2025 NEPSAC Spring News Magazine

NEPSAC ® News

NEW ENGLAND PREPARATORY SCHOOL ATHLETIC COUNCIL

Donovan Mitchell Jr. cuts the ribbon at The DON, the new athletic center at Greenwich Country Day School

New England Preparatory School Athletic Council

2024–2025

President

Ryan Frost Cardigan Mountain School

Vice-President

Tim Joncas Westminster School

Secretary

Lisa Joel Phillips Andover Academy

Treasurer

Jim Smucker Berwick Academy

Co-Directors of Championships

Jamie Arsenault New Hampton School

Bob Howe Deerfield Academy

Mo Gaitán Pomfret School

Director of Classifications

Sean Kelly The Wheeler School

Coordinator of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Lamar Reddicks Milton Academy

Past Presidents

George Tahan Belmont Hill School

Bob Howe Deerfield Academy

Jamie Arsenault New Hampton School

Middle School Representatives

Rob Feingold The Fay School

Courtney Callanan Rectory School

District I Representatives

Stefan Jensen Hyde School

Becky Kimball Kents Hill School

District II Representatives

Jenna Simon Holderness School

Connor Wells Brewster Academy

District III Representatives

Sean Kelly The Wheeler School

Jen Viana Cushing Academy

Andrew Mitchell Lexington Christian Academy

District IV Representatives

Mike Marich The Frederick Gunn School

Mo Gaitán Pomfret School

Courtney Callanan Rectory School

Communications Specialist

Laurie Sachs The Rivers School

“NEPSAC” and the NEPSAC logo are registered trademarks of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council and may not be used or displayed without permission.

New England Preparatory School Athletic Council qualifies as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3).

NEPSAC ® News

20 Donovan Mitchell Inaugurates Athletic Center

26 Girls* in Sports Leadership Summit at Cushing

19A Front Row for Victory for Williston Alumna

32 Loomis Basketball Coach Seth Beebe Retires After 40 Years

34 Pomfret Celebrates Fifty Years of Girls Hockey

24Taking a Shot: Rivers Athletes Support Brain Cancer Research

42 NEPSAC Teams Soak Up the Sun at Spring Training

47Young NEPSAC Skiers Ascend to New Heights 49 Remembering Francis T. “Fay” Vincent Jr.

From our Partners

Elevating Sacred Heart’s Athletic Legacy

Departments

4 Around NEPSAC 10 Laurels 54 #ICYMI

ON THE COVER: Flanked by his sister and mother, Donovan Mitchell opens The DON at Greenwich Country Day School

HPresident’s Letter

Ryan Frost

Cardigan Mountain School

appy spring to you all! As we continue to get passing snowfall between cool sunny days in Northern New England, I remind myself every year that despite the long winter, spring will arrive, and along with it, the busy stretch until graduations and summer vacation. The winter season wrapped up with amazing NEPSAC tournaments and championship events. Congratulations to all the schools, teams, student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, and athletic directors who made it happen. An extra congratulations to all our NEPSAC champions as well!

I hope everyone was able to find time to rest, rejuvenate, and prepare for the busy stretch that is the spring season and endof-year culminating events at all of our schools. I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to Hyvinkaa, Finland, with Cardigan’s hockey team to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our exchange program with the town of Hyvinkaa and the Vehkoja School. This has been an incredible tradition for everyone involved and something I look forward to every time we travel to Finland or host our friends at Cardigan. I also took my lacrosse team to North Carolina for a great week of preseason training and fun in the sun. If you have any great stories from your season, year, or special traditions or travel, please be sure to share them with NEPSAC Communications Specialist Laurie Sachs to be featured here in our NEPSAC News

As we move into the spring season, NEPSAC continues to work to support all of our schools, programs, and championship events. We continue to rely on the coaches’ associations and districts for support. If you are interested in helping serve as an AD liaison, coaches association president, or on the NEPSAC board through your district, please reach out for help connecting with the right folks, as we are always looking for volunteers to support our great organization. Working with these groups, you will not only

The following resources are behind the password at www.nepsac.org to serve you better and streamline communication within NEPSAC:

» NEPSAC By-Law and Policy Handbook

» NEPSAC NIL Registration

» NEPSAC Grievance Form

» NEPSAC Expulsion Documentation Form

» NEPSAC NIL Policy and Registration Form

give back to the greater NEPSAC community, but I can promise you that the professional development and connections you will make will be rewarding and long-lasting in their support back to you.

