Summer 2025 / Features

State-of-the-art artificial turf will soon be installed on the Rhonda Brake Shreiner Soccer Field in Kris’s Meadow.  The turf will be over 100,000 square feet and will upgrade the existing field. Competition on the new field is slated for the Fall 2025 athletic season.

Wilson will install a new turf field in the 28-acre parcel of land where the College’s soccer and softball fields are located. The turf field will replace the grass soccer field and become the home of the Wilson College women’s and men’s soccer teams, women’s lacrosse, and the field hockey team. The existing hockey field near Edgar and Norland Avenues will be used for practice.

“The artificial turf field installation will elevate campus amenities at Wilson College, especially the Phoenix  athletic facilities. We are excited to take our athletic facilities to the next level for greater competitiveness on the field, and stronger overall student-athlete recruitment and retention,” said President Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D. The new artificial turf will provide a quality field comparable to competitive intercollegiate programs in the region and allow teams to play more often and be less impacted by adverse field
conditions because of weather.

“Converting our grass field to artificial turf is a game-changer for the Phoenix. This marks a significant investment in the future of our programs, ensuring that our student-athletes have access to a safe, durable, and  high-quality playing surface for years to come,” said Tina Hill, director of athletics. “The project also demonstrates Wilson’s commitment to providing the best possible environment for student-athletes to train and compete. It will enhance their athletic performance and overall experience, helping to drive the overall growth and success of our sports program.”

The fields in Kris’s Meadow have been in use since 2000, when Kris Rodger Sammons ’64 and her husband, William Sammons, donated funds to purchase land for use by the athletics program. The College constructed and  dedicated the Rhonda Brake Shreiner Soccer Field in 2002, in memory of the daughter of Harold and Dolores Brake, and sister of Randall Brake (a Wilson College Everett-Pomeroy Trustee, having served from 1996 to 2005), whose company The Charles E. Brake Co. donated an additional piece of land to the College. The softball field was constructed in 2003.

Science, history, criminal justice, nursing, and art were all represented as sixteen students delivered oral presentations and 68 individuals and class groups showcased their research through posters at the 16th Annual Barsy-Colgan Student Research Day. The event took place on April 18 in the Harry R. Brooks Complex for Science, Mathematics, and Technology auditorium, with posters displayed throughout the day on two floors of  the John Stewart Memorial Library. Students were available to answer questions during a midday poster session.

Student researchers shared information throughout the day on a wide variety of topics. Morning presentations included honors research on discrimination among college students, the impact of message framing on consumer purchases, the story of the Susquehannock Indians, anti-anxiety cat therapies, depressive disorder treatment, parasitic infections, and fungal infections. The afternoon session covered studies on krill decline, sustainable agriculture, environmental resilience in manufacturing, stream monitoring in the Conococheague Creek, assessing mastitis diagnostic tools, and drunkorexia among college students. The day concluded with Hailey
Steele ’25, the 2025 Margaret Criswell Disert Honors Scholar, presenting her research regarding the impact of synthetic red dye 40 on colon cancer cells (see more about Steele’s research on page 20). All projects were guided by faculty advisers.

The Barsy-Colgan Student Research Day is supported by Louise Barsy Colgan ’80 and her husband Sean. Their generous philanthropy supports student academic research and ensures this important Wilson event continues. Each year, students may apply for grants for research they intend to complete in their senior year for presentation on Student Research Day. Louise and Sean have endowed those grants in honor of Louise and her mother, Helen Yeager “HiY” Barsy ’44.

Wilson Seniors Shine in Science

Five Wilson seniors presented their research at this year’s annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science (PAS), held April 11-13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa.

Wilson’s senior presenters: (l to r) Cassidy Sowers, Judi Wolf, Hailey Steele, Kylie Wright, and Adrián Lugo.

Kylie Wright
“Assessing the correlation between California Mastitis Test results and somatic cell counts in caprine milk.”
Advisers: Deborah Austin, Ph.D., and Sherri Buerdsell, Ph.D.

