La Salle University has long been a breeding ground for student-athletes who go on to represent their countries at the highest level— the Olympics. From the gold medal-winning swimmer Joe Verduer, ’50, to Ira Davis, ’58, who competed in three Olympic Games on the track, La Salle’s legacy in the Olympic Games is deeply rooted. This tradition of success continues today, as current student-athletes and alumni carry the Explorer spirit to the world stage.
Historical Olympic Success: Joe Verduer and Ira Davis
La Salle’s Olympic ties began early in the university’s history with Joe Verduer, a swimmer who achieved world-renowned success. Verduer, who graduated in 1950, went on to set multiple world records and won a gold medal in the 1948 London Olympics. His accomplishments in swimming put La Salle on the map in the global sports community, establishing a tradition of excellence that future Explorers would follow.
Similarly, Ira Davis, a La Salle graduate in 1958, made his mark as an Olympic track and field athlete. Davis competed in three different Olympic Games, showcasing the talent and determination that La Salle athletes are known for. His involvement in the Games set the stage for future La Salle athletes to reach the pinnacle of athletic achievement.
La Salle Athletes on the International Stage Today
This rich legacy continues today with current La Salle student-athletes representing their home countries on the world stage. Two women’s soccer players, Elizabeth Estrada (’26) and Ricshya Walker (’25), were among those who made their Olympic dreams a reality this past summer. Both athletes competed for their respective countries in the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament, showcasing the strength of La Salle’s soccer program.
Elizabeth Estrada played two games for the Guatemala women’s national team, logging 78 minutes of international competition. Although Guatemala’s squad didn’t qualify for the Olympics, Estrada continued her journey with the team during the Olympic window, contributing to the team’s preparations for future competitions.
Ricshya Walker, representing Jamaica, had an impressive run, scoring a goal in her three matches with the Reggae Girlz during the same tournament. Walker’s performance highlighted the increasing presence of La Salle players on the global soccer scene, solidifying the university’s place in the development of international talent.
Cheryl Reeve: From La Salle to Olympic Gold
Perhaps one of the most prominent names associated with La Salle’s Olympic legacy is Cheryl Reeve, ’88, an alumna whose impact on women’s basketball is felt worldwide. Reeve, who played for the La Salle women’s basketball team from 1984 to 1988 and served as an assistant coach from 1988 to 1990, has gone on to achieve tremendous success in the professional basketball world.
As the head coach and president of basketball operations for the Minnesota Lynx, Reeve has led the team to four WNBA championships since 2010. Her accomplishments in the WNBA are unparalleled, but her success doesn’t stop there. In 2024, Reeve led the USA Women’s Basketball Team to a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, further cementing her legacy as one of the most accomplished women’s basketball coaches in history.
La Salle’s Ongoing Olympic Legacy
From Joe Verduer’s early Olympic success to the recent achievements of Estrada, Walker, and Reeve, La Salle University’s ties to the Olympics continue to be a source of pride. The tradition of excellence in sports at La Salle remains strong, with athletes not only excelling at the collegiate level but also leaving a significant mark on the world stage.
The university’s commitment to developing athletes who can compete globally ensures that La Salle’s Olympic legacy will continue for years to come. Whether it’s through soccer, basketball, or other sports, La Salle athletes continue to embody the values of hard work, perseverance, and excellence that are synonymous with Olympic competition.
