Shawn DiVece has long been acquainted with the storied Cherokee High School football legacy. It’s a legacy he has both witnessed and actively contributed to over the years. As a former player and dedicated assistant coach for the Chiefs, DiVece is now stepping into an exciting new role: head football coach at Cherokee.
He takes over from Brian Glatz, who resigned after his seventh season at the helm. DiVece expressed his enthusiasm for continuing the tradition of excellence at the school, a culture fostered by former mentors like John Scott and others such as PJ Mehigan and Glatz, both of whom are alumni themselves.
A proud graduate from the class of 1999, DiVece was a standout during his senior year in 1998, playing on a team that went 8-3 and reached the South Jersey Group 4 semifinals. His versatility on the field made him an invaluable asset, according to Glatz, who recalls DiVece as a key player during his own tenure as an assistant coach then. DiVece’s collegiate career at La Salle University further honed his skills; he played as a wide receiver, transitioned to linebacker, and returned to his receiver roots, all while contributing as a punt returner.
His coaching journey began in 2003 under Mehigan at Cherokee, where he specialized in coaching receivers and strategizing passing plays. As offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach during Glatz’s tenure, DiVece played a pivotal role in the team’s successes.
Cherokee football has an impressive playoff history, boasting 34 postseason appearances and 12 sectional titles since the NJSIAA playoffs began in 1974. Under Glatz’s guidance, the Chiefs clinched the Central Jersey Group 5 title in 2019 and the South Jersey Group 5 crown in 2023, navigating some of South Jersey’s toughest schedules. Despite a challenging 5-6 season last year, Cherokee’s mettle remained evident as they still secured a playoff win, demonstrating DiVece’s point that tough schedules create battle-tested teams.
DiVece, who has been teaching mathematics at Cherokee since 2007 (following a similar role at Westampton Tech), is deeply rooted in the school’s culture, both as an educator and a sports enthusiast. His connection to Cherokee runs deep, and Glatz believes this makes DiVece perfectly suited for his new position. DiVece also supports the development of multi-sport athletes, having himself played baseball at a high level during his high school years.
Having climbed the coaching ranks through dedication and passion, DiVece is deeply grateful for the opportunities given by coaches like PJ and Brian. He’s enthusiastic about ushering in the next era of Cherokee football as he embarks on this new chapter.
Marc Narducci, a freelance reporter for the Courier-Post, contributed to this coverage. You can contact him at [email protected]. This piece was originally published in the Cherry Hill Courier-Post.
