By: Matt Florjancic '07
BEREA, Ohio – "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." – Robert Frost.
Before Cheri Harrer became the head coach of the Baldwin Wallace women's basketball team, the program never had a winning season, placed higher than seventh in the Ohio Athletic Conference standings or made it past the quarterfinals in the OAC Tournament.
However, despite those humble beginnings, Harrer has turned the Yellow Jackets into a powerhouse not only in the OAC, but on a national level. In Harrer's 35 years as the head coach, the Yellow Jackets have made 18 NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, advanced to seven Sweet 16s and reached three Elite Eights.
Having already become the OAC's all-time leader in basketball coaching victories (men or women) earlier this season, Harrer reached another milestone on Saturday, January 11 with a 68-52 victory at the Wilmington Quakers.
She is the first basketball coach in conference history to reach 700 career wins at the same school.
"Coach Harrer reaching this milestone is a testament to the dedication she has to coaching," said Lilly Edwards, a three-time All-American and four-time All-OAC player for Harrer from 2018-2022. "Coach has never been about recognition, but I am glad that we are able to put a number on her success so that she can be reminded of her greatness."
All-OAC standout Amanda Mondrach-Gnagy added, "Seeing Coach Harrer reach these incredible milestones is truly inspirational. Nobody deserves these accolades more than Coach Harrer. She is the hardest working and most humble person I've ever met. It's truly an honor to celebrate her achievements and to forever be part of this BW basketball family she created."
Heart and Soul
On their own merits, the 700 wins are impressive enough, but taking a deeper look at what Harrer has accomplished with the Yellow Jackets reveals a myriad of successful moments during her time guiding the program.
Harrer has led the Yellow Jackets to eight OAC Tournament Championships, 11 regular-season titles, 20 20-win seasons and 477 wins in conference play.
"Coach Harrer represents everything great about college basketball," said Julie Work, who played for Harrer from 1995-1999 and was part of BW's first four teams to qualify for the NCAA Tournament and first OAC regular-season and tournament championship teams.
"She is a trailblazer in the sport, showing what it means to lead with passion and purpose to establish a culture of excellence, both athletically and academically. Her impressive records speak for themselves. She has built one of the most respected programs in the nation that will be cemented in the history books, but her legacy isn't just about victories.
"It's about the relationships and family she has built, the culture of integrity and respect she has fostered, and the countless lives she has inspired. She truly embodies what it means to lead with passion, dedication and heart."
Winning the People
Work knows better than most about the relationships Harrer has built with her players.
Initially, Work was recruited by and offered a scholarship from a Division I school, but cited burnout as a reason to step away from the game. However, after a year of working and going to school full time, Work returned to the basketball court for the Yellow Jackets.
She went on to be a top-10 career scorer, rebounder and free-throw shooter with the Yellow Jackets. And Work credits Harrer for that success because she "never gave up on me when my attitude got the best of me."
"Seven-hundred wins is monumental, and not everyone has the mindset and willingness to pour into people the way she does," Work said. "Coaching is not only a job for her, but it is her passion. She pours her heart and soul into BW and truly bleeds Brown and Gold.
"I am forever grateful to Coach Harrer and hope that she is able to bask in the glory of all that she has accomplished, both on and off the court."
First Impressions
Part of what makes a successful coach is the ability to recruit, and later, cultivate talent on the basketball court and in the classroom. However, it is not just about the players in the program that makes Harrer successful.
When Edwards came to campus for a tour, she recognized how Harrer interacted with people who were not on her teams, and that spoke volumes to the future All-American forward, who has gone on to become a pediatric nurse.
"I knew that if I was going to play basketball, it was going to have to be somewhere where I could participate in things I was interested in outside of basketball, and with that, a coach who encourages that and cares about the personal development of their players," Edwards said.
"My first time on campus, Coach took me on a tour, and I noticed that she had a personal greeting to EVERYONE from the random students passing by to the person cutting the grass. She asked me about my personal life and talked about involvement opportunities on campus that former players with similar interests got involved with.
"I knew that she led a culture I wanted to be a part of. I don't think I could have had a more positive experience playing for her. I went there to be a part of a winning culture on and off the court that would help me grow, and that's what I got."
Similar Experience
No one in the history of the BW women's basketball program has played more games for Harrer than Mondrach-Gnagy.
Mondrach-Gnagy played in 118 games over her four years with the program (2005-2009), and that record almost was never set. After going to Holy Name High School in Parma Heights, Mondrach-Gnagy thought she would go away to college. However, a visit to BW's campus changed everything.
"From the minute I stepped on campus and connected with Coach & the team, everything felt right, and I knew my decision," Mondrach-Gnagy said. "Coach Harrer's passion, the culture of excellence she fosters, and the genuine sense of family within the program completely changed my perspective. It wasn't just about basketball; it was about being part of something special, a community where I knew I could grow as a player and person, and it was one of the best decisions I've made.
