-season program records.
Mohler Wessels and her husband, Alex, live in Plattsmouth, Neb., with their daughters, Viola and Ivy. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and is currently a physical therapist at CHI St. Mary's Hospital in Nebraska City, Neb.
Event Details
Induction Ceremony:
- Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025
- John B. Muller Administrative Services Building, Symposium Room
- Reception – 5:30 p.m. | Dinner – 6:30 p.m.
Hall of Fame Golf Outing:
- Friday, Aug. 8, 2025
- Eagle Hills Golf Course, Papillion
- 1:30 p.m. Start
Further details regarding registration for the ceremony and golf outing will be available soon at BUBruins.com.
The Bellevue University Athletics Hall of Fame, established in 2013, honors former athletes, coaches, teams, and administrators who have made a lasting impact on Bruin Athletics.
