WILMINGTON, N.C. – Duquesne women's basketball associate head coach Cherie Lea was inducted in the University of North Carolina Wilmington's Athletic Hall of Fame Saturday, becoming one of just 60 members in the school's elite group.
 
Lea joins UNCW former men's soccer forward Colin Bonner and former women's golf ace Michelle Jarman as this year's three inductees. 
 
"Cherie Lea is the best player in UNCW history," said Duquesne head coach Dan Burt. "She is the best player I've coached. Her athleticism, skill and desire were special. Cherie was responsible for us transforming UNCW in a short period of time to the top of the Colonial Athletic Association."
 
"Cherie is a lifelong friend who I value and respect, not only for her basketball skill, but for her integrity, intelligence, and personal commitment to excellence."
 
Burt was an assistant coach on UNCW's women's basketball staff from 2001-04 and coached Lea during both of her seasons with the Seahawks.
  
Lea, who was named assistant coach at Duquesne in September 2016 and associate head coach in June 2022, signed on with the Seahawks for the 2002-03 women's basketball season and made an immediate impact with the team.
 
As a transfer from UNC Chapel Hill, the versatile guard powered the Seahawks to a 37-19 record over two seasons, earning First-Team All-CAA and Team MVP recognition both years.
 
The Blanch, N.C., product scored 884 points (14.7 ppg), grabbed 301 rebounds (5.4 rpg) and dished out 165 assists (2.9 apg) in 56 appearances for the Seahawks. She started 55 of those contests and continues as the only two-time First-Team All-CAA pick in Seahawk women's hoops history. She was honored as a CAA legend in 2005.
 
Lea also excelled in the classroom during her time in Wilmington. She was a two-time selection to the CAA's All-Academic Team and was tabbed as the CAA's Women's Basketball Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2003-04. Following her senior year, Lea was named recipient of the prestigious Dean Ehlers Award from the CAA.
 
Following graduation, Lea enjoyed an outstanding professional career overseas. She played professionally in Luxembourg and Holland, where she was the two-time MVP of the Dutch League and a participant in four All-Star Games. Lea won a pair of Dutch titles during her time in The Netherlands.
  
Lea earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from UNCW in 2004.
 
She becomes the sixth women's basketball member of the Hall of Fame. Previous honorees include Jill Amos Lindblade (2005), Gwen Austin (2010), Sheila Boles (2012), Tressa Reese (2016) and Sharon McDowell (2020).