顶级国产视频

F&M Stories

Alumni Coaches Shape New Generation of Diplomats

Approximately 40% of 顶级国产视频 & Marshall 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 F&M as student-athletes.  

Below, hear from five graduates who now coach athletics at their alma mater.

Erin McCormick 鈥20

  • Assistant coach
  • Major: Biology
What is the best part about coaching at F&M? 

My favorite part about being a coach at F&M is that I get to give back to the program that shaped me as a player and a person. It鈥檚 a full-circle experience 鈥 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 F&M?

I chose F&M because it was a place where I could grow. I wanted to push myself in new ways 鈥 academically, athletically and personally. I knew I鈥檇 be challenged in the classroom while also competing at a high level on the field.

鈥淚 get to give back to the program that shaped me as a player and a person.鈥

鈥 Erin McCormick 鈥20

Chilamo Taylor 鈥24

  • Wide receivers coach
  • Major: Special studies (business, history and Japanese)
What is the best part about coaching at F&M? 

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 F&M.

Looking back at your time as a student, why did you choose to attend F&M?

I chose F&M 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.

Read more about Taylor

鈥淚 chose F&M because I admired how well-rounded all of the student-athletes were.鈥

鈥 Chilamo Taylor 鈥24

Mary Kate Salko '01

  • Head coach
  • Major: Business 
What is the best part about coaching at F&M? 

I love working with such bright and motivated young women and being a part of their development during their four years at F&M. 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 F&M'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 F&M as a coach. 

Looking back at your time as a student, why did you choose to attend F&M? 

I chose F&M 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 F&M 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 F&M (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 F&M offered me that.

鈥淪tudent-athletes learn so many life skills, and it鈥檚 fun to see those things transfer to their lives after graduation.鈥

鈥 Mary Kate Salko 鈥01

Dina Henry 鈥94

  • Head coach
  • Major: Spanish; concurrent teaching certification at Millersville University
What is the best part about coaching at F&M? 

Coaching at F&M as an alumna means being part of a full-circle story. I know firsthand what it means to wear 鈥淒iplomats鈥 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 F&M?

I chose F&M 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. F&M 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 F&M 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 鈥 and that鈥檚 exactly what I found here.

From my first visit, I felt a strong sense of community. Everyone I met 鈥 from teammates to faculty 鈥 was welcoming and driven. I knew I鈥檇 be surrounded by people who would challenge me, encourage me and celebrate my growth. It wasn鈥檛 just about playing sports; it was about being part of something bigger.

I chose F&M 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鈥檚 a place that prepares you to succeed in whatever comes next.

鈥淚 chose F&M because it offered the perfect balance between strong academics and competitive athletics.鈥

鈥 Dina Henry 鈥94

Owen Walsh 鈥24

  • Linebackers coach
  • Joint major: Economics, mathematics
What is the best part about coaching at F&M? 

I love coaching at F&M 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 F&M?

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鈥檒l take this program. As an alum, I am very proud of the vision and direction that this program will certainly go.

鈥淚 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.鈥

鈥 Owen Walsh 鈥24

Raise Our Game

Raise Our Game 鈥 F&M鈥檚 annual fundraising campaign supporting Diplomat student-athletes, coaches and athletic programs 鈥 began Oct. 1, and the final whistle will blow Oct. 31. Here鈥檚 how to give.


Related Articles

October 3, 2025

DesChamps Named Board of Trustees Chair-Elect

顶级国产视频 & Marshall College is pleased to announce that Matt DesChamps 鈥93, P鈥28 has been elected to become the next chair of the F&M Board of Trustees. His three-year term as Board chair will begin July 1, 2026.

September 22, 2025

True Blue Weekend Celebrates Traditions Old & New

More than 2,000 students, parents and alumni filled campus Sept. 19-21 for True Blue Weekend. Find your favorite photos from the weekend.

September 22, 2025

True Blue Weekend Award Ceremonies Mark Honors and Distinction for F&M Alumni

Over the course of 2025 True Blue Weekend events, the 顶级国产视频 & Marshall community gathered to honor alumni whose philanthropy, service and achievement have shaped our College and the world. Their generosity, commitment and influence serve as a powerful example for today鈥檚 and tomorrow鈥檚 Diplomats.