Judi Wolf
“The effects of lipid synthesis inhibitor ND-630 on fungal species Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, and
Cryptococcus neoformans in comparison to fluconazole.”
Advisers: Kathryn Sarachan, Ph.D., and Amber Marble, Ph.D.

Cassidy Sowers
“Influence of anthelmintic medications on the aerobic bacterial populations of the equid gastrointestinal tract microbiome.”
Advisers: Amber Marble, Ph.D., and Sherri Buerdsell, Ph.D.

Adrián Lugo
“The effects of serotonin transporter gene variations on major depressive disorder treatment and anxiety.”
Advisers: Amber Marble, Ph.D., and Deborah Austin, Ph.D.

Hailey Steele
“The cytotoxicity of synthetic dye; Red 40 and its metabolites cresidine-4-sulfonate and 1-amino-2-naphthol-sulfonic acid on the Caco-2 human colon cell line.”
Advisers: Kathryn Sarachan, Ph.D., Amber Marble, Ph.D., and Sherri Buerdsell, Ph.D.

PAS Award Winners were (left) Acadia Banis ’26 and (right) Hailey Steele ’25. Banis received a PAS Undergraduate Research Grant for her work with her adviser Amber Marble, Ph.D., titled “A Systematic Comparison of Traditional Veterinary-grade Topical Tick Preventions Versus Holistic Topical Tick Repellants for Canines.” Steele took Third Place in the PAS Spychala Student Presentation Awards for her oral presentation.

By Rebecca Sherer

Shortly before embarking on a January 2025 expedition to Antarctica, Shelby Harmon ’25, an animal studies major with minors in biology and psychology, received a diagnosis of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1, a severe form of Muscular Dystrophy. This heartbreaking news caused her to reframe her sense of self and future. Her trip would involve physical activities and, initially, she was concerned about how her body would react.

Despite her concerns, Harmon’s passion for travel, wildlife, and environmentalism drove her to continue her  plans to take the trip she had dreamed of since childhood. Harmon, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, said she experienced comradery at sea more than ever before while aboard the expedition vessel.

Traveling with Poseidon Expeditions, Harmon’s group set sail for a 12-day journey aboard the M/V Sea Spirit, a small but mighty ship that holds up to 100 passengers. Navigating through the Drake Passage, known to be one of the most dangerous bodies of water in the world, comprised nearly three
days of the voyage.

Harmon experienced physical pain and self-doubt during what she called the hardest hike of her life but gathered the strength to take her time and ultimately reach the summit. This made her realize the expedition was teaching her resilience to overcome the emotional and physical challenges posed by her newly diagnosed condition.

After the hike, Harmon met Ken Wright, an ornithologist who quickly became a mentor to her. Their discussions about Antarctic wildlife helped shape her senior thesis on “The Disappearing Foundation: How Krill Decline Threatens Antarctica and the Planet.” Her research focused on the important role of krill—a group of approximately 86 species of small shrimp-like crustaceans—in the Antarctic ecosystem. She emphasized the negative effects of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU) and its threatening impact on the Antarctic ecosystem and the planet, and exposed the over-consumption of krill-based products in the health and wellness
industry while suggesting consumer alternatives.

While attending a seminar during the expedition, Harmon learned about Antarctic Ambassadors—a community supported by International Association Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) to encourage and inspire global action for Antarctica. She quickly realized she wanted to extend her advocacy by joining this group. “Being an ambassador allows me to share the urgency of protecting this fragile region in the face of climate change, overfishing, and human impact. It’s an opportunity to educate others about the interconnectedness of Antarctica’s ecosystem with the rest of the world, and inspire collective action,” she said.

Since her trip, Harmon has been harnessing her passion and education to spread awareness of the importance of one of Earth’s most fragile ecosystems. “My time in Antarctica deepened my appreciation for the role of education and the fostering of conservation efforts,” said Harmon.

Harmon now sees a future for herself that involves Antarctica and the continuation of her conservation efforts. “My goal is to be a voice for Antarctica and its wildlife, advocating for the care and respect this remarkable region deserves,” she added.

