HWS News
5 February 2026 • Alums • Athletics Longos' Support Honors Wilber
A gift from Joseph and Pam Sherman Longo P’15, P’21 recognizes the lasting impact of longtime William Smith Soccer Head Coach Aliceann Wilber P’12, L.H.D.’22.
As an incoming first-year student, Krista Longo ’15 wasn’t sure she would earn a spot on the William Smith soccer team, a roster filled with elite talent from around the world. She had the skills, but not yet the confidence. With the encouragement and steady support of then–Head Coach Aliceann Wilber P’12, L.H.D.’22, Longo found her footing and thrived.
She went on to play on the Herons’ 2013 National Championship team and earned numerous accolades along the way. But the bond forged in Geneva endured well beyond Longo’s playing days. Wilber remains a trusted advisor and more importantly, a lifelong friend.
“Aliceann is more than a coach,” says Joe Longo P’15, P’21, Krista’s father. “She’s been a mentor to Krista, helping her learn how to do things the right way without taking shortcuts.”
In gratitude for Wilber’s lasting impact, Joe and Pam Sherman Longo P’15, P’21 have committed $100,000 toward the initiative to name the William Smith soccer head coach position in her honor. The effort is led by HWS Trustee and Volunteer Assistant Soccer Coach Chip Carver ’81 and Anne DeLaney, who have pledged $500,000 toward the $1 million goal.
Krista’s success at HWS extended beyond the field. She majored in economics and earned a double minor in environmental studies and mathematics, developing a strong work ethic that continues to serve her well at Extend, an extended warranty provider, where she serves as a senior technical account manager.
That enduring connection was on full display in October, when Wilber and former Assistant Coach Chas Allen attended Krista’s wedding, bringing along the program’s iconic National Championship trophy.
Athletics also shaped the HWS journey of the Longos’ son, Andrew ’21. Not recruited out of high school, Andrew walked into the office of Hobart Hockey Head Coach Mark Taylor determined to earn a spot as a walk-on. Taylor was direct: he doesn’t take walk-ons. Andrew was undeterred. “I’m going to make this team,” he said.
At Taylor’s suggestion, Andrew spent his first year playing junior hockey in Rochester while also competing with the club team on campus, followed by a summer of intensive camps. When the fall arrived, Andrew heard the words he’d been working toward: “I want to put you on the team,” he recalls.
Andrew went on to play for the Statesmen, helping lead teams that reached the Final Four before his third season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. Like his sister, he benefited from HWS’ close-knit campus, forming relationships across different communities and connections that continue to support his work as an associate at Newmark, a commercial real estate firm. He graduated with a double major in economics and history.
The Longos’ commitment to HWS extends well beyond athletics. Their philanthropic support includes the Longo Family Scholarship, which provides annual aid to a top student in perpetuity. They are also members of the Cook Parents Circle, which recognizes and encourages the philanthropy of non-alumni parents and families.
