Ms. Carlotta “Bunny” Shaffer, a former athletic director and head field hockey/girls’ basketball coach at Abington Senior High School, passed away on Thursday, November 28.

Dr. Karen Weaver, a 1976 graduate of Abington High School and former athletic director at Penn State Abington, provided the following quotes from players on Abington’s 1975 girls’ basketball team, which was led by Coach Shaffer and became the first-ever Lady Ghosts squad to advance to the state tournament:

From Stacy Rhoads 1975 graduate and starting center:

“Ms. Schaffer helped me to get a full scholarship to play basketball at Cheyney State College.  Saw potential in me and said you’re not going to waste that talent. She was one of the best coaches l had.  She knew the game and  believed in teaching the fundamentals of the game first. l became a professional (WBL) player and won the championship in the league with the New York Stars. Not only was she my coach, but she was my true friend with a  heart of gold. Value the time we spent together these past couple of months.  R.I.P Ms. Schaffer  “

From Debbie “Day” Lewis: 1977 graduate and point guard:

“Coach had so very many admirable talents. For me, she modeled dedication, commitment, faithfulness, love,and perseverance. Her modeling has been a priceless gift to me. Most importantly, she was my friend. “

From Robin L. Johnson 1976 graduate and forward:

 “In life as in games, Coach Schaffer would always say to me… Johnson what are you doing? When you hesitate you’re loss!”

From Cheryl Hackett 1976 graduate and forward:

“Coach Bunny was a master at the game. She brought excellence to the court and encouraged us to carry that wisdom throughout life. Her preparation and expertise were second to none! I remember her saying, “Move those feet Hackett, and when we get them in the corner, TRAP!!”

AND, when you shoot, “Don’t rush your shot!” Thanking God for our last few months together! Rest well, Coach!

From Karen Weaver, EdD. 1976 graduate and guard:

“Coach Schaffer pushed us to greater heights and championed higher education. If not for her guidance, I would not have had the opportunity to start my college career and earn one of the very first field hockey scholarships offered under Title IX.

You can listen to Dr. Weaver talk more about Coach Shaffer in this podcast.

Dr. Weaver noted that Shaffer’s accomplishments include serving as Hall of Famer C. Vivian Stringer’s assistant coach at Cheyney State when they won the NCAA tournament in 1982.

The high school will be honoring the 1975 girls’ basketball team during halftime of the Plymouth Whitemarsh High School game on January 31. The game begins at 7:00pm.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 9 at 10:00 am at Salem Baptist Church of Abington, 2741 Woodland Road.

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Photos: Dr. Karen Weaver