Her expedition also provided some life-changing moments, like taking a polar plunge into the icy Arctic waters, which she described as a sacred experience. “Everything was just so pristine,” she said. “It felt like another planet, and I saw shades of blue I didn’t know existed.” She also happily reported that she saw the second largest population of gentoo penguins in the world. Looking back at her expedition, Harmon said, “I have never felt more alive and in my element.”

Shelby Harmon shared her “Antarctic Adventures” with the Chambersburg community during a presentation at IceFest 2025.

by Sandra Huffman ’86

Hailey Steele ’25, a biology major with a chemistry and healthcare and medical humanities minor, stood in front of the auditorium in the Brooks Science Center on Friday, April 18, during the 16th Annual Barsy-Colgan Student Research Day. Looking at those in attendance, she said, “I know what you’re thinking. This woman really stood up here and told me not to eat my [favorite chips], not to drink my red [sports drink]. Well, don’t fear, we’re not doomed.”

Steele was concluding a presentation of her senior thesis research titled “The Cytotoxicity of Synthetic Dye Red 40 and Metabolite Cresidine-4-sulfonate on the Caco-2 Human Colon Cell Line.” In layperson’s terms, this meant the study of synthetic dye Red 40 and its relationship to colon cancer. Steele chose this topic simply to educate and raise awareness, but what her research ultimately did was probe the effect of food additives on human health.

At Wilson, students have a unique opportunity with their senior research. They get to build their projects from the ground up rather than follow in the footsteps of their faculty as students often do at other institutions. This initially felt challenging to Steele. She said, “It’s actually kind of difficult to choose your project, because you are told the sky is the limit, but you still have to make sure the research can be conducted at an undergraduate level.”

When it came time for Steele to decide on a topic, she thought about members of her family who mentioned their children bounced off the walls after consuming food containing Red 40. After conducting background research, she found a bigger concern: a potential link between Red 40 consumption and colon cancer cases. The western diet, specifically in the United States, comprises heavily processed foods and laboratory studies show that this ultra-processed diet increases inflammation. Long-term inflammation in the human body is a condition that can potentially lead to cancer.

Steele reviewed studies of Red 40 in relation to cell cultures and discovered most research did not investigate the intestinal breakdown of Red 40 into two main substances, one being the metabolite cresidine-4-sulfonate. Steele then questioned whether Red 40, or these substances, might impact the health of human colon cells.

“I initially hypothesized that I would see a decrease in the percent cell viability as I increased the concentrations of Red 40 and cresidine-4-sulfonate. But I further hypothesized that the cresidine-4-sulfonate would induce a greater decrease in the cell viability when compared to Red 40.”

To do this, Steele cultured and grew human colon cells, treated them with varying amounts of Red 40 and cresidine-4-sulfonate, and tested the cell viability. The percentage of human colon cells surviving after exposure to Red 40 and cresidine-4-sulfonate decreased significantly, which suggested this exposure could be toxic to human colon cells. The cresidine-4-sulfonate had a greater negative impact on the cells than Red 40 alone.

Steele now had statistical evidence that Red 40 not only prevented cells from remaining healthy, but it was also killing the cells. Although her research did not go exactly as planned, she felt satisfied that her results matched her hypotheses.

Just days after Steele presented her findings at Wilson’s 2025 Student Research Day, she learned that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced intentions to “phase out” the use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes from medications and the nation’s food supply by the end of 2026; specifically red dye 40, yellow dyes 5 and 6, blue dyes 1 and 2, and green dye 2.

The proposed federal ban on synthetic dyes results from their potential to cause health problems, such as hyperactivity, inflammation, and cancer. For Steele, no matter what risk the FDA cites, it will be a win. “I hope the ban ends up going through and that we, as a whole, shift to using more natural dyes. The actual food that we’re eating and consuming doesn’t need to be bright colors. And if manufacturers want to achieve colors like that, there are natural sources available.”

