LAKEWOOD, NJ- An amazing time was had by all as Georgian Court University inducted the Class of 2012 into its Athletic Hall of Fame, October 12.

The Lions inducted Judy Casey ('79), Sherry Keech Coulter ('05) and Michelle DePolo ('03) as the quartet represents the Lions' first HOF class since 2003, when Gail Scardillo Caverly ('85), Robyn Saul Magovern ('80, '92), Carolyn Kelly Malanda ('97), Carol Walters ('91), and Stacey Ryan Weinert ('94) were enshrined.

Since commencing her Georgian Court University legacy forty years ago as a physical education instructor, Judy Casey has played a significant role in the metamorphosis of GCU athletics. From a college extramural offering known as the “Courtiers” in 1972 to the nationally-recognized, nine-sport NCAA Division II program of today, the modern-day Lions have Judy Casey’s vision and dedication to thank for the opportunities made available to the current GCU student-athletes. From the days of sub-standard facilities, no locker rooms, limited competition, cold school buses, boxed lunches, and 5:00 a.m. practices, Judy not only coached virtually every sport, but also transformed the athletics atmosphere at Georgian Court, which include the addition of scholarship opportunities, national competition, and a coaching staff as the Georgian Court’s first Athletics Director.

Casey, while serving as the school’s AD (unofficially until 1977), served as head coach for four sports, including basketball (1972-1980), softball (1977-1978), swimming (1974-75), and volleyball (1972-1978) while also serving as an assistant cross-country coach in 1983. Under her tutelage, the Lions competed in three NAIA national championships (basketball, cross-country 2X). However, it was the sport of karate that brought home Georgian Court’s one and only national championship crown, accomplishing the feat in 1984.

Judy, a 1979 alumna of Georgian Court College, became the chair of the Department of Physical Education in 1983, which she still oversees. Judy's award was presented by Evelyn Saul Quinn, GCU Provost.

One of the most successful pitchers in Georgian Court softball history, Sherry Keech Coulter played a vital role in leading the Lions into the era of NCAA Division II competition. Under her leadership, GCU softball earned two Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference regular season crowns and the 2002 CACC Championship Tournament title.

The 2005 CACC Pitcher of the Year places in the Top-5 in every major pitching category in the Georgian Court record book, including 60 career wins (4th all-time), 106 appearances (3rd), 69 complete games (3rd), 30 shutouts (2nd), 531 strikeouts (5th) and a career earned-run average of 1.15 (3rd). The flame-throwing right-hander led the CACC in wins (21), innings (189.0) and strikeouts (213) while also collecting a conference-high nine shutouts during that splendid season of 2005.

Also an original member of the reincarnated Georgian Court University volleyball squad and a three-time All-CACC First Team selection, Sherry collected 1,062 career kills during her stellar career.

The Glencoe, Ontario native received academic accolades in 2003 as the recipient of the Eleanor M. Weisbrod Endowed Scholarship. Sherry also earned national praise for being selected as a 2005 NCAA Division II Sportsmanship Award honoree.

Keech Coulter graduated from Georgian Court University with a degree in Mathematics in 2005. Her award was presented by Thomas Zambrano, GCU's Chief of Security and former softball assistant coach.

A versatile athlete, Michele DePolo served as a two-year team captain of the Georgian Court softball team while leading the Lions to four CACC titles, three Region X championships, and three NAIA national tournament appearances and an ECAC crown. An All-CACC Tournament pick, DePolo compiled a 0.50 ERA in 2001, allowing just one base runner per inning along with a 4-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio.

Also a letter-winner in basketball and soccer, DePolo graduated magna cum laude from Georgian Court in 2003 with a degree in English. A Dean's List student every semester, DePolo was named a Presidential Scholar and a National Dean's List recipient. She went on to earn a master's degree in Exercise and Sport Studies from Smith College in 2007.
 Michelle began her coaching career as an assistant softball coach for the Lions (2004-2005), Smith College (2005-06) and Amherst College (2006-07), working primarily with pitchers and catchers, before being named the first female head coach in the NCAA Division I era of Army softball in 2008.

DePolo breathed new life into Army's program in her first year at the helm, leading the Black Knights to a school-record 33 wins at the Division I level, along with tying the Academy's overall mark.

The Little Silver, N.J., native lettered in softball, basketball and soccer at Red Bank Regional High School, and was named the school's Female Athlete of the Year following her senior year. 

Her award was presented by her father, Rudolph "Rudy" Depolo.