At the Class of ’74 Reunion in November 2024, we gathered to honor the memory of Coach Jo Ann (Josie) Harper (Class of ’61), Penncrest High School’s former Women’s Athletic Director and Coach. Mrs. Harper, who passed away on June 16, 2024, left an extraordinary legacy that shaped the lives of many athletes, students, and colleagues.
To honor her contributions, a group of us has initiated the Coach Josie Harper Scholarship Fund, which will be awarded annually to an outstanding female athlete at Penncrest High School.
A Legacy of Leadership and Excellence
Jo Ann Harper was more than a coach—she was an educator, a mentor, and a leader who set uncompromising standards that shaped generations of students. For many of us, participating in Penncrest’s women’s athletic program was transformative, instilling resilience, teamwork, and discipline that extended far beyond the field.
Josie’s impact stretched well beyond Penncrest:
- Collegiate Coaching & National Leadership: She coached lacrosse at Hollins College before joining Dartmouth in 1981, where she led the team to multiple NCAA tournaments, Ivy League Championships, and an ECAC title. She also coached the U.S. Women’s National Team, including the 1986 World Cup Team.
- Trailblazing Administrator: In 2002, she became the first woman Director of Athletics and Recreation at Dartmouth, a groundbreaking achievement in Ivy League history. She was named National Administrator of the Year and received the Katherine Ley Award for advancing women in athletics.
- Hall of Fame Recognition: Her achievements earned her induction into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame, West Chester University Hall of Fame, Penncrest Hall of Fame, and others. Dartmouth has since endowed the women’s lacrosse head coaching position in her name.
Join Us in Honoring Coach Harper’s Legacy
To establish this scholarship and celebrate Josie’s lifelong dedication to student-athletes, we are launching an annual Golf Tournament and Dinner, with the inaugural event set for 20 October 2025.
We invite you to join us—whether as a volunteer, class representative, sponsor, or donor—to ensure her legacy continues to inspire future generations.