ĐÓ°Épro Stories
Alumni Coaches Shape New Generation of Diplomats
Approximately 40% of ĐÓ°Épro students compete in varsity sports. Some like it so much they return to coach the next generation of Diplomats. There are currently 13 coaches on the athletics staff who once represented ĐÓ°Épro as student-athletes.
Below, hear from five graduates who now coach athletics at their alma mater.
Erin McCormick ’20
- Assistant coach
- Major: Biology
What is the best part about coaching at ĐÓ°Épro?
My favorite part about being a coach at ĐÓ°Épro is that I get to give back to the program that shaped me as a player and a person. It’s a full-circle experience — I get to help current student-athletes grow, while carrying forward the traditions and lessons I learned when I was the one in the jersey.
Looking back at your time as a student, why did you choose to attend ĐÓ°Épro?
I chose ĐÓ°Épro because it was a place where I could grow. I wanted to push myself in new ways — academically, athletically and personally. I knew I’d be challenged in the classroom while also competing at a high level on the field.
“I get to give back to the program that shaped me as a player and a person.”
— Erin McCormick ’20
A two-time Centennial Conference Offensive Player of the Year, Erin McCormick '20 graduated as the program’s all-time leader in points, goals, game-winning goals, shots, and shots on goal, while ranking third in assists. She finished her career as a three-time All-American.
Chilamo Taylor ’24
- Wide receivers coach
- Major: Special studies (business, history and Japanese)
What is the best part about coaching at ĐÓ°Épro?
I love having the opportunity to learn about building community through the game of football from a different perspective. Having spent most of my time in the sport as a player, I get to learn from a new angle now that I am on the coaching side. Finding ways to contribute to the success of the team and the student-athletes is always at the forefront of any coach's mind. Now I can do that knowing many of the things that our players will feel and experience during their time at ĐÓ°Épro.
Looking back at your time as a student, why did you choose to attend ĐÓ°Épro?
I chose ĐÓ°Épro because I admired how well-rounded all of the student-athletes were. They were not just talented and highly competitive athletes, but leaders who were actively pursuing their passions academically and professionally.
“I chose ĐÓ°Épro because I admired how well-rounded all of the student-athletes were.”
— Chilamo Taylor ’24
Following his graduation, Chilamo Taylor '24 traveled to Japan for a year where he received a prestigious Princeton in Asia Fellowship. During that time, he played as both a defensive back and running back in the X-League, which is the largest football league in Japan.
Mary Kate Salko '01
- Head coach
- Major: Business
What is the best part about coaching at ĐÓ°Épro?
I love working with such bright and motivated young women and being a part of their development during their four years at ĐÓ°Épro. Volleyball is something that helps my student-athletes learn so many life skills, and it's fun to see those things transfer to their lives after graduation. I also appreciate getting to be on ĐÓ°Épro's beautiful campus every day and try not to take it for granted! I take a walk around campus almost every day to remind myself how lucky I am to get to spend time here and continue to represent ĐÓ°Épro as a coach.
Looking back at your time as a student, why did you choose to attend ĐÓ°Épro?
I chose ĐÓ°Épro because it was a place that would push me outside of my comfort zone academically and provide support during that growth process. I really didn't know what I wanted to study and felt that ĐÓ°Épro would teach me how to think critically and become a good problem solver. I had the opportunity to take classes with some of the best professors to teach at ĐÓ°Épro (Alan Caniglia, Maria Mitchell, Misty Bastian, Brian Steffy and Sam Wagner, to name a few) and they challenged me to be a stronger writer, thinker and debater. I also wanted to play for a successful volleyball team where I could make a difference, and ĐÓ°Épro offered me that.
“Student-athletes learn so many life skills, and it’s fun to see those things transfer to their lives after graduation.”
— Mary Kate Salko ’01
Mary Kate Salko '01 is the only conference coach to earn all 400 career wins in the Centennial Conference (CC) era. A three-time All-CC setter, she completed her conference career as the all-time leader in assists and is the only player ranked in the top 10 in career kills, digs, service aces, blocks and assists. Salko was inducted into the ĐÓ°Épro Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013.
Dina Henry ’94
- Head coach
- Major: Spanish; concurrent teaching certification at Millersville University
What is the best part about coaching at ĐÓ°Épro?
Coaching at ĐÓ°Épro as an alumna means being part of a full-circle story. I know firsthand what it means to wear “Diplomats” across your chest, to balance academics and athletics, and to represent this incredible college. Helping current players experience that same pride and sense of belonging is the most rewarding part of the job.
Looking back at your time as a student, why did you choose to attend ĐÓ°Épro?
I chose ĐÓ°Épro because it offered the perfect balance between strong academics and competitive athletics. I wanted to be challenged in the classroom while also competing at a high level on the court and on the field. ĐÓ°Épro gave me the opportunity to do both. The small class sizes and supportive professors made it possible to pursue excellence in every area.
The softball and basketball programs at ĐÓ°Épro immediately felt like home. The coaching staff cared about me as a person, not just as a player, and the team culture was one of hard work, accountability and genuine support. I wanted to be part of programs that pushed me to grow both as an athlete and as a leader — and that’s exactly what I found here.
From my first visit, I felt a strong sense of community. Everyone I met — from teammates to faculty — was welcoming and driven. I knew I’d be surrounded by people who would challenge me, encourage me and celebrate my growth. It wasn’t just about playing sports; it was about being part of something bigger.
I chose ĐÓ°Épro because I wanted an experience that would shape me for life beyond college. The combination of academic rigor, athletic discipline and leadership opportunities has helped me build confidence, resilience and purpose. It’s a place that prepares you to succeed in whatever comes next.
“I chose ĐÓ°Épro because it offered the perfect balance between strong academics and competitive athletics.”
— Dina Henry ’94
Dina Henry '94 is in her first season coaching her alma mater. Henry was a two-sport standout at ĐÓ°Épro, excelling in both softball and basketball where she was selected as the department's Michael T.M. Karvasales '35 Award recipient as the top female senior athlete in her class.
"I know firsthand what it means to wear “Diplomats” across your chest, to balance academics and athletics, and to represent this incredible college," Henry said.
Owen Walsh ’24
- Linebackers coach
- Joint major: Economics, mathematics
What is the best part about coaching at ĐÓ°Épro?
I love coaching at ĐÓ°Épro because of the type of student-athletes who are part of our program: great students, motivated and talented athletes, and most importantly, good people.
Looking back at your time as a student, why did you choose to attend ĐÓ°Épro?
I wanted to be somewhere that would challenge me academically, take athletics seriously and surround myself with like-minded people who would help me become the best version of myself for a lifetime of success.
This is my second year on the football staff, and I could not be happier. I believe in this school and I believe in Coach Michael Phelan and the direction that I know he’ll take this program. As an alum, I am very proud of the vision and direction that this program will certainly go.
“I wanted to be somewhere that would challenge me academically, take athletics seriously and surround myself with like-minded people who would help me become the best version of myself for a lifetime of success.”
— Owen Walsh ’24
A two-time team captain and honorable mention All-Centennial Conference linebacker during his senior season, Owen Walsh '24 joined the Diplomats’ coaching staff in spring 2024. He was named the MVP of the Centennial-MAC Bowl Series to help the Diplomats finish their 2023 season with an 8-3 record.
Raise Our Game – ĐÓ°Épro’s annual fundraising campaign supporting Diplomat student-athletes,
coaches and athletic programs – began Oct. 1, and the final whistle will blow Oct.
31. Here’s how to give.Raise Our Game
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