MORE ABOUT HAILEY STEELE

• The Margaret Criswell Disert Honors Scholar 2024-25.
• E. Grace White Prize Recipient, May 2025.
• PAS Spychala Student Presentation Award – Third Place for her oral presentation (see page 19).
• Barsy-Colgan Academic Research Award recipient, May 2024.
• Vice President of Omicron Delta Kappa, the leadership honor society.
• Member of Chi Alpha Sigma, the scholar-athlete honor society.
• Member of Phi Beta Kappa, the academic honor society, inducted as a junior.
• Laboratory Assistant for biology, anatomy, chemistry, and microbiology.
• Captain of the women’s field hockey team for three years.

by Sandra Huffman ‘86

The Joan M. Thuebel ’52 Earthwatch Award is presented annually to students and faculty members and provides each recipient with a fully funded field research expedition hosted by the international nonprofit organization Earthwatch. The award includes expedition fees, travel, and lodging, made possible by a generous donation from Joan Thuebel ’52 who has participated in 27 Earthwatch expeditions. “My alternative to not being able to contribute to expeditions is to be able to send people to do projects I would like to do and can’t right now,” she shared.

Earthwatch offers a wide variety of expeditions across scientific, archaeological, anthropological, and other fields. The 2024 award recipients discovered ancient societies in Portugal, followed forest owls in Utah, and unearthed ancient history in Italy.

Christine Mayer ’07, assistant professor of environmental studies, said she saw some amazing culture and history through her Earthwatch expedition. She traveled to Portugal to work on an archaeological dig in the historic town of Santarém, one of the oldest in central Portugal. Mayer was on a team working in both field excavation and laboratory analysis, contributing directly to ongoing research efforts regarding the transition between the Mesolithic and Neolithic societies from hunter-gatherers to farmers. As volunteer researchers, Mayer’s group worked each morning, digging and scraping with a hand trowel, paintbrush, and dustpan. Then, each afternoon, they would go to the village community space they used as a laboratory where they would spend time cleaning, sorting, and packaging artifacts to send to artifact experts.

Erin Roszkowiak ’25, a veterinary nursing major, with minors in chemistry and biology, who will attend veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania in the fall, traveled to Utah to work with owls. The purpose of her expedition was to determine what climate change has done to plant-related owls. The trip involved surveying owls, capturing owls with mist nets, measuring habitat, recording the location of tree cavities, and
monitoring nests. According to Roszkowiak, it also involved a lot of hiking as each day meant traveling to more owl nests, with some nests six miles away from each other. What she liked the best was knowing she was helping the owls without treating them. She said, “It was a different side of science that I’ve never seen before and it really opened my eyes to see that we can’t treat wildlife, because if you do, they can’t be part of the natural evolution.”

Zeke Changuris ’24MH, a graduate student in humanities, had the opportunity to do an archaeological excavation in southern Tuscany, specifically the Roman settlement of Poggio de Molino. The area was occupied as early as the 2nd century B.C. and went into its last stage of habitation in the 5th century. It was a fortress, it was a fish sauce workshop, and it was a villa, Changuris shared. He said, “It was really interesting to see people from all walks of life participating in this dig because we all shared something in common—we all had a passion for history.”

by Sandra Huffman ‘86

When contemplating spending spring break and his 60th birthday alone, Wendell Smith, professor of Spanish, decided to visit Guatemala and Antigua, but this was not your average college spring break. Rather than a  relaxing beach vacation, he embarked on a mission to serve as a medical interpreter.

At Wilson College, Smith teaches courses in medical Spanish, a skill he excels at and pursues as a sideline project. To stay current, he seeks opportunities to interpret whenever time permits. He has volunteered at Keystone Clinic and Chambersburg Hospital, but this was his first trip dedicated to medical interpretation.

Opportunities for interpreters to travel on mission trips are rare, as most groups prefer hiring native English speakers. Smith discovered a trip to Guatemala through International Medical Relief (IMR), a Denver-based charity that deploys missions to over 40 countries and includes volunteer interpreters as part of their travel teams. For Smith, IMR’s trip appealed not only in the opportunity to do impactful work with underprivileged communities in a Guatemala clinic, but also in providing a chance to stay in Antigua. He said, “IMR is good at
combining tourism with medical missions, and this was also a 60th birthday present to myself.”

