Athletic Department 11/11/2020 11:20:00 AM

Alumni Profile: Cheri (Wittlieb) Caravano

Cheri (Wittlieb) Caravano ranks as one of the most prolific three-point shooters in Canisius women's basketball history. She ranks fourth in team history in three-point field goals made (209) and third in three-point field goals attempted (628). A member of the 1,000-point club, Caravano ranks 22nd in program history with 1,056 career points.

She garnered multiple accolades from the MAAC during her time on Main Street, being named to the league's all-rookie team in 2003 and was named to the MAAC All-Academic Team in back-to-back years in 2005 and 2006.

Originally from Lincroft, N.J., Caravano has since returned to the Garden State where she is currently an assistant principal at William Allen Middle School in Moorestown, N.J., a suburb of Philadelphia.

In a conversation with GoGriffs.com, Caravano recently took time to reflect on her time at Canisius, how the school helped her become who she is today and who influenced her the most during her time spent in Buffalo.

GoGriffs.com: When did you attend Canisius and what degree did you receive?
Caravano: I attended Canisius from Sept. 2002 until July 2007. I graduated in 3½ years with a degree in communication studies and stayed an additional year after my senior season to complete my masters in business administration. During my fifth year, I was a graduate assistant in the athletic business office and a resident assistant in Bosch Hall.

GoGriffs.com: How did playing basketball at Canisius help shape you into the person you are today?
Caravano: Athletics overall helped shape me into the person I am today by instilling in me the concept of a strong work ethic, perseverance and how to be a team player. College athletics also helped teach me how to properly manage my time and how to stay organized. Playing basketball at Canisius was an amazing experience and provided me with opportunities and friendships that I could not imagine having anywhere else.

GoGriffs.com: What persuaded, or attracted, you to attend Canisius?
Caravano: I got to know the coaching staff during the recruiting process and connected with the players I met during my official visit. My host, Jénel Stevens, made me feel right at home and was one of my roommates during my sophomore year. I was "set" on going to a southern school within six hours of my home in New Jersey, but once I came to campus I had a gut feeling that I belonged at Canisius.

GoGriffs.com: Who had the biggest influence on you while at Canisius?
Caravano: There were so many people that influenced me during my time in Buffalo, but I would have to say Coach Terry Zeh would be at the top of my list. We got to know each other very well when he transitioned to the women's program from the men's team and the 2004-05 season was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. His enthusiasm for everything he did really resonated with me, and I find myself still referencing things that he taught me when I was a player. I still have emails that he sent us during my senior season and they bring such a smile to my face when I read them.

Cheri Caravano Photo

GoGriffs.com: When was the last time you have been on campus?
Caravano: I was last on campus about four years ago. My husband and I visited the area in November when we both had off from school. We visited the main campus and the Koessler Athletic Center and had breakfast with Coach Zeh. We also made stops at Anchor Bar, Duff's, Tim Hortons and we went to see Niagara Falls.

GoGriffs.com: What advice do you have for current, or perspective, student-athletes at Canisius?
Caravano: While it sounds so cliché, my best piece of advice would be to cherish every moment of your experience. The memories you make in college with your teammates are unlike any other time in your life!

Cheri Wittleib shoots during an undated photo during the 2004-05 season.

Cheri Wittleib shoots during an undated photo during the 2004-05 season.

GoGriffs.com: Do you have — or had — any form of contact with anyone within the basketball program currently, or any of your former teammates?
Caravano: Social media is great for staying connected with my former teammates. While we are all scattered around the country (and world!), and may not speak too often, I am so fortunate to still be able to stay connected. I love seeing updated baby photos and personal milestones that they all accomplish.

GoGriffs.com: Having played basketball collegiately, do you still have any involvement with the sport?
Caravano: I coached for a few years in New Jersey when I left the business world and transitioned into a role in education. My only involvement with the sport now comes once a year at my school when we have our pep rally and the school administrators have a three-point shooting competition. Most students don't believe me when I tell them I am a decent shooter, so it is a very fun day for me! I haven't lost a competition yet!

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