During Black History Month, Maritime College will pay tribute to various Black faculty, staff and students who dedicate themselves to advancing the Mission and Core Values of Maritime College, as well as ensuring the success of others. Our first feature is Cheri Eleazer, Assistant Athletics Director and Women’s Head Basketball Coach. 

Cheri Eleazer sensed from a young age that she would pursue a career in sports/athletics. The Suffolk County, Long Island native has made and continues to make her mark in the field of sports. Athletics and sports came naturally to Cheri, and as a child, she enjoyed holding, dribbling and playing with a basketball. As her fondness for the sport grew throughout middle school, it was the encouragement of her gym teacher that inspired her to continue playing. “It was an eye-opening experience that made me realize I truly wanted to play basketball.” Her mother attended many of her games, cheered her on, and supported Cheri as she prepared for various tournaments.

Cheri was awarded a full athletic scholarship and attended the University of Hartford, CT where in her junior year, she played in the NCAA Championship. Having successfully studied music management and received a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts Management, Cheri continued to play basketball professionally with the National Women’s Basketball League. She holds over ten years of experience as a Division One women’s basketball assistant coach and head coach at various junior colleges and high schools. She has assisted many athletes as a certified personal trainer, specializing in strength and conditioning. After seven months in her position at Maritime College, Cheri states, “Visibility is key, and it’s important for young women to see someone like me in this leadership role; someone who looks like them. Being in this position is now opening the door for other women to have the same opportunity. It is a chance to build, and the best is yet to come.”