A Win for the University

As a former student-athlete, Cheryl Wolf ’72 understands commitment. She was a four-year varsity starter in field hockey and lacrosse under the leadership of Vonnie Gros, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education.

“To be there at that time, with the best coaches and athletes in the country — it was special,” she says.

Since she graduated, Cheryl has continued to support the University as a loyal donor. Her first gift of $5.00 in 1977 kicked off almost 40 years of giving — 20 of them consecutive — to WCU’s lacrosse and field hockey programs.

“I feel fortunate to still be in the field of athletics. So many doors were opened for me because of West Chester — I built a great foundation and learned all that is needed to run an athletic program.”

For two decades, Cheryl served as Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach and Assistant Field Hockey Coach at Cornell University, earning a Regional Coach of the Year Award from the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association in 1992. While there, she saw the impact of alumni contributions firsthand, and wanted to do the same for her alma mater.

“It’s not cheap to run a program,” she admits. “The money can go towards things like equipment and financial assistance.”

Cheryl returned to the Philadelphia area in 1997 to join Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart as Athletic Director and Head of Health and Physical Education Department. She eventually made the move to administration, and currently works as an athletic assistant at Hightstown High School.

A true team player at heart, Cheryl’s investment is also reflective of the invaluable lessons student-athletes rely on after graduation. “We want our students to be successful at everything they do. Academics come first, but athletics teaches them discipline and time management, how to lead and how to contribute — they learn what it takes to be successful.”