“She’s a tremendous role model. The best way to lead is by example, and Coach Lashley sets a positive image as both a coach and dean. Students feel comfortable approaching her, and she holds all players and students to high standards. Coaching is a different world today, but she’s a strong leader and mediator, capable of navigating tough situations and disagreements.”
– Coach Michael Junsch ’71, P’94, ’95, 50-year coaching veteran and mentor at Poly

A New Era in Girls’ Varsity Basketball

The 2024-25 academic year marks an exciting milestone for Cherkira Lashley ’11 as she steps into her new role as Head Coach of the Girls’ Varsity Basketball team, picking up the mantle from long-time coach Michael Junsch ’71, P’94, ’95. A proud alumna and current Upper School dean, Lashley brings a specialized depth of knowledge, experience, insight, and dedication to this position, qualities she has developed both on and off the court since her days as a student at Poly. Her student-centered leadership style strikes a thoughtful balance of direction, transparency, and humor, fostering trust and connection with student-athletes.

Lashley’s vision for the program emphasizes holistic development, using the lessons of the game to empower female athletes to build confidence, exercise authority within healthy frameworks, and value teamwork and collaboration. Under her guidance, the Girls’ Basketball program aims not only to cultivate strong athletes, but also to nurture young women and prepare them for success in college and beyond. Parents and students alike recognize Lashley as a mentor who transcends the court by providing support across academic and extracurricular realms to deepen passions, foster belonging, and create lasting positive experiences.

“Coach Lashley’s superpower is her ability to empower her players and set the team up for success. She understands exactly what the team needs and surrounds us with extraordinary coaches, like Coach C and Coach Wright, who challenge us. Her belief in each of her players is what shapes our team.” – Abigail Smith ‘28 

A Winning Start

To date under Lashley’s leadership, the Girls’ Basketball team has already seen a lot of victories: a record 6 wins and 1 loss, sustained in competition with some of New York’s most talented high school teams. Coach Lashley describes the team as being defined by their intensity, dedication, and an unwavering “will to win.” However, her vision for the program extends beyond the scoreboard. Coach Lashley emphasizes the importance of team chemistry by fostering a selfless dynamic where players learn to prioritize collective success over individual recognition. “We’re working to build a system where both the team’s and each player’s hard work is highlighted, helping them achieve their personal goals,” she explains. Her approach prioritizes trust, strategy, and discipline over raw talent, with the ultimate goal of creating a culture that empowers both coaches and players to grow together. It’s a philosophy already reflected in the team’s early success and promising future.

“The opportunity to help young women become more confident and develop their leadership skills is something I’m passionate about. Girls are often socialized to make themselves small or apologetic, but as athletes, they need to be strong, loud, and confident. That’s not just an athletic skill—it’s a life skill. It’s important for young women to understand that they don’t have to compromise their femininity to be assertive or dominant. Coaching is about showing them how to embrace their power in a way that’s authentic to who they are.”  – Head Coach Cherkira Lashley ’11

Empowering Female Athletes

Drawing inspiration from her mother, a pastor and powerful orator, she teaches her students that femininity and power are interchangeable. She seeks to create an athletic culture where girls feel included and supported, helping them approach academics and other challenges with greater confidence. Through strength and conditioning training, she encourages students to feel strong and healthy in their bodies, empowering them to combat unhealthy body standards and societal pressures. Her ultimate goal is to instill a sense of confidence and empowerment in every student she works with.

When asked how being an alumna changes her perspective on coaching, she reflected: “Coaching at Poly carries a deeper meaning for me… I want to honor the legacy that Coach J. has left behind—he’s meant so much to me throughout my life… It’s different from coaching at other schools because there’s a unique sense of loyalty and responsibility tied to this role. Being an alumna coaching alongside another, and being the first in our identities to hold these positions, feels like an important milestone in the school’s growth. I’m excited to build a legacy while drawing on my institutional knowledge of Poly’s culture. That perspective shapes how I approach working with students and helps me create a meaningful connection with them.”

As a dean, Lashley has the unique opportunity to connect with students outside their roles as athletes, gaining insight into their day-to-day lives. Parents can trust her to support students both on and off the court, ensuring that in-class behavior and choices align with their growth as players and individuals. She prioritizes character development which helps students understand how actions in the classroom and on the court are a reflection of their values. This holistic approach ties overall school performance to the strength of the sports program. It is designed to inspire not just athletic achievement on the court but also personal and academic excellence.

“Coach Lashley is an outstanding coach because her commitment goes far beyond coaching basketball – she’s a mentor who truly wants to see each of us succeed in all aspects of our lives.” – Sydney McFarlane ‘27

Girls’ Varsity Coaching Team

Teamwork is not limited to players. Lashley is thrilled to collaborate with a stellar coaching staff as they work together to shape the future of the program. Joining her are Shanniah Wright ’18 and Corinthia Benison, each of whom brings a unique coaching style that complements the others. Wright’s approach is disciplined and structured, while Benison offers a deeply nurturing presence. Lashley, drawing on her experience as an Upper School dean, balances humor and fun with a firm, relationship-focused approach.

Wright is no stranger to success on the basketball court. An ESPN Top 100 player, she scored over 2,000 points during her career at Poly—a school record—before signing to play for Georgetown University. She was a two-time MVP at Poly and was named three times to the Basketball Coaches Association of New York’s Private School First Team All-State. Together, this dynamic coaching trio is poised to lead the team to new heights.