East Athletic Hall of Fame 2024
Jen Baker (’91) has always been passionate about sports and community. During her years at Cherry Hill East, she played field hockey and lacrosse, earning three varsity letters in both sports. She also served as Junior class president and SGA president her senior year. Baker has many fond memories of her time spent playing lacrosse for the late Sue Schooley and feels fortunate to have had her as a coach. Throughout her high school athletic career, she received many athletic honors, including 2nd team All Conference in lacrosse, and 1st team All Conference, 1st team All Group IV, and All State by the Newark Star Ledger for field hockey.
At Boston College, Baker continued to play field hockey and lacrosse for one year. She served as a two-time team captain for field hockey and led her team to the National Tournament, a first for the Boston College Women’s Lacrosse team. The team gained national recognition after winning The Big East Championship and playing through the Elite 8. In addition to her athletic achievements, Baker received the Boston College overall university award for Leadership in 1995.
After college, Baker obtained a graduate degree in sports psychology and started her own business, LittleSPORT, in southern New Jersey while raising 5 children with her husband Sean. She embraces the acronym LIFE: Like yourself, Inspire others, Follow your passion, and Embrace your challenges. Baker attributes much of her success to her family, coaches, and teammates.
“I have so many great memories of my coaches and my teammates. I loved my sport, and I loved my time at East. Now… I am a believer that actually life is the ultimate team sport,” said Baker.
Justin Bonitatis (’06) followed in his parents’ footsteps by attending Cherry Hill East and left behind a legacy of his own in the Cougar wrestling record book. Even before he set foot in East or was old enough to lace up his wrestling shoes, he was determined to continue his father’s wrestling tradition at East. He credits his father for introducing him to wrestling, inspiring his journey, and instilling his passion for the sport. For Bonitatis, a four-year varsity starter at East, wrestling was not just a sport but a formative part of his experience that taught him valuable life lessons.
“Wrestling has been a defining part of my life. It taught me discipline, sacrifice, goal-setting, humility, and most importantly resilience,” said Bonitatis.
At East, Bonitatis accumulated a plethora of awards, including District Finalist (4 times), District Champion (2 times), Region Runner-Up (2 times), and NJSIAA State Qualifier (2 times). He holds the wrestling record for the most wins (125) in East history.
While a student at The College of New Jersey, Bonitatis served as captain of the wrestling team and accumulated a long list of impressive achievements for wrestling, including NCAA National Qualifier (3 times), NCAA All-American Honors (2 times), and NCAA Scholar All-American, to name a few.
Bonitatis currently teaches and coaches at Lacey Township High School. He hopes to use his positive coaching philosophy to impact his students and to achieve success on and off the wrestling mat. He is thankful to his daughter and family for their continued support.
Julia Girman (‘99) was born to lead–on the field, in a pool, and in life. From a young age, she thrived in team environments, where her drive and passion for sports became a foundation for her future successes.
At Cherry Hill High School East, Girman was a standout four-year varsity athlete in soccer and swimming, with a brief time playing lacrosse as a freshman. She captained the soccer team her senior year, earning First Team All-Conference, All South Jersey, and All State honors. As a swimmer, she was part of East’s State Championship team for three consecutive years. In 1999, Girman was named NJSIAA Scholar Athlete of the Year for her combination of academic and athletic excellence. Beyond sports, she was an active leader in school activities, including student government, Spirit Week, and the blood drive.
At Gettysburg College, Girman continued her dual commitment to athletics and academics, playing soccer for all four years and swimming for two. She earned achievements including All-Centennial Conference honors, team MVP, Academic All-American recognition, and the Lori Moll Memorial Award for her character and leadership. As a swimmer, she became a gold medalist in the Centennial Conference, broke relay records, and earned NCAA All-Academic honors. Her achievements led up to her receiving the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship.
