Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern Mourns Loss of Michele Chernesky
3/14/2022 3:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer
The Northwestern Wildcats soccer family mourns the loss of Michele Chernesky '19, who passed late last week.
"We are heartbroken by the news of Michele's passing," said head coach Michael Moynihan. "She was an anchor in our midfield during the most successful four-year span in our program's history and a vibrant contributor to our team environment. Michele had an infectious smile that could light up a room, a smile that reflected her warm and caring nature. On the field, she was a warrior who always gave everything for her team and few have displayed the same commitment and drive. Michele was a true team player and represented an ideal that all Wildcats can aspire to – her memory will forever be an inspiration to our Wildcat family. Our thoughts and love are with Michele's family and friends during this difficult time."
Chernesky was a stalwart in central midfield for the 'Cats from 2015 to 2018 as they made four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. She appeared in 83 games and made 70 starts, while scoring five career goals. She was an integral member of the Wildcats backbone that put together multiple record-setting defensive campaigns, including the 2016 season when the team posted the best goals-against-average mark in the country.
The three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree earned her degree in Economics from Northwestern with a minor in Business Institutions in 2019.
Services will be held on Wednesday, March 16, at St. Thomas of Villanova Church (1201 East Anderson Drive) in Palatine, Illinois, with a 9 a.m. CT visitation followed by mass at 10 a.m. CT.
Memorials in Michele's name can be made to Stronger to Serve: https://www.strongertoserve.org.
The obituary for Michele can be found here.
If you or anyone you know struggles with mental illness or depression, there is a free hotline that offers support: 1-800-273-8255.
This Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support.
"We are heartbroken by the news of Michele's passing," said head coach Michael Moynihan. "She was an anchor in our midfield during the most successful four-year span in our program's history and a vibrant contributor to our team environment. Michele had an infectious smile that could light up a room, a smile that reflected her warm and caring nature. On the field, she was a warrior who always gave everything for her team and few have displayed the same commitment and drive. Michele was a true team player and represented an ideal that all Wildcats can aspire to – her memory will forever be an inspiration to our Wildcat family. Our thoughts and love are with Michele's family and friends during this difficult time."
Chernesky was a stalwart in central midfield for the 'Cats from 2015 to 2018 as they made four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. She appeared in 83 games and made 70 starts, while scoring five career goals. She was an integral member of the Wildcats backbone that put together multiple record-setting defensive campaigns, including the 2016 season when the team posted the best goals-against-average mark in the country.
The three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree earned her degree in Economics from Northwestern with a minor in Business Institutions in 2019.
Services will be held on Wednesday, March 16, at St. Thomas of Villanova Church (1201 East Anderson Drive) in Palatine, Illinois, with a 9 a.m. CT visitation followed by mass at 10 a.m. CT.
Memorials in Michele's name can be made to Stronger to Serve: https://www.strongertoserve.org.
The obituary for Michele can be found here.
If you or anyone you know struggles with mental illness or depression, there is a free hotline that offers support: 1-800-273-8255.
This Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support.
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