As we approach our final officially scheduled NEPSAC board meeting of the 2024–2025 school year at the end of April, please send along any questions or needs you have via your district representatives. We are continuing to work on our end-of-season coaching policies to update them for 2025–2026 and beyond. The board will also continue to work to maintain a level playing field for all athletes and teams while continuing to move our very large organization forward.

Again, please reach out with questions, suggestions, or any help you require to ensure your community is well-supported and represented in NEPSAC.

All the best,

Ryan Frost

Got news to share with other NEPSAC schools? Send the details to communications@nepsac.org and we’ll put it in the next issue.

TREASURER’S REPORT

by Jim Smucker, Berwick Academy, NEPSAC Treasurer

Thank you for your continued support through the year.

REMINDERS/TIPS

To be most efficient it is important that schools only create one account when making their payments. If you don’t remember your login information, simply click on the “Forgot your username or password?” link to enter your email address to receive instructions to reset your password. Remember to check your spam/junk folder for these instruction emails.

Please be aware that there is a processing fee to offset our cost with every online transaction. We are not able to refund processing fees, so please be diligent about this process and your record keeping.

How To View Your Account

If you already have a Username and Password, go to “View My Account” and enter your credentials to log in. After logging in, you will have access to “Payment History.” Use the available filters to view ALL of them or choose any date range or period.

NEPSAC PARTNERSHIPS

NEPSAC continues to identify potential partnerships and sponsors to help ensure that the intentions of this organization are met, all while staying true to our mission and values. We will update the membership as new partnerships and sponsorships are secured. Please review our current partnerships here.

NEPSAC 2024–2025 MEETINGS

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Tuesday, September 17

Remote 8:15

Tuesday, October 8

Remote 8:15

Thursday, November 21

Boxborough, MA 4:00

Friday, November 22

Annual Meeting, Boxborough, MA

Tuesday, January 7

Remote 8:15

Tuesday, February 11

Remote 8:15

Tuesday, April 29

Cushing Academy 9:00

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Thursday, March 27

Fay School 10:00

DISTRICT I

All meetings at Hyde School

Monday, September 9 10:00

Monday, November 11 10:00

Monday, February 24 10:00

Monday, May 19 10:00

Zoom meetings may be held if needed in October, January and April

DISTRICT II

Thursday, October 17

Holderness School 9:00

Thursday, February 13

Tilton School 9:00

Thursday, May 1

New Hampton School 9:00

Bi-weekly meetings on Zoom from August 2024 to May 2025.

DISTRICT III

All meetings at Phillips Academy Andover

Tuesday, October 1 10:00

Wednesday, January 22 10:00

Tuesday, April 22 10:00

DISTRICT IV

All meetings at Westminster School

Thursday, September 26 9:00

Thursday, April 24 9:00

SPORTS MEDICINE ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT

by Grady Congleton, SMAC chair

Happy spring from SMAC! While we’re looking forward to warmer weather and spending time outside with our teams, SMAC has been hard at work serving athletic trainers, athletic directors, and student-athletes across the league. We continue to promote the importance of having athletic trainers at every interscholastic athletic game so on that front, we are gathering data through a league-wide survey of athletic trainers to better understand the opportunities and challenges that exist.

To further enhance interscholastic sports medicine in NEPSAC, we’re excited for the prospect of providing additional continuing education credits both in-person and remotely to help athletic trainers stay at the top of their game.

If you have any questions, concerns, or want to send in any news such as retirements, awards, and other tidbits that further promote NEPSAC and SMAC as the premier athletic association in the country, do not hesitate to reach out to SMAC Chair, Grady Congleton, at smacchair@nepsac.org.

I wish everyone all the best in their spring sport endeavors!

Grady Congleton, MS, ATC, LAT, CES

DEERFIELD

ACADEMY | DEERFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS

Maiden Voyage of the New Green (and White) Machine!

On Wednesday, a momentous occasion took place as the highly anticipated new Green Machine bus made its debut, marking its very first team trip. The JV girls hockey team were lucky enough to be the first group to experience this exciting ride as they traveled to Connecticut for their game against Westminster. The bus, a striking blend of classic DA school bus charm and the elegance of a coach bus, was unveiled with much fanfare.

In a show of dedication and commitment, some of our amazing staff members drove the bus all the way from Oklahoma back to Deerfield, ensuring the vehicle was ready for its big debut. A huge round of applause goes out to them for their perseverance and teamwork to make this happen!