Girman’s postgraduate journey brought her to Springfield College, where she earned her Master’s in Strength and Conditioning while coaching over 10 college teams, teaching undergraduate classes, and managing operations at a training studio. In 2013, she founded JG Fitness & Performance in Narragansett, Rhode Island, where she has earned recognition as the best in personal training in North Kingstown for the past three consecutive years.
Today, Girman thrives as an athlete, still bringing the joy and fulfillment that sports have always brought to her life while balancing the business that comes with adult life.
Matthew Harrison (’86) was a varsity gymnast at Cherry Hill East for four years. He was the captain of the team during his junior and senior seasons. During his time at East, Harrison was a 4-time All South Jersey recipient and 4-time state qualifier. In addition to gymnastics, Harrison participated in the Swimming and Diving team at East.
Harrison continued his gymnastic and academic career at the University of California Berkeley. In California, Harrison was red-shirted and received a letterman award. However after two years in California, Harrison transferred to the University of Michigan. At Michigan, he was a letterman winner and was awarded all Academic All-Big Ten Honors.
After college, Harrison pursued a career in Chiropractics. He worked for several practices and ran his own in Merchantville for over a year. At the moment, Harrison is working for Health Goals Chiropractic in Marlton. He has four children in different stages of their career that he is very proud of.
Laurel Johnson (’06) spent four years as a varsity starter for East girls volleyball. She played a crucial role in helping East win its first State Championship in 2005 under Coach Scott Mooney’s leadership. Johnson earned several athletic awards including All Olympic Conference, All Group IV, All South Jersey, South Jersey Player of the Year, and All State Honors.
After high school, Johnson continued her academic and athletic career playing Division 1 volleyball at Yale University. As a four year starter, she led her team to the Ivy League Conference Championship in 2008. During her time at Yale, she earned multiple awards, including All-Tournament and Ivy League Player of the Week.
Johnson fulfilled a lifelong dream when she competed in the 36th season of Survivor, where she successfully navigated all 39 days of the competition and finished in 3rd place. She and her husband Will live in Houston, Texas, and recently welcomed a daughter.
Johnson remains close with many of her teammates and remembers the time spent playing volleyball at East as a highlight of her high school experience. She writes of her gratitude “for the memories made and the lifelong friendships.”
Jeremy Kaminer was a basketball player under Head Coach John Valore at Cherry Hill High School East. After being promoted to the varsity team during his freshman year, Kaminer played a vital role to the team’s success. He was the starting varsity point guard for three seasons. During his time as point guard, the team had numerous multiple-win seasons and impressive playoff appearances. Kaminer was awarded all-Olympic Conference three times and all-South Jersey Group twice.
“Now with being a couple decades removed from East, I have an even greater appreciation for the East community and the commitment and sacrifices from my coaches, teachers, counselors, and administrators” said Kaminer.
Kaminer continued his basketball career at Wesleyan University. He was the team captain his junior and senior year. He graduated from Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. After college, Kaminer continued his love for basketball by coaching youth basketball.
Since college, Kaminer had been working in financial services, helping institutions make wise investment decisions. Kaminer lives in Bloomfield, New Jersey with his wife, Jayne Milgrim (‘06), and their dog, Chico. Since graduating, he has continued to support the Cherry Hill East basketball program.
Chris Kolodezy’s (‘97) journey from Cherry Hill High School East to collegiate and professional baseball is witness to his hard work, talent, and a love for the game.
“It’s a neat honor. There’s tens of thousands of athletes who go through to get nominated and selected, and it’s great,” Kolodezy said, reflecting on a career that began on East’s fields and took him to the NCAA and the MLB Draft.
Kolodezy left a legacy at East, excelling as a two-sport athlete and Honor Roll student. He played varsity football for a season in 1994, but he found his passion mainly lay on the baseball diamond.
As a four-year varsity starter under coach Dave Martin, Kolodezy excelled as a shortstop and pitcher from 1994 to 1997. As captain in his senior year, he led the team, earned all-conference honors, and set school records, notably, a 17-strikeout game.