The trip occurred in March during Wilson’s spring break. Because his wife’s spring break conflicted with Wilson’s revised academic calendar, Smith traveled alone, with the aim of also benefiting the College. His goal was to observe IMR’s execution and make recommendations for Wilson’s upcoming medical mission to the Dominican Republic in January 2026, the fourth trip for Wilson students and faculty.

Wilson’s community partner in the Dominican Republic is Good Samaritan Hospital, an extension of the Haitian
Maranatha Missionary Baptist Church. Smith plans to recruit 10 to 15 Spanish and nursing students to run a mobile medical clinic, seeing over 100 patients daily in a remote area with unmet medical needs.

Smith learned that the rhythm of a mission trip is consistent regardless of the organizer, requiring extensive preparation and planning. He gained valuable insights and a list of essential items for missions, which Wilson can now use.

The IMR team stayed in Antigua but commuted daily to a town near Guatemala City known for its furniture factories and strong indigenous cultural presence. Smith’s role as a medical interpreter highlighted the linguistic diversity within the Spanish language. “Even with basic anatomy, the terminology may be different,” he said.

Wendell Smith, professor of Spanish, provides a health talk to patients waiting to see the doctors.

The absence of two English-speaking doctors scheduled to travel with the team initially prevented Smith from interpreting during the clinic; instead, he assisted with health education. He explained, “While patients waited for the doctor, I provided talks on starting the day with stretches, drinking clean water, brushing teeth, and basic hygiene.” He also helped fit people for reading glasses, a crucial need in that region. “It’s a simple, yet impactful task that doesn’t require a medical degree,” he noted.

Smith believes Wilson’s upcoming mission to the Dominican Republic will benefit from the insights gained during his trip with IMR. By comparing IMR’s materials with Wilson’s documents curated by the nursing program based on previous mission trips, he hopes to enhance their preparations.

The International Medical Relief team photo.

While in Antigua, Smith also remembered to embrace his role as a tourist. On his 60th birthday, he embarked on a hike partway up a volcano, relishing the experience and capturing memorable photos along the way. He particularly enjoyed out-hiking the younger members of his group, feeling a sense of accomplishment in his physical abilities and his mission.

by Sandra Huffman ‘86

What began as a two-year approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has turned into a 40-year success story as Wilson’s Teacher Certification Pathways (TCP) continues to shine as a beacon of opportunity for aspiring educators. Approved in May 1985 as the Teacher Intern Program (TIP), TCP has adapted to meet society’s evolving education needs.

Luke Reed TCP Completer ‘22, Secondary English Certification, teaching at Shippensburg Area High School

In 1985, Wilson’s TIP originated in response to former Pennsylvania Governor Richard L. Thornburgh’s “Agenda for Excellence,” a statewide initiative addressing nationwide teacher shortages. The Governor recommended a one-year teacher apprenticeship program, overseen by local teams, who then recommend teacher certification. It offered a different path to certification for those with a bachelor’s degree and relevant life experience and allowed students to teach full time while completing academic requirements. This approach, first introduced by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in 1972, helped many professionals successfully transition into teaching careers and gave Wilson another success story.

In its early years, Wilson’s Teacher Intern Program offered eight subject areas—biology, chemistry, English, Spanish, French, German, Latin, or social studies—and saw strong initial interest by holding classes at the Wilson campus in Chambersburg and at the Harrisburg Area Community College. In 1988, the Public Opinion newspaper reported that over 40 adults attended the informational program about TIP, and that more than 300 adults had asked about it since the program was first approved by the PDE.

By the 1989-90 academic year, 143 students had enrolled, with many already securing full-time teaching  positions. The program’s flexibility and supportive structure were key factors to its popularity and effectiveness. Former Wilson program director, the late Dorothea Nill Bowers ’52, told the Public Opinion newspaper in 1989 that they designed the course of study specifically for each intern to augment that person’s expertise. She said, “This program makes it possible for many prospective teachers to enter the classroom in mid-career.”