The new Green machine is packed with features that elevate the comfort of every journey, especially those really long ones. From charging ports at each seat to tray tables for homework or snacks, this bus is as functional as it is stylish.

With its sleek new look and thoughtfully equipped interior, the Green machine is truly an experience in itself. Whether it’s transporting athletic teams or taking students on educational field trips, this bus is ready for the long haul.

The journey of the Green Machine has only just begun, and we can’t wait to see where it will take us next!

Go Big Green!

Tabor Academy Retires Travis Roy’s Jersey

by Tabor Academy | Photos by Ella Zurlo ’26 and Alex Wang ’25

On January 25, 2025, Tabor Academy honored the late Travis Roy ’95 by retiring his jersey, number 14, in a heartfelt ceremony at the Travis Roy Rink. The tribute was a poignant recognition of Roy’s lasting impact on the Tabor community. Both girls’ and boys’ varsity hockey teams took the ice wearing his iconic number for the final time, a powerful moment of remembrance and celebration.

For Roy’s parents, Brenda and Lee Roy, the evening was deeply moving. “We left the Travis Roy Rink Saturday evening with happy tears, feelings of gratitude, and hearts bursting with pride. Our thanks to Tabor Academy for giving Travis two of the best years of his life, and for honoring him yet again in such a meaningful way.”

Travis often shared that his two years at Tabor were among the best of his life a time of growth, friendship and passion for the game he loved. His journey was forever changed just eleven seconds into his first collegiate hockey game at Boston University in 1995 when a spinal cord injury left him paralyzed from the neck down. In the years that followed, Roy turned adversity into purpose, dedicating his life to advocacy and philanthropy through the Travis Roy Foundation, supporting spinal cord injury survivors and research. He passed in 2020.

As part of this tribute, Tabor also introduced the Travis Roy ’95 Fellowship Fund (TRFF), to ensure that all students, regardless

of financial barriers, can fully participate in the school’s programs and experiences. The TRFF reflects Roy’s enduring values kindness, generosity and perseverance.

By retiring his jersey, Tabor Academy cements Roy’s legacy, ensuring that his story of resilience and dedication lives on in perpetuity.

If you would like to support the Travis Roy ’95 Fellowship Fund, please make your gift online here, using a credit/debit card, ApplePay, Google Pay, PayPal, or Venmo.

Simply select “Travis Roy ‘95 Fellowship Fund” in the Designation dropdown menu when making your donation.

View a slideshow and video of the ceremony at Tabor’s website

NEWTON COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL OF THE SACRED HEART | NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Warren Perry and Emily Berardi Honored by High School Athletic Halls of Fame

by Laura Kelly and Abby Woodworth | Photographs: The Perry Family, Tina Lim

Newton Country Day Athletic Director Warren Perry was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame at his high school alma mater, Arendell Parrott Academy (APA) in Kinston, North Carolina, for his achievements throughout his illustrious swimming and athletics administration career. He founded APA’s swim team as a seventh grader and won numerous state championships, served as team captain, and was named MVP from 1996 to 1999. Outside of APA, with his club team, he earned 12 YMCA All-American honors and represented Team USA in the High School Dynamics meet in the Netherlands, where he won the 100-meter butterfly and 100-meter breaststroke. After high school, Perry continued his swimming career at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a varsity athlete on the ACC Academic Honor Roll and went on to coach collegiate swimming at Duke University

and East Carolina University. Most recently, Perry served as the Director of Strategy and Excellence in Athletics and Wellness and the Director of Aquatics at Convent of the Sacred Heart in New York City. In these roles, he collaborated with school leadership across divisions to foster community among students, faculty, and staff through sports, physical education, and wellness initiatives. His initiatives included the Sacred Heart Network Summer Project on service through aquatics, professional development seminars for coaches and staff, and the creation of the Aquatics Department. These accolades and professional achievements earned him a spot in APA’s Hall of Fame, which is reserved for those who demonstrated excellence, sportsmanship, and a lasting influence on the school’s athletic tradition. “It was really special being back there – a humbling experience for sure,” he shared.

When asked about his athletic inspirations that led him down his career path, Perry reflected: “My mom played a pivotal role in growing my passion for scholastic sports. Her passion for sport and wellness went beyond competition—it was a way of life. That passion has inspired me to build a career in athletics, specifically women’s sports, and to continue pursuing a healthy, active lifestyle myself.” Now, as Athletic Director at Newton Country Day, Perry lives that passion every day by supporting both student-athletes and coaches. “While I’ve always believed in the power of sports to build confidence and lifelong connections,” he explained, “my role at this school has expanded my focus to equipping and supporting coaches, ensuring they have the tools to guide and inspire the next generation.”

