FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
CONTACT:
Gregory Spicka, Director of Athletic Communications (610) 500-3632; gdspicka@widener.edu
 
CHESTER, Pa. – Our Widener University Athletics family received some heart-breaking news this week as former Widener men's basketball student-athlete and assistant coach Connor 

Laverty, 25, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 11 after a courageous fight against cancer.

Laverty was a standout student-athlete for the Pride. In his four years at Widener, he averaged 9.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.

"Connor was not just a talented athlete," Men's Basketball Head Coach Chris Carideo said. "He was a beloved teammate, coach, and, above all, an amazing person. His positivity and warm heart touched the lives of all who knew him. I can still hear him yelling "Let's Go Yo" to the team when they were lacking effort or execution! It wasn't the words as much as how he would say it that made it special! I thought for a second today I felt Connor at our practice…just standing there beside me with his arms crossed as he observed, as he typically would…then he kinda leaned toward me when he liked a sequence saying, "you know coach, I think we could be pretty good!" My response to him in my mind was "well if they are built anything like you Connor, we got a damn good shot!" I'll miss you! 'Till we meet again #21!"

During his four playing years from 2016-2020, Laverty received numerous awards. In his junior year in 2018-19, he was named All-MAC Honorable Mention. Laverty had a career season in his senior year in 2019-20, averaging 14.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and one steal per game. He also shot 45.4% from three-point range. Because of his play, he was named to the NABC All-District Team, D3hoops.com All-Region Team, All-MAC First Team, Academic All-MAC, and he was named MAC Commonwealth Player of the Year. Laverty helped the Pride make the MAC Commonwealth tournament in 2019-20. Additionally, Laverty is part of Widener's 1,000-point club. 

After his career as a student-athlete, Laverty would remain on the Pride's sidelines as an assistant coach. During his years of coaching, Laverty pushed the team through adversity and continued to be a role model to the team he once played on. This was a role he would hold from 2020-22. 

Outside of Widener, Laverty served as a head coach in the East Coast Power Basketball Program for 13-U from July 2020 to Feb. 2021. He was also an assistant coach at Seton Hill University where he was in the process of getting master's degree.

Laverty earned a Bachelor of Science in History and Secondary Education from Widener in May of 2020.

Laverty attended Ocean City High School and was a native of Upper Township, N.J.

Visitiation for Connor is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 18 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Saint Maximillian Kolbe Parish, Church of The Resurrection in Marmora, N.J. The service will follow from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. with graveside service at Holy Cross Cemetery from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Flowers can be sent from the following link (Send Flowers).