Over the years, Wilson College expanded the program to include various pathways to certification. By 2008, an editorial in the Public Opinion newspaper considered Wilson the largest provider of a teacher certification program in south central Pennsylvania. Today, former program director Walton Jones, D.Ed. (2002-2014) still  expresses pride in the program’s high-quality educators, even stating he’d happily have TCP graduates teach his grandchildren. He emphasized the importance of being dedicated to teaching. As director, he said, “The number one thing I looked for was someone who was sincerely going to approach educating children seriously.”

Under Jones’s leadership, Wilson offered courses both on campus and at off-site locations, including the Army War College in Carlisle and the Cumberland Valley School District in Mechanicsburg. Level I teacher certification was an option in either K-6 or secondary math, English, biology, chemistry, social studies, Spanish, or  environmental education, with health and physical education added in 2013.

(l to r) Lynn Newman, director of education & associate professor of education, Amy Watson, coordinator
of field experiences, and Beth Byers, director of the Teacher Certification Pathways program, celebrate the
announcement of Pennsylvania’s first-ever student teacher stipend in April 2024.

Following Jones’s retirement in 2014, the College offered TCP’s leadership to the program’s current director Beth Byers, a former elementary school teacher. Under her direction, the program continued to evolve, including the addition of Middle Level 4-8 in 2014.

In 2016, the PDE approved the TIP for certification in business, information and technology for Pre-K-12. The certification prepares students to teach computer skills-based courses, as well as business-related courses such as accounting, entrepreneurship, marketing, and finance. In 2017, Wilson introduced the Foreign Language Intern Pathway (FLIP) which offered Pre-K-12 certification in foreign languages such as Chinese, French,
German, Japanese, Latin, Mandarin, and Spanish.

Then, in September 2018, in response to the growing demand for teacher-certification programs, Wilson expanded its former Teacher Intern Program and began offering the Teacher Online Pathway, an accelerated, online-only certification program with statewide access. This, along with FLIP and the traditional program TIP, was now under the umbrella of the Teacher Certification Pathways program, its current title.

Byers recalled how David Boisvert, former Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management (2017 to 2020), repeatedly told her the program needed to move online. “He’d say, ‘If you want to grow, you have to go online.’  And I said, I don’t think we have the infrastructure to support that,” said Byers. Ultimately, she agreed with the recommendation and Wilson piloted a few certifications online. The response was overwhelming. “Eventually, we began to offer all certifications online. When the pandemic hit in 2020, all students were forced to go online. After the pandemic, students did not return to the traditional face-to-face program,” she said.

This evolution reflected the College’s commitment to adapting to societal changes and providing flexible learning options for adult students. Wilson’s TCP program is designed to be comprehensive and supportive. It includes coursework, state testing, and a student/intern teaching practicum component. Students can choose between the traditional post-baccalaureate route or the intern certificate option, which allows them to complete the practicum in their own classrooms.

The growth of the TCP program is in its numbers. In 2014, there were 220 inquiries for the year. In 2024, there were 882. Enrollment leapt from 92 in spring 2015 to 457 in spring 2025. Byers attributes the program’s success  to three factors—online asynchronous courses, competitive tuition, and the teacher shortage—yet individual  attention and the TCP team dynamic also play a crucial role.

First, the TCP application process lacks automation, requiring each applicant to have a one-on-one admissions meeting with the TCP Director because of the individualized nature of the information discussed. Byers explained, “We discuss all aspects, including required courses, payment options, and educational obligations to employers.”

Over the years, the TCP Director has created some efficiencies regarding this process, such as producing videos covering the handbook and explaining tuition. Applicants receive these videos, along with other documentation,  prior to the admissions meeting to reduce the length of the meeting from one hour to 30 minutes. This has helped, but according to Byers, these meetings still need to occur and when she interviews 60 people for a sub-term, it amounts to a lot of hours and prep time, including audits and intake forms.

“It’s not like you are building one program: if there are 457 students, then you are building 457 programs. We advertise and market an individualized, customized plan and that’s what they get,” said Byers. “The other day a charter school called with questions. The next day, five of their people were in the information session. That’s how quickly it works. When I first started here, we held these sessions every other month. Now we hold them twice a month, and really we could run them every week.”