Next month, Newton Country Day Latin teacher and basketball and softball coach Emily Berardi will also be recognized by her own alma mater, the Boston Latin School (BLS). The BLS Hall of Fame honors graduates who demonstrated

superior athletic achievement during their time at BLS while exemplifying the school’s values of sportsmanship, citizenship, and leadership.

Berardi was a multi-sport varsity athlete in softball and basketball at BLS, and then went on to play collegiate softball at Wheaton College, where she served as co-captain and earned numerous accolades such as the All-Conference Academic Award (2013, 2014, 2015), Debi Field ‘70 Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year (2015), and NCAA Woman of the Year Candidate (2015). “Coaching softball and basketball at Newton Country Day has allowed me the opportunity to stay close to the athletic world. It has been fun to see my students on the court and on the field,” she explained. “It has also made me reflective of my own time as an athlete and has deepened my appreciation for the resilience, discipline, and awareness that I developed while playing on a team.”

Please join us in congratulating Warren Perry and Emily Berardi for these prestigious athletic recognitions.

Kaelyn Carroll Makes NEPSAC History as McDonald’s All American

by Ayo Hart

In a historic moment for NEPSAC girls’ basketball, Tabor Academy’s Kaelyn Carroll has been named to the prestigious McDonald’s All American roster, becoming the first NEPSAC player to receive this honor since recent recipients Caroline Ducharme of Nobles in 2021 (UConn ‘26) and Aliyah Boston of Worcester Academy in 2019 (South Carolina ’23). The recognition marks not just a personal achievement for Carroll, but also a milestone for NEPSAC, highlighting the league’s competitive depth and talent.

Kaelyn found out about her selection at the start of practice and described the moment as “beyond thrilling. This is a huge honor, and I’m just very happy that the hard work that I continue to do was recognized,” Carroll shared. “I was so happy and also blessed and grateful for such an amazing opportunity.” This acknowledgment underscores the resolve Carroll has shown throughout her high school career, both on and off the court.

Standing at 6’2”, Carroll brings a unique blend of size, skill, and athleticism to the game. Tabor Academy head coach Will Becker describes her as having “the size of a power forward and the skill set and athleticism of a shooting guard. That combination is rare and special.” Carroll herself credits NEPSAC competition for pushing her to excel. “Playing in the NEPSAC has been amazing. I love playing in this league with great competition and knowing when I step on the court in practice or games it will push [me] to be my best.”

Carroll’s playing style is marked by versatility. “With my time at Tabor, I have been able to develop my three-point shot, while also working on driving to the hoop and becoming a bigger threat in the

OVER THE 33 YEARS I HAVE BEEN THE COACH AT TABOR, I HAVE SEEN THE LEVEL OF PLAY AND DEPTH OF TALENT IN NEPSAC GROW EXPONENTIALLY. ~ WILLIAM BECKER, TABOR ACADEMY.

post,” she explains. This adaptability has made her a nightmare for opposing defenses, able to stretch the floor with her shooting or dominate inside. However, Becker points out that perhaps the most underrated part of Carroll’s game is her defense. “Kaelyn averages more than 10 rebounds per game and has led the team in deflections and steals in many games this year.”

Reflecting on her most memorable moment in a Tabor uniform, Carroll points to winning the championship against Tilton in her freshman year. “The atmosphere and competitiveness of that game in our home gym is something I will never forget.” Carroll has also faced some of NEPSAC’s toughest competitors, noting the rivalry against Nobles as one of her favorites and highlighting Ahnay Adams (Tilton ‘24), now at the University of Miami, as one of the toughest players she’s faced.

Carroll’s growth as a player has been matched by her development as a leader. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned from Coach Becker and Caputi is to have confidence and trust in myself, especially this year pushing myself to become a better leader for my team” Her positive attitude and leadership have left a lasting impact at Tabor, setting an example for underclassmen. Off the court, Carroll is described as easy-going and humble, qualities that have endeared her

to teammates and coaches alike. “She sets an incredible example every day on the court and in the team room,” Becker notes.

