Cheryl R. Condon Retires After 36 Years as Head Coach
CHICOPEE, MA - For the first time in 36 years, Cheryl Condon will not be coaching when Softball season rolls around again this spring.
It is with mixed feelings that the Elms College Athletic department announces the retirement of the icon herself, Coach Cheryl R. Condon. It is difficult if not impossible to sum up her achievements over the 36 years of being a staple within the Blazer family and the softball program.
Over the years Condon has led her softball program to over 470 wins, 5 NCAA appearances, 4 conference championships, and has had numerous female athletes get selected into All-Conference teams. In 2008, Louise McCleary - Elms Athletic Director from 2002-2012 made the decision to rename the College's softball field in honor of Condon. Not long after the renaming of the softball field, Condon was inducted into the Blazer Hall of Fame in 2012. Other accomplishments include honors outside of the Elms community, in '07 she earned Women of Distinction Award from The Girl Scouts of Pioneer Valley, and in '09 was inducted into Rockland High School Athletics Hall of Fame.
"Cheryl has served in various capacities in her 36 years of service which included coaching, teaching, athletic administration, and admissions counselor" - Athletic Director, Michael Theulen.
Theulen spoke very highly when asked about Condon and the impact she had on our blazer community,
"Just some of her major accomplishments include being the Athletic Director when Elms College started admitting men and immediately added five men's teams (1999-2001). Cheryl coached the Elms College softball team that appeared in the NCAA Championships in 2003 - the first-ever appearance for an Elms College team, and started the Elms College Athletic Hall of Fame" - Theulen
The Elms College athletic department and all the blazers athletes are saddened to no longer have such an impactful coach, role model, and colleague within the offices of Maguire. We are lucky to have had her for 36 years sharing her knowledge and passion for her sport. A true inspiration to many who came across her path while coaching Softball. The community here at Elms can agree with Theulen when he said,
"The true essence of Cheryl, however, is her impact on her peers, students, and the entire Elms Community. An undeniable asset and role model at Elms College, Cheryl is the true epitome of what a BLAZER truly is!"
Cheryl Condon plans to continue teaching within the PE department here at Elms College and be an advisor to all Coaching minors on campus.