The TCP team dynamic also plays a significant role. All team members have teaching experience. They understand certification and provide a positive environment for learning. Amy Fetterhoff, education office manager, has been with the team for almost two years after spending 24 years in the classroom. “When people call with inquiries, she usually doesn’t even send them to me, because she can handle them herself and I think that says a lot,” said Byers.

Byers stays relevant by continuing to supervise student teachers. She can only work with local students due to the time required to travel, observe, have a one-on-one conference with a student, and make the return trip to Chambersburg. This takes about half a day, but she said it helps her see if the tools they are using are effective and it keeps her relevant. She observes TCP students in action, and they also get to see their program director taking an interest in the process.

As Wilson College continues to innovate and expand its Teacher Certification Pathways, it remains committed to providing high-quality education for aspiring teachers. The curriculum contains a mix of undergraduate and graduate level courses. The graduate-level courses transfer into various graduate education programs. Students who are about to finish in TCP often express interest in the Graduate Education Programs. Some of the most popular programs are the Master of Education, the Master of Special Education, or Master of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). By earning a master’s degree, students know they will receive a pay advance in their jobs with the district. “So, they want to get there as quickly as possible,” said Byers.

For Byers, the TCP team promotes a positive culture. She said, “Everyone values student success. We have a common goal and work together to accomplish it.” The program’s success is a testament to both the College and the TCP team, and their ability to adapt to the evolving needs of education.

by Logan Smith, Director of Athletics Communications

With the sports season now complete, there were plenty of highlights across all athletic disciplines for the Wilson Phoenix. Every team had a postseason appearance and most had a major record broken or milestone reached.  The Blue and White didn’t just get the job done in the field of competition. They also did so inside the classroom with a record number of scholar-athletes following the fall semester and fall sports. (Winter and spring sport scholar-athletes have not been announced as of this writing.)

The United East Conference named 63 of Wilson’s student-athletes as scholars. This number is a new record for fall sports and surpassed the previous mark of 60 set last year. It continues an upward trend for the Phoenix, who have set program marks, or performance records, in three of the last four years.

In athletic competition, field hockey recorded its eighth consecutive winning season after going 11-4 and reaching the United East Championship semifinals. It’s the third time in the past four years that the Phoenix have recorded double-digits in the win column. Field hockey also excelled in the classroom as the Phoenix led the United East with 15 National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFCHA) National Academic Squad selections. Seven were named Scholars of Distinction and Wilson as a team was named a National Team Academic Award recipient.

The women’s soccer team had the best start to a season in program history after going undefeated through the first nine games with a 7-0-2 record. Defense was a big reason for this success as the team was eighth in the nation in shutout percentage with 14 shutouts during the season. Halley Shaffer ’26 led a potent offensive group
as well with 18 goals and three assists to become the first player in program history to record over 100 points in a career. As a rising senior, she’ll be able to add to her record in the fall of 2025. In addition, Jade Wolfe ’25 was recognized by the United East as the Senior Scholar Athlete Award winner for the fall. This award recognizes a senior who truly represents the student-athlete model by performing in competition, in the classroom, and around the community.

The women’s volleyball team returned to the postseason led by senior Deah Menedis ’25 who had the best season of her Wilson career. She racked up 262 total kills to give her 801 in her career … the most in program history.

The men’s soccer team increased its win total by four from the previous season which culminated in the first postseason win in program history. Just 11 days after falling to St. Elizabeth College 2-0 on Senior Day, the Phoenix traveled to Morristown, New Jersey, for the first round of the United East Championship. With 20 seconds left in overtime, Andrew Bailey ’27 scored on a free kick to give the Phoenix the victory and a new program record for wins in a season.

Moving on to winter sports, women’s basketball recorded a winning record in conference play for the fourth consecutive season. The Phoenix were one of the most effective teams at getting to the free throw line, ranking third in the nation in not only attempts, but makes as well.