Kolodezy’s skill earned him a scholarship to the University of Delaware, where he got to continue his career. Over the four years, he became one of the few players in the university’s history to win a conference championship and advance to the NCAA Tournament in every season. By 2001, Kolodezy was team captain, South Jersey College Baseball Player of the Year, and a First Team All-America East selection. That same year, he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 25th round of the MLB Draft.
Today, Kolodezy runs a successful marine maintenance business in West Deptford, NJ. Despite his achievements, it’s the memories with teammates that stand out the most.
“My greatest memory? Definitely our spring break trip to Myrtle Beach senior year,” Kolodezy said.
Tracy Mass (’86) began her athletic career at Cherry Hill High School East with the basketball team. Her basketball career came to a close during her sophomore season when she got mononucleosis. Mass did not stop at basketball however; she continued to thrive on East’s lacrosse team. She was introduced to the sport by her brother, Larry (‘83).
“He was the first person to put a stick in my hand and teach me how to cradle, like a boy, so I had to relearn but I genuinely appreciate him doing that,” Mass said.
She achieved her goal and made the varsity team her junior season. Mass played in ten varsity games, which allowed her to become the junior MVP and All South Jersey Honorable Mention in 1985. Her senior season, Mass was the team captain and MVP. She was awarded All South Jersey Outstanding defensive player of the year in 1986.
Mass continued her lacrosse career when she was recruited by Penn State to play as a defensive starter. She held this position on the team for all four seasons. During her time at Penn State, the Lacrosse team went to three National Championships and won two. During her junior and senior year, Mass was chosen to be First Team All American and made the United States National reserve team.
Today, Mass is retired after working 27 years in Workforce Management. She has continued her love for lacrosse by teaching the sport to girls and boys. Mass is married to her husband, Ivan, and they have twins together.
Katie Mead (’87) was an impressive swimmer at Cherry Hill High School East. She swam for all four years of high school. Mead led her team to two state titles and she became the state champion in the 100-yard butterfly and the 100-yard backstroke. Mead was the recipient of the Most Valuable Award every season at East. Throughout her four years, Mead was a valuable member of the swim team.
After high school, Mead continued her passion for swimming at Rowan University. In college, Mead set multiple records, served as the team captain for three years, was awarded the team’s MVP all four years, and more. In addition to swimming at Rowan, Mead also pursued a degree in Health and Physical Education.
Mead has recently retired after spending 25 years teaching students in Cherry Hill. At Carusi Middle school, she taught health and physical education, and coached field hockey and softball. Mead also served outside the Cherry Hill school district by coaching summer swim teams in the Cherry Hill community.
Cheryl Miller (’83) was an accomplished athlete at East, excelling in both field hockey and lacrosse. She was a key player for both teams and played in every varsity game for both sports from her sophomore year on. During her senior year, she was selected as team captain for both sports. Her numerous high school athletic awards include 1st team All South Jersey in both field hockey and lacrosse.
Miller proudly attended Lehigh University on an athletic scholarship, where she continued to be a fierce competitor in her sports. She earned 8 varsity letters across field hockey and lacrosse and was selected as team captain for both sports during her senior year of college. Miller received many athletic awards during college including Lehigh’s most distinguished female athlete award.
Miller graduated with a B.S. in Accounting from Lehigh and became a CPA. After marrying Matt Flamini, the family moved to Wichita, Kansas, to raise their three children, Trevor, Jake, and Talia. A lifelong athlete, Miller found new sports to excel in as an adult and enjoyed golf, tennis, and marathon running.
Sadly, Miller passed away in 2013 from a rare cancer. In 2014, the Cheryl Miller Flamini Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was established at Lehigh University to support exceptional female student athletes. Family and friends remember Cheryl Miller Flamini for her passion, intelligence, and warm spirit. She loved her family and lived life to the fullest.
