Berks Bests: Corielle Yarde's Legacy Still Ranks No. 2 in Berks History
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Editor's Note: This story is part of Berks Bests, a summer series spotlighting the all-time leading scorers from Berks County girls basketball programs. Throughout the summer, we'll revisit some of the greatest careers in local basketball history and catch up with the players who left their mark on their schools and communities.
If the 1980s was the golden era in the Berks Girls Basketball League with three of the six 2,000-point scorers playing during that time, the 2000s was the silver era.
That's nothing to scoff at.
Reading High's Rashida Suber entered the club after she finished her high school career in 2003. Then came Schuylkill Valley's Corielle Yarde, who remains the closest to breaking Wendy Davis's county scoring record.
Yarde, who graduated in 2008, was a superstar for the Panthers. She finished her career with 2,283 career points, an absurd total that is still No. 2 in Berks history.
Yarde was selected as the Berks Player of the Year and to the all-state team three times. She averaged 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 3.5 steals per game.
"No, I definitely did not think I would’ve earned those accolades when I first started," Yarde recently said to BGB. "Especially when I compared myself to other players in the county at that time.
"We had Gladine St. Julien, who was a senior at the time amongst other great players. I played on the same travel team with a lot of players in the area during the offseasons and most were known scorers. Therefore, it made for a competitive time to be a girls basketball player in our area."
She ultimately teamed with St. Juliene, who finished with 1,796 high school points and a stellar career at Millersville, to lead the Panthers to their only Berks championship in 2005, which they won in a tight 42-40 win over Wilson.
"I have a lot of fond memories, but I remember that we were really superstitious and mainly because of our coaches," Yarde said. "We had certain things that we could not change and the entire team bought in which was cool. I remember we started wearing a Band-Aid on our arm for every game my freshman year. I don’t remember why if I’m being completely honest, but I remember enjoying picking out the Band-Aid theme.
"Also, we would go to the same little family restaurant in Leesport (Andali’s) before every game. Coach Mitzi (Reitnouer) had the same person/player help her put on her jewelry before each game. One of our assistant coaches would lead the pregame huddle with the same motivational phrase, 'Play hard, play smart, and play together!' The traditions bonded us and made us family."
Reitnouer is a legend in her own right as the fourth female player in Berks County history to surpass 1,000 career points when she scored 1,261 points at Oley Valley. She was a two-time All-Berks selection and the first player in West Chester University history to amass over 1,000 career points.
After graduating from Schuylkill Valley, Yarde moved on to Marist University where she completed another legendary career. The Red Foxes won four straight Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) championships.
As a sophomore, she scored 15 points in an NCAA Tournament opening round loss to Georgetown. As a junior, she had 12 points, eight assists, and five rebounds in a first-round win over Iowa. Yarde scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in a second-round loss against Duke.
As a senior, she averaged 14.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game, earning her MAAC Player of the Year. She had 21 points, seven rebounds and two assists in No. 13 Marist's upset victory over No. 4 Georgia in the NCAA Tournament.
In Yarde's four seasons at Marist, the team went 66-6 in MAAC play and won 112 games.
Yarde finished her career with 1,470 points, which still ranks No. 7 in program history. Her name shows up in many other places in the record book.
The numbers are staggering, but Yarde said the lessons she learned while playing at Schuylkill Valley have stayed with her even longer than the memories of the wins and individual accomplishments.
"Playing basketball at SV has taught me the importance of teamwork, leadership, perseverance, and dedication," Yarde said. "I would not have achieved any of the awards without my team and coaching staff. I felt comfortable stepping into a leadership role because the upperclassmen paved the way before me. I was able to see their interactions and the way they guided the team when in need."
Yarde also learned to adapt when things didn't go according to plan.
"I faced challenges as well that forced me to self reflect and adapt either my style of play or even my mindset in certain situations," she said. "Also, I was devoted and dedicated to my team and coaches. I think that dedication was a bit contagious because it spread throughout the team which was a huge motivator for us."
Yarde's connection to Schuylkill Valley continued long after her playing career ended. She spent over a decade as a teacher in the district, giving back to the community that helped shape her.
In February 2025, Yarde was inducted into the Berks Basketball Hall of Fame, adding another distinction to one of the most decorated careers in Berks County basketball history.
Today, Yarde has moved into a new career as a real estate agent in the coastal Delaware and Maryland area.
"I wish I could say that I still play ball for fun, but that’s not really a possibility anymore," Yarde said. "I ruptured both of my Achilles (tendons) within two years of each other shortly after graduating from college. After those two brutal recoveries, I am not able to play at all anymore, however, I like to live vicariously through close friends who are coaching."
It's a great example of how quick an athletic career can shift to a new passion. Luckily for Yarde, she accomplished way more than the common baller could ever imagine. Her elite mindset hasn't wavered in the slightest.
"I love my new job, and I’m looking forward to growing professionally in my new career," she said. "If you want a beach home, I am your girl!"
While her basketball career may be behind her, Yarde still has plenty of connections to the game. When she thinks back to the beginning of her playing days, the player who inspired her was one of the most obvious choices.
"The obvious answer is Michael Jordan and that’s truly my answer," she said as who inspired her. "He’s the best to ever do it!"
Diehard Sixers fans might have some points of contention with that statement, especially with a recent high-profile signing.
For all the points, championships, and individual honors, Yarde's most meaningful basketball memories came after her playing career was already over.
She received the Pride of SV award, and the recognition gave her an opportunity to reflect on the people who had helped her reach that point.
"This moment came when it was all over," she said. "I had the honor of receiving The Pride of SV award. While giving my acceptance speech, I could not hold back the tears (or sobs) as I was thanking my parents for the sacrifices they made for me to have all of the opportunities that I did."
Yarde's parents, she said, were there through all of it from the long drives and late nights to the injuries and financial sacrifices that came with pursuing basketball at the highest level.
"I would have never found the success I did without their unwavering support and dedication to my future, even when it meant late nights, long drives, loads of money, tears, injuries, and so much time and energy," Yarde said. "I owe it all to them."
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