The men’s basketball team also posted a winning record in conference play for the fourth year in a row and now have had at least a .500 record in league play for seven-straight seasons. After a United East Championship first round win at home against St. Elizabeth, the Phoenix were upended by eventual conference champion and top seed Bryn Athyn College in the quarterfinals. Gary Robertson ’25 also became the fourth player in program history to join Wilson’s 1,000 Point Club and did so in just three seasons with the Blue and White.

Men’s volleyball had a record-setting year with its first winning season and the most wins in program history. The Phoenix overcame a slow start to the year by going 14-8 down the stretch to do so. The team’s hard work resulted in another postseason appearance, and the first home playoff match in program history. That match resulted in a 3-2 victory in the semifinals over third-seeded Cairn University. Jackson Wolfe ’28 received Rookie of the Year honors while alumnus and head coach Aaron Hoke ’19, ’21MH was named Coach of the Year by his United East peers.

Softball remained a beacon of consistency with a return to the postseason for a 16th-straight season. A major milestone was reached during the year as Head Coach Brett Cline achieved his 400th career win after the Phoenix defeated Lancaster Bible College 7-5 at home on March 22. Wilson went on to host a playoff game and defeated Rosemont College. Among many bright spots for the team this year was the addition of first year player Katelyn Keller ’28, who leads the nation as of this writing with 12 triples. As a result, the Phoenix are eleventh in  Division III in total triples and fifth in triples per game.

Women’s lacrosse got better as the season progressed and was rewarded with a spot as the second seed in the United East Championship semifinals. Sage Lague ’25 led the team with 33 goals and eight assists for 45 points as well as 51 draw controls, making her the first player in program history to reach both 200 points and draw controls. She graduated as the most decorated player in program history.

The baseball team returned to the postseason after playing a rugged schedule and were paired up with St. Elizabeth in the first round of the United East Championship. As was the case with men’s soccer and men’s basketball, the baseball team gave Wilson another postseason win against its New Jersey neighbors.

The men’s golf team capped its season by hosting the United East Championship at the Chambersburg Country Club and finished in eighth place. Individually Tristan Worlock ’25 and Robert Kozicki ’26 both broke program records for best rounds. Kozicki knocked Worlock, who held the previous mark, from his perch for a single round only to see Worlock reclaim it one week later with a 77 at Black Rock Golf Course in Hagerstown, Md. Worlock added to it with a score that gave him the best two-round total in program history.

In the equestrian world, both the Hunt Seat and Western teams saw continued success. The Hunt Seat team was loaded with nine riders who qualified for regionals, which resulted in the Phoenix being named the reserve high point team of the region behind only Pennsylvania State University and ahead of Dickinson College. Of the nine riders, Samantha Gilley ’26, Tess Hairston ’28, and Emily Breighner ’27 all qualified for the Zone 3 finals.

The Western team qualified for the regional championship as well as came away with a third-place finish behind regular season champion Delaware Valley University and second place Penn State. After winning the national championship the previous year, Julie Warnick ’26 had another incredible season with a reserve championship and qualified for the semifinals where she finished 12th.

In addition to our riders’ successes, three Wilson horses were selected to compete in the finals, where they were paired with riders from across the country, and Ned won a national championship in the Western discipline.

Esports showed improvement throughout the spring and ended up qualifying for end-of-the-year finals in four games. Fortnite Duos had the best finish of the four with a fifth place result in Grand Finals. Rocket League finished eighth, Overwatch 2 was in the top 16, and Fortnite Trios finished 18th.

Brett Cline’s 400th Win Marks a New Era for Wilson Softball
Softball coach Brett Cline has been one of the main fixtures at Wilson College for a quarter of a century, guiding the Phoenix to unprecedented heights. Since joining the Blue and White in August of 2000, he has led the team to two conference championships with NCAA tournament appearances, secured two division championships, and finished 16 seasons with a winning record. One of those winning seasons came this year, along with another milestone as Cline recorded his 400th win as head coach after the Phoenix downed Lancaster Bible College by a score of 7-5 on March 22.

With only one senior, Payton Kendall, graduating this year and a roster loaded with young talent – two first year players Katelyn Keller and Carleigh Magers were All-Region selections – the future looks promising, and the Phoenix appear on track to reach their next milestone.