They were a "power couple" in more ways than one. He was one of the greatest home run hitters in baseball program history. She was one of the most dominant middle hitters in Binghamton's volleyball history. Both stood six-feet tall with a large presence. Both were all-conference student-athletes. And both lived on campus in College-in-the-Woods.
 
Jamie Boyer and Anne Crocus met in 2001 when he was a sophomore on the baseball team and she was a freshman volleyball player. The Bearcats had just made the move to NCAA Division I and had gained membership into the America East Conference. The athletics department was abuzz with newfound excitement as the divisional upgrade took hold – and the student-athletes were highly supportive of one another.
 
"We had numerous mutual friends who were also student-athletes and we all lived close to one another in the CIW dorms," Anne says. "Jamie and I would see each other in the dining hall, weight room, East and West Gyms and when supporting other athletes at their games."
 
Both Pennsylvania products (Boyer from Lancaster, Crocus from Bethlehem) took their athletics careers very seriously and the pair clicked early on.
 
"It was really special to me to have Jamie at most of my volleyball matches," Anne says. "Having someone to talk to and reflect with afterwards … a fellow athlete who 'got it' … who understood the hard work, dedication and commitment."
 
After Anne led the volleyball team in blocks as a freshman, Jamie took center stage in the spring. He led the 2002 baseball team in home runs, slugging and batting average (.396 over final two months) and was an all-conference selection as the Bearcats made their debut in the America East.
 
By the time Fall 2002 rolled around, the relationship was serious.
 
"What you see is what you get with Jamie," Anne says. "He was calm, level-headed and very real. I admired that about him. He was also dedicated to his baseball career at Binghamton, which was another attractive quality … not to mention those baseball pants!"
 
Jamie, meanwhile, was watching one of the best players in the America East that fall when first team all-conference middle hitter Anne took the floor.
 
"She was attractive, athletic and competitive and was a very compassionate person," he says.
 
In 2003-04, both Anne and Jamie repeated as all-conference selections and both were named to the America East Honor Rolls for their academic success.
 
In 2004-05, Crocus led her team in kills and blocks before suffering a season-ending injury in mid-season. Playing his final season after a redshirt injury year, Boyer belted nine more home runs to help the Bearcats reach the America East postseason tournament for the first time. The ensuing tournament appearance at Vermont meant a road trip for Anne and her friends, which she counts as one of her favorite college memories.
 
Boyer graduated among the all-time top-10 in home runs (28, 2nd) and RBI (121, 7^th). Crocus ranks among the career leaders in blocks per set (1.43, 1^st), attack percentage (.315, 1^st) and kills (1,077, 4^th).
 
After graduation, Anne attended West Chester University to pursue her elementary teaching certificate. She served as a substitute teacher during the day and took night classes before earning her teaching certificate in January 2007.
 
Jamie, meanwhile, stayed in Binghamton and worked for Enterprise Rental Car down the Parkway from campus. The couple marks that year as an early challenge.
 
"We were used to seeing each other every day in college so that was a bit tricky," Anne says.
 
After Anne received her first full-time teaching position in the Bethlehem Area School District, Jamie returned to Pennsylvania and the pair were married on June 11, 2011. Nearly two dozen former BU athletes representing the sports of baseball, volleyball, basketball, softball and track attended the outdoor, picnic-style celebration.
 
For the last 11 years, Anne has taught eight- and nine-year olds in Bethlehem. She also added a master's degree in classroom technology from Wilkes University. Since 2013, Jamie has been a sales executive for RentPath, which takes him across the Lehigh Valley, Reading and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre areas. 
 
The couple has continued to celebrate life with three daughters: Molly (5), Abby (4) and Gracie (2). And how hectic is life with three young children?


"After we had Molly life became busy," Anne says. "And then Abby was born … two times the busy. Needless to say, now that Gracie joined our family, our free time is limited. But despite being super busy, we really enjoy being parents. I'd love to report that we have traveled the world but for now we are happy riding bikes to the local playground, drawing with chalk in our driveway or learning to play catch in the yard."
 
Down time for Anne used to include some adult volleyball and also coaching the sport at the high school and club level. She misses playing but anticipates getting back into the game when the girls are older.
 
Meanwhile, outnumbered 4-to-1 at home, Jamie can find refuge at his cabin, where he enjoys hunting, fishing and the outdoors. Anne marvels at how he was suited for fatherhood.
 
"Watching Jamie in the 'Daddy' role just touches my heart," she says. "He is so patient with the girls."    
 
As the girls start getting into their own sports, mom and dad will no doubt rekindle their competitive juices.
 
"We look forward to watching, coaching and helping them along the athletic path," Anne says.
 
As for any debate about which parent is the more accomplished athlete, Anne puts that question to rest. "Jamie and I are both super competitive but I think he would agree that I was the better athlete … and still am!"
 
Both look forward to returning to campus with their daughters.
 
"We want to give them a grand tour of where mom and dad met," Anne says. "Binghamton will always hold a dear place in our hearts. Not only did we meet there, but we made some wonderful friends who are still in our lives today. Our coaches, trainers, teammates and fellow student-athletes were our family during our time at BU. We will always have fond memories of being Bearcats!"