Carroll’s AAU experience with the Bay State Jaguars under Coach Laurie Bollin has also been instrumental in her development. “Playing for Laurie has been one of my biggest privileges. The AAU competition is top-notch and has prepared me for the more physical and faster game I will see in college.” Facing nationally ranked competition, including standout players like Zakiyah Johnson (LSU commit) and Leah Macy (Notre Dame commit), has further sharpened her skills.

Kaelyn’s commitment to the University of Kentucky feels like a natural next step. “I knew Kentucky was the right school for me after building a relationship with Coach Kenny Brooks since 8th grade. In the final days, we had great conversations about his plan for me and how he’s going to develop me into the best I can be.” Carroll is excited to play in the SEC, describing it as “the highest level,” and looks forward to contributing to “an awesome fan base, THE BIG BLUE NATION.”

For now, Carroll is focused on refining her game before heading to Kentucky, particularly on increasing her physicality and basketball IQ. TABOR

“I think with playing in the SEC comes physicality and IQ, and those two things are the biggest aspects of my game that I will continue to focus on improving before getting to Kentucky.”

Coach Becker notes how Kaelyn is as incredible a person as she is a player. His first impression of her was that she “is outgoing, positive and possesses a personality that draws people in and makes them feel welcomed.” He will mostly miss “her attitude and positive approach to everything she does,” and says “she never compromises her attitude or energy. That is something I hope the underclassmen retain.”

Becker’s three words to describe Kaelyn Carroll:

Deserving, Life Super-Star, Humble

Bruins Announce 2025 Recipients of John Carlton Memorial Trophies

BOSTON - The Boston Bruins announced today, April 9, that forward Morgan McGathey of Thayer Academy and forward Kyle O’Leary of Noble & Greenough School are the recipients of the 2025 John Carlton Memorial Trophies.

The John Carlton Memorial Trophies are given annually by the Boston Bruins to Massachusetts’ most outstanding high school senior boys and girls ice hockey players. The award was established in 1983 to honor the late Bruins scout who was an advocate for the continued growth of Massachusetts hockey players at all levels of the game.

McGathey, a center at Thayer Academy, served as captain for both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. This year, she recorded 39 goals and 19 assists for 58 points through 28 games. In 101 career games at Thayer Academy, she totaled 116 goals and 53 assists for 169 points. The forward was also a member of Team USA’s U-18 team at the 2024 IIHF World Championships in Switzerland, where she tallied two goals and six assists in six games to help the United States win Gold. Additionally, she is a member of the East Coast Wizards hockey program. McGathey earned four consecutive All-ISL 1st team selections (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), two ISL Most Valuable Player honors (2024, 2025) and was named to the All-NEPSAC team three times (2023, 2024, 2025). She was also named Most Valuable Player for Thayer Girls’ Hockey in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. McGathey is a four-year honor roll student who will continue her academic and hockey career at Harvard University in the fall.

O’Leary, a Medfield, Mass. native, attends Noble & Greenough School where he plays ice hockey and lacrosse. The winger tallied 24 goals and 35 assists for 59 points in 27 games during his senior hockey season, earning a spot on the All-ISL 1st team. The two-time varsity captain helped lead Noble & Greenough to ISL Keller Division Championships in 2024 and 2025 and was named the division’s Most Valuable Player following the 2024-25 season. Throughout his ISL career, he earned two All-ISL selections, one All-NEPSAC distinction and received AllScholastic honors from both the Boston Globe and the Boston Herald. O’Leary, a member of the Boston Jr. Eagles hockey program, helped his team reach the finals of this year’s U-18 USA Hockey National Championship, where he led the tournament with 14 points in six games. He is an honor roll student who will continue his academic and hockey career at Yale University in the fall of 2026.

Both players were recognized during the second intermission at the Bruins game against the Chicago Blackhawks on April 10 at TD Garden.

Image and article from bostonbruins.com

Photo courtesy of Kaleyn Carroll

Coach Rachel Beam wins NFHCA Under 30 Coaching Award

Congratulations to varsity field hockey coach Rachel Beam, who was one of two coaches to be awarded the Under 30 Coaching Award by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) on January 16 at the 2025 NFHCA Convention in Lake Mary, Florida.

From NFHCA: Beginning in 2018, Rachel was heavily involved in coaching youth, middle school, and high school players for a local club, Cross River Combo. She had many teams that she coached solo and took the lead on skill stations for youth and middle school including a U16 team at the Winter Escape showcase. In 2021, she was part of the SUNY New Paltz staff that won the NFHCA Region III Coaching Staff of the Year. In her debut season at the Taft School as the head coach she won the 2023 NEPSAC Class A Championship, had an undefeated season, and won the Founders League Championship. That same year she was awarded the 2023 MAX Field Hockey Coach of the Year (The Taft School). In 2024 her team at the Taft School were the NEPSAC Class A Finalists and Founders League Champions.