“Cheryl was a true athlete and she loved sports and she loved the family of sports, and I think it served her well throughout her entire life,” said Michele Miller, Cheryl’s sister.
Graham Parker was a member of the swim team during his time at Cherry Hill High School East. He was a two-time state champion in 2001 and 2002. Parker also won individual state titles in the 200-medley relay, 400 freestyle relay, and the 200 medley relay. In addition to these accomplishments, Parker was awarded All-American honors and South Jersey High School Swimmer of the Year in 2004.
“This community is such a great community for swimming…There are so many great people,” said Parker.
After spending two years at the University of Notre Dame, Parker transferred to Wright State University. There, the team won two Horizon League Championships in 2007 and 2008. Similarly to his awards in high school, Parker was honored with all-academic team honors during both seasons at Wright State University.
Stephanie RIce (‘03) was a four-year varsity softball player at Cherry Hill High School East, where she was a starting pitcher and leadoff batter. Her athletic talent earned her All-Conference honors three times and Player of the Year awards in each of her four seasons on the team. She broke several records, including the career stolen base record. During her junior year, Rice achieved her 100th base hit and helped lead her team to the Conference Playoff Tournament. Her senior year ended her accomplished high school career, as she was named Patriot Division First Team pitcher, and her #12 jersey was retired after the 2003 season in her honor.
Upon graduation, Rice began her career as a Pharmacy Technician, eventually landing at CVS, where she remains after almost 20 years. During that time, she never lost her love for softball, continuing to this day playing in slow-pitch charity tournaments and local leagues.
Today, Rice looks back on her journey with gratitude. From her achievements on the softball field to building a fulfilling career and a loving family, she embodies dedication to her passions, and continues to hold a legacy in the Cherry Hill East community.
Coach Dan Fleming, a 1955 graduate of Temple University with a B.S. in Education, dedicated a large part of his life to helping shape young athletes both on and off the basketball court. A multi-sport athlete, Fleming earned a scholarship for his skill in basketball and football, competing at the varsity level before serving in the military.
After completing his service, Fleming began teaching in Philadelphia before settling in South Jersey. From 1970 to 1971, he coached boys’ basketball at Cherry Hill High School East, later stepping into a role as head coach of the girls’ basketball team in 1980. During his 16 years as head coach, Fleming consistently led his teams to the state tournament, and helped many reach significant milestones. A number of his players over the years made the South Jersey All-conference teams, and many who scored over 1,000 points during their high school careers.
Though his teams found success on the court, Fleming measured his accomplishments more by the lives he impacted. His legacy is one of mentorship and care, and his coaching style shows the impact of a great coach is about more than just statistics and trophies.
Lee Troutman began his teaching career at Cherry Hill West in 1977. The following year, he moved to Cherry Hill East, where he spent the next 45 years teaching and coaching students until his retirement in 2023.
Troutman was a gifted coach who led several different sports to great success. In 1982, he became head coach of the newly formed East girls soccer team and winter track. From 1982-1998, he led the girls soccer team to an impressive 213-89-19 record and won numerous awards and recognition, including 10 conference championships, 4 SJSCA soccer tournament championships, 2 Jim Black Sportsmanship awards, and a Courier Post Cup. The girls soccer program was also named The Team of the Decade for the 80’s by the Courier Post, and Troutman received the Coach of the Year – twice.
After leaving the soccer program in 1998, Troutman returned as head coach of girls soccer in 2016 and retired from coaching in the fall of 2019. His coaching helped many athletes develop the skills to earn All-American high school honors and achieve their dreams of playing college sports.
Troutman made a huge impact on the lives of the athletes that he coached. He was known to give his players sticky notes with words of inspiration that many students valued deeply.
Troutman expressed gratitude for his wife who gave so much to support his teams and he appreciates his family, who was always there for him. He holds the relationships made throughout his years of coaching close to his heart.
“The friendships that you make both personally and professionally… that really is the sum of it all,” said Troutman.