Tyrone senior Mattie Cherry has gone above and beyond in every way throughout her high school career. In addition to her stellar academic record and a long list of extracurricular activities, Cherry is also a standout on the Tyrone High School volleyball team.

When searching for a college, Cherry was looking for a place she could put academics first but still compete in volleyball at a high level.

After also considering Juniata, Millersville, Geneva, and Westminster, Cherry has decided to attend Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, PA.

“I plan on dual majoring in mathematics and education as well as being a member of the Washington Fellows Program, an honors program focusing on academic achievement and leadership development),” said Cherry.

Cherry is at the top of most statistical categories in Tyrone’s volleyball history. Her achievements include 2,022 assists (1st in school history), 137 aces (2nd in school history), and 431 digs (3rd in school history). These numbers will be hard to top for future and current players on the Tyrone Girls’ Volleyball team.

Other than the classes and education the college provides, Cherry enjoys the athletic aspects of the campus, and her past experience with the girls from Washington and Jefferson solidified her love for the school.

“As for volleyball, I had gotten the chance to meet and play with a lot of the girls the past two years, so I am very excited to join the team soon. I also really love Coach Law and her coaching style,” said Cherry.

W & J is a Division III program that competes in the Presidents Athletic Conference.  They have been coached by Lauren London-Law for the past five years. Last season the team posted a 5-4 record in a COVID shortened season.  Prior to that, W&J qualified for the PAC Tournament for five consecutive seasons. Under London-Law’s leadership, five W & J players earned All-PAC honors, including PAC Player of the Year Madison Lydic.

However, it was the academics and campus life that made W & J stand out for Cherry.

“Some of my favorite things about W&J are the small class sizes and how beautiful the campus is inside and out. When I went on my visits, I got to spend time with a lot of current student-athletes and other recruits and I just really liked campus life there,” said Cherry.

Friends, family, and current teammates are all proud of Cherry’s decision.

“I am so beyond proud of Mattie for all her accomplishments throughout her high school career,” said teammate and fellow Tyrone senior Makenna Bauer. “Mattie is a special player who takes control of a game in a split second and never gives up. I have never met a more determined and motivated person and that is something I’ve admired about her since we started playing in 5th grade. She is going to do amazing at W&J and I can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things she will accomplish.”