CENTER VALLEY, Pa (Nov. 8, 2025) --Women's basketball player and Folds of Honor scholarship recipient Keara McCaffrey is currently in her first year of studying sport management. McCaffrey's father served in the Navy when she was a baby, and while she does not remember his service, she has seen the importance of mental health, which made her a better athlete. 

McCaffrey has been playing basketball since she was four years old, and with her mother being a basketball coach, McCaffrey says she was "born into it." When it came time to pick schools, DeSales seemed like the right choice. 

"I was recruited by DeSales, and out of all the schools I was recruited by, it sounds superficial, but this one had the prettiest campus. I just loved how the campus felt big, but it is a small school. I also was very drawn to the basketball aspect of it. Coach Richter would go to my AAU games and always made me feel welcome" said McCaffrey.  

When it came time to apply to colleges, her dad got in contact with Wendy Badman, Director of the Veterans and Military Service Center to see what scholarships were available and encouraged her to apply for the Folds of Honor scholarship.  

"My dad, served in the Navy, active duty around 2007, and then he was a part of it still after that. That is my connection, and I think it made me a stronger person" said Kiera. "I saw my dad battle with mental health, and having him as a figure go through that and then seeing him come out on top, pushed me to overcome difficult things in my life".  

Growing up, McCaffrey learned that it was okay to reach out for help when she needed it and believes that it makes her a better basketball player.  

"I am always proud of my dad, but Veterans Day is a day where I can really share all my dad has been through and how proud I am of him" said McCaffrey when asked what Veteran's Day means to her.