"She's a mentor and a role model, instilling dedication, discipline, teamwork, grit, leadership, and hard work into every player and coach that not only prepares them to win games, but to succeed in life. She has shaped strong, confident, and successful leaders on and off the court."
Leadership by Example
While working to become champions, on the court and in the classroom, Harrer's players have learned how to be better leaders in their chosen fields by watching how she runs the program and treats those around her.
Some players have risen to become high-level executives in the business world, while others have become coaches in their own right. Others have gone into education and become administrators, and some became front-line workers.
"Almost everything I know about being a leader, I learned from being around Coach," Edwards said. "She is so intentional with her players and cares about the members of her program knowing each other and caring for each other. She was always sure to check in on me and ask how I was doing.
"Every preseason, we would spend time growing our connections, and Coach even had us learn each other's love languages. My favorite, and probably most important, lesson I learned from Coach was that you don't have to like everyone, but you can choose to love them. On the hardwood, playing for Coach meant being a part of a team-first culture with a winning mindset."
Life After Basketball
Edwards is one of the dozens of players who have earned Academic All-OAC status while playing for Harrer. Like Edwards, many other players credit Harrer for helping develop them into better leaders.
"Playing for Coach Harrer was more than just a chapter in my life; it was a foundation that helped shape the person I've become," Mondrach-Gnagy said. "You don't just grow as a player in this program; you grow as a person. Coach's high standards, dedication and belief in her players creates an environment where you're constantly challenged to improve, both on and off the court.
"She taught me how to approach all aspects of life with mental toughness, determination, accountability and confidence. Being part of the Yellow Jacket program is also discovering what it means to be part of something larger than yourself and forever bonding you in a family of teammates and coaches working together for the same goals. Those bonds and relationships gave me some of my most favorite memories that I'll cherish forever."
Inspiring New Generation of Coaches
Harrer has coached hundreds of student-athletes in her 35 years leading the women's basketball program at Baldwin Wallace, and while most have gone on to careers outside of the sport, others have followed in her footsteps.
Some of Harrer's former players have entered the coaching ranks, either at the high school or college levels, and one even coached on her staff with the Yellow Jackets.
"Coaching alongside her gave me such a deep understanding of her passion," Alyson Cotter-Campbell said. "She cares so much not only about the X's and O's, but on the well-being of the girls.
"She truly cares just as much and invests as much time in the shaping of young women as she does in the game of basketball. Like a young parent not really understanding the sacrifice their parents made when they were younger until they are parents -- I felt that way about seeing Coach Harrer once I was a coach."
Motivated to Pursue Coaching
While Cotter-Campbell coached with Harrer for several seasons, her best friend in the Baldwin Wallace program, Stacia Shrider, went on to coach against her former mentor while guiding the women's basketball team at Marietta College.
Following her graduation at BW, Shrider (now Shrider-Rosen) got into the coaching business and rose to the ranks of head coach of the Marietta Pioneers.
"From the moment I met Coach, I could tell that she led with unwavering integrity and strong character," Shrider-Rosen recalled. "She set the standards for her program high, on and off the court. She was a fierce competitor who wanted to win, but not at all costs. I knew playing for her would be the perfect fit. Playing for her was one of the best decisions I've ever made."
Familiar Foe
Having gone through the Baldwin Wallace program and learned what makes the program successful, Shrider-Rosen embraced the challenges as they came during her time as Marietta's head coach.
Out of the eight head-to-head matchups against Baldwin Wallace, Shrider-Rosen once guided the Pioneers to an eight-point victory on the very same court she once starred for as an All-Ohio Athletic Conference player who was part of an Elite Eight team in the 2005-2006 season.
"Coaching against Coach Harrer was always an exciting challenge," Shrider-Rosen said. "I knew her teams would come out ready to play, always be well-prepared and focused on executing their gameplan.
"They were, and still are, known for their relentless defense, making every game a battle. It pushed me to raise my own standards and think creatively as a coach. It was a rewarding experience to compete against such a disciplined and tough-minded coach. The respect I have for her coaching style and relentless work ethic has only grown over the years."
Continuing the Lessons Learned
Like Shrider-Rosen, former Yellow Jackets standout forward Megan Scheibelhut left Berea and got into the coaching profession at another school.
Scheibelhut is in her third season as an assistant coach at The College of Wooster. Previously, she coached at The National Basketball Academy on the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit. And while Scheibelhut is helping to coach the Fighting Scots, she has kept a close eye on her former team and was proud of Harrer for reaching the 700 wins mark.
"It's awesome to see," Scheibelhut said. "I remember when she got her 600th win. I think it was my sophomore year in 2019 or 2020, so that was pretty cool to see. It seems like she's gotten to 700 so fast, and it was awesome to be a part of it when I played, but it's awesome to look back at it now and see how she's doing and continuing the wins even after I left.