NEPSAC Winter 2024–2025 Tournament Champions

Be sure to hit the link below to see the All-NEPSAC athletes

BOYS BASKETBALL

Class AAA Newman School

Class AA Worcester Academy

Class A Williston Northampton

Class B Brooks School

Class C Large The Harvey School

Class C Small Lexington Christian Academy

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Class AAA Tilton School

Class AA Worcester Academy

Class A Loomis Chaffee

Class B The Rivers School

Class C Hamden Hall

Class D Brimmer & May

BOYS ICE HOCKEY

Stuart/Corkery Tournament (Open) Cushing Academy

Martin/Earl Tournament (Large) Phillips Academy Andover

Piatelli/Simmons Tournament (Small) Kimball Union Academy

GIRLS ICE HOCKEY

Chuck Vernon (Elite) Bracket Loomis Chaffee

Patsy Odden (Large) Deerfield Academy

Dorothy Howard (Small) New Hampton School

WRESTLING

Boys Overall Greens Farms Academy

Boys Small New York Military Academy

Girls Overall Choate Rosemary Hall

Girls Small Hyde School

SWIMMING AND DIVING

Boys Division 1 Phillips Academy Andover

Boys Division 2 Williston Northampton

Boys Division 3 Hamden Hall

Girls Division 1 Phillips Exeter Academy

Girls Division 2 Miss Porter’s School

Girls Division 3 The Ethel Walker School

BOYS ALPINE SKIING

Class A Cardigan Mountain School

Class B Kents Hill School

Class C Vermont Academy

GIRLS ALPINE SKIING

Class A Northfield-Mount Hermon School

Class B Proctor Academy

Class C Indian Mountain School

NORDIC SKIING

Boys Gould Academy

Girls Proctor Academy

BOYS SQUASH

Class A Brunswick School

Class B Noble & Greenough School

Class C St. Mark’s School

Class D Millbrook School

Class E Portsmouth Abbey

GIRLS SQUASH

Class A Greenwich Academy

Class B Groton School

Class C Greens Farms Academy

Class D Brooks School

Class E Canterbury School

NFHCA

ROBERT

BELMONT HILL SCHOOL | BELMONT, MASSACHUSETTS

Coach Don Bradley Inducted into Wrestling Hall of Fame

by Cameron Chittock | Photos by Amy Hirsch

For 38 years, Don Bradley has guided Belmont Hill’s wrestling program with integrity and hard work. In recognition of his unwavering commitment to the sport, his wrestlers, and the pursuit of excellence, Mr. Bradley was inducted into the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in a ceremony held on April 5, 2025.

Joining the School in 1987, Mr. Bradley embraced the challenge of building a distinguished wrestling program at Belmont Hill. Over the course of his career as head coach, Belmont Hill wrestlers have won six New England Championships, 20 ISL Dual Meet Championships, and 18 Graves-Kelsey Tournament Team Championships.

The program’s success has extended beyond the New England region. At the National Preps, Belmont Hill wrestlers have earned All-American honors 27 times and three of those wrestlers were crowned national champions.

George Sullivan ‘07 has had the opportunity to work with Mr. Bradley as a Belmont Hill wrestler and now as one of his assistant coaches. “Don is, in so many ways, the heart of this program,” Mr. Sullivan said. “Nobody cares more about the team collectively and our wrestlers individually, and nobody is more proud of all that we’ve accomplished. Yet, he’s never satisfied, at least in part because every year, we get a new crop of boys with new goals and aspirations.”

Mr. Sullivan knows first hand how the coaching the boys receive from Mr. Bradley on the mat stays with them beyond their time at

Belmont Hill. “Our boys gravitate to him because he demands nothing less than their absolute best while instilling an unshakable belief and confidence in themselves, which is a gift that they’ll have with them for the rest of their lives.”

Assistant Coach David Leonardis has worked with Mr. Bradley for 17 years and admires his dedication and organization. “When Coach Bradley is in your corner, you have an advantage,” Mr. Leonardis shared. “He enjoys winning but he enjoys the process and the relationships even more.”

Mr. Leonardis believes that Mr. Bradley’s approach is what has sustained the program’s success for nearly four decades. “He is oldschool, but he has a fