Athletic Hall of Fame

"While attending SEM, Joan was active in varsity field hockey, basketball, volleyball, and badminton. An avid tennis player, she played in and won club, and state (doubles) championships in WV. She helped promote tennis in Huntington and coached Junior Wightman Cup, high school, and Marshall University teams. In senior tennis she has played in invitational and national tournaments on all surfaces. In 2011, Joan was ranked #3 in both singles and doubles in her age group. She has played on several intersectional teams and was honored to represent the US in Antalya, Turkey as one of four members on the Doris Hart Cup team."

“Her loyalty to and appreciation of the game of basketball has made Tara VanDerveer one of the top coaches in the nation. Her knowledge of the game and dedication to her players makes her an inspiration to all.”

“Throughout her high school and college years, Debby Clark participated in every sport available to her. Jacket Captain at Buffalo Seminary, she went on to teach athletics at Seminary and Elmwood Franklin School while continuing her own athletic pursuits. For over 30 years she has educated, coached, and inspired countless young athletes in Western New York. Debby has always been admired for her lifelong emphasis, whether participating or coaching, on the “spirit of the game”. In 2005 she was inducted into the WNY Chapter of the Lacrosse Hall of Fame.”

“The Buffalo Seminary Athletics Program soared to new heights under Mrs. Marge Barney, Head of School from 1995-2001. Because of her dedication and commitment to the school and our students and her unwavering confidence in and support of girls’ athletics, the sports program has become extremely competitive at all levels. It is now an integral part of the school. The coaches, layers, and the SEM community are grateful and hereby induct her into The Buffalo Seminary Hall of Fame on this 7th day of June, 2001.”

“A combination of sportsmanship, leadership, ability, and hard work has made Lisa Labin a unique athlete. Her accomplishments in the area of athletics will long remain as a shining example for future athletes.”

“Sports have given Bibber Jebb a lifetime of pleasure, and she has never lost her enthusiasm for them. As a student at Buffalo Seminary and Wheaton College she participated in every seasonal sport at the varsity level and won the Outstanding Senior Athlete Award at SEM. She continues to have wonderful friendships with students whom she taught at Buffalo Seminary and elsewhere.The focus of her teaching was to instill a love of sports in her students and to encourage their sportsmanship and participation. Throughout her adult life she has maintained a keen interest in field hockey, golf, tennis, and skiing.”

“A desire to encourage camaraderie and healthy competition has been the foundation of Ginnie Deuel’s lifetime involvement in and enjoyment of sports. Hornet Captain at Buffalo Seminary, she has been a great promoter of women’s sports and sportsmanship. Her own accomplishments include participation in basketball, field hockey, softball, tennis, swimming, lacrosse, canoeing, badminton, bowling, and skiing. Dubbed the “Great Promoter of Women’s Golf”, she has won many club championships in that sport.”

“Buffalo Seminary recognizes Sally Munschauer for her lifelong athletic ability, tenacity, and spirit. A lettered athlete in three sports and Hornet Captain, she is an avid skier, played tennis and, after the age of 67, achieved six medals including three golds in Women’s Masters Rowing.”

“Her love of athletics as a coach and teacher made Jo Waterman a natural leader. Her enthusiasm for athletics encouraged her students to strive for and reach higher goals. Her name is synonymous with Buffalo Seminary athletics.”

“An avid sportswoman at SEM and Hornet captain, Joanne continued to make sports her lifetime passion. While at the University of Vermont, she was on the varsity basketball, volleyball, and ski teams. She skied with the US Army after World War II in Germany. In the National Senior Olympics, she medaled in swimming eight times. In the Rocky Mountain Senior Games, she medaled in slalom and cross country skiing. She has summited 45 of 54 peaks in Colorado that are over 14,000 feet in elevation.”

“In the depths of their grief, a family in Oklahoma gave the gift of life to patients in great need. Holly was one of those lucky recipients, and the lungs that they so selflessly donated have enabled her to play tennis, participate in aerobics, and twice compete in the US Transplant Games, where she medaled in tennis.”

“The Buffalo Seminary’s Athletic Program has flourished under the leadership of Head of School Robert A. Foster. Because of his unwavering confidence in and support of women’s athletics, the sports program has become an integral part of the school.”

“In the fall of 1994, a small group of Buffalo Seminary students undertook an exciting, new adventure. Under the guidance of Coaches Becht and Gothgen, the 1994-95 team led by example. Because of their dedication, hard work, and team spirit, SEM Crew grew to an instant power in Buffalo, in New York State, and on the national level, paving the way for the exceptional rowing tradition at Buffalo Seminary.”