"It was the greatest four years of my life, just being at BW, getting to play basketball. She's been a mentor for me after college, and I think we've grown closer even after I've graduated, just because we're in the same profession. I can go to her for anything. I love seeing her at recruiting events or coaching conventions. She's always just a nice smile to see when I'm out and about."
Coaching Tree Grows
Some having taken Harrer's lessons to other colleges, but others have focused their efforts on growing the game on another level.
While Cotter-Campbell, Shrider-Rosen and Scheibelhut went from playing for Harrer to coaching in college, another standout player, All-American point guard Nikki Altenweg-Peterson, spent several seasons coaching at Rocky River High School.
"I learned a lot from seeing her dedication and commitment to each and every one of us," Altenweg-Peterson said. "I went into education after grad school and started coaching immediately.
"I felt like I was an extension of Coach in some ways by setting the bar high for my players, bringing intensity each day, and doing my best to create a sense of family with my high schoolers. I learned over my whole career that successful teams were more than just teammates. The relationships had to extend beyond the court in order to translate to wins."
Care Beyond the Court
During her junior season at Baldwin Wallace, Altenweg-Peterson forged her way as a leader on a team that graduated many of its top players and upper-class student-athletes. In short order, Altenweg-Peterson became the unquestioned leader for a team that won the OAC Championship in 2004-2005.
Then, as a senior, Altenweg-Peterson guided the Yellow Jackets to the NCAA Elite Eight.
Although Altenweg-Peterson graduated following that deep run in the postseason, the bond she had with Coach Harrer never stopped. In fact, it continues to be strong to this day.
"I wanted to play for Coach because she genuinely cared about more than just me and basketball," Altenweg-Peterson said. "She was -- and still is -- invested in my family. She showed up at countless games no matter how far and despite being in the middle of her own season.
"She is the backbone and one key factor for the program. She has built a highly respected program, one that is a consistent powerhouse across the country. Seeing her hit the 700 mark is truly remarkable, and she deserves all the praise and accolades that come along with it."
Well Respected
While Harrer reached the 700-win mark with the victory over Wilmington, she has more than half the season left to coach the Yellow Jackets, who remain undefeated in conference play and in sole possession of first place in the OAC.
The Yellow Jackets will win more this season, but for those who have been in the program and gone on to their own coaching careers, those victories add up to something bigger than basketball.
"She is incredibly well respected in the world of women's basketball," Cotter-Campbell said. "She is truly a trailblazer. But beyond wins and losses, her greatest impact and legacy will be her relationships with her players over the last four decades."
Shrider-Rosen added, "Coach has built an enduring legacy not only at BW, but in the sport of women's basketball. She's one of the trailblazers. She's elevated the program to a national level and instilled a culture of excellence, on and off the court, year in and year out that will continue to inspire future generations.
"Her impact extends beyond all the wins and championships. She has shaped the lives of countless student-athletes. Her contributions to the sport have set a standard of greatness, and her legacy will be remembered for many years to come."
Building a Legacy
Currently on a 13-game winning streak, the Yellow Jackets are ranked 12th in the latest D3hoops.comWomen's Basketball Poll, and 14th in the WBCA (Women's Basketball Coaches Association) rankings.
The Yellow Jackets have 11 more conference games remaining in the regular season. Then, there is the OAC Tournament after the conclusion of the regular season, and potentially, a 19th NCAA Tournament run to go.
And that will give the Yellow Jackets plenty of opportunities to not only build on Harrer's unprecedented wins total, but also, her impact on the game.
"I think 700 wins and Coach's cascade of accolades speaks for itself," Edwards said. "Coach is such a staple in the BW community. She established BW women's basketball as a historically winning program.
"Coach is also an extremely vocal advocate for women in sports. She fights for female athletes, female athletic programs, and herself to be treated equally to our male counterparts. She's established herself as a strong presence in the female basketball world."
Quest for More
Although the Yellow Jackets have helped Harrer reach two career milestones this season, they are far from finished achieving great things.
In fact, this year's team is focused on making the 2024-2025 season even more memorable for Harrer, as they look to win the team's second straight OAC regular-season championship, an OAC Tournament title, and then, go on another deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
The current players are hungry to make it three trips to the Sweet 16 in the last four years, and go on an unprecedented postseason run.
"This year, our purpose is 'Whatever it takes for each other,'" senior forward Caely Ressler said. "I think that really embodies this group because we just want to spend more time with each other. The numbers get hung up on the banners, and you get your name on the website and everything, but we just want to spend more time with each other and play for each other, play for the coaches."
Senior point guard Emily Irwin added, "We always have the same goals of going far in the tournament and winning the OAC. She's never been to the Final Four, so I think doing that for her and even getting past that would be great.
"I know this is my last year, and I obviously want to make it the best year that I've ever had in the whole entire program. I think that's what our mindsets are, getting that for everyone that has been a part of this program."
