Salisbury High School 2021 graduate Kerry Seiler made the tough decision to leave her first choice of colleges and take a chance on another dream.

Following her time as a Falcons student-athlete, Seiler committed to play lacrosse and study at Millersville University. But after one year as a Marauder, Seiler wanted a change, and West Chester came calling.

She recently completed her sophomore year as a Golden Ram student-athlete and couldn’t be happier with the move.

“When I stepped onto the campus at West Chester, I knew I would love it here and it would be a great fit,” said Seiler. “The major I was looking to pursue was excellent here and I knew I could access all the resources I needed there to be successful.

“The lacrosse program has been built into an amazing team with a great positive and supporting culture making it a productive and encouraging place to play. I am very grateful for my time at Millersville and all the people I was able to meet. Change is never an easy decision, but I am ultimately grateful I was able to make the transition so smoothly.”

Not only did the academic programs at WCU lineup with what she was looking for in her career, but the lacrosse program is one of, if not, the best in the country. West Chester completed the 2023 season at 22-1 overall, winning the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference title and finishing runner-up after falling in the national championship game.

“Our past season we found much success on and off the field,” said Seiler. “Our team really meshed this year. Our collective efforts are what lead to our success. Everyone put in the extra time and the extra work to make a winning team. Each game we were improving and looking to fix parts of our game so we were able to be better for the next one which is what really brought us through the post season. The collective efforts from everyone across the team helped us to the national championship game. Everyone’s drive and desire to be successful helped us succeed and make it to Indianapolis.”

Seiler, a midfielder, played in 19 games and made two starts in the 2023 season.

The Golden Rams tied the NCAA Division II record by winning their first 22 games of the season. Their 11 national championship game appearances is an NCAA record. Seiler was able to experience all of that history in just her first season in purple and gold.

“It was amazing to be a part of such a great team,” Seiler said. “Everyone was so motivated and driven to get to the national championship. The goal was very clear, and I am thankful to have been a part of a team so driven. I would have never imagined getting to a national championship before, so it was really awesome being able to come into a team that competes at such a high level and was very supportive. Lacrosse is an amazing sport, and I truly appreciate the time and commitment it takes to excel. I enjoyed the process of challenging myself and pushing myself with my teammates each day. There is so much to learn through sports and can help in all aspects of life. I have grown as a player and will have these memories forever.”

Seiler credits her time at Salisbury in the classroom and on the field to her success as a student-athlete. She played both basketball and soccer for the Falcons while also playing club lacrosse.

“Throughout my time at Salisbury I learned many things that would ultimately help me to be a collegiate student-athlete,” Seiler said. “Having the opportunity to play multiple sports all throughout high school taught me sportsmanship across various fields. I learned how to balance my studies and sports. Supportive teachers and coaches helped me reach my potential in the classroom and on the field. I am thankful for all the things I learned during my time at Salisbury that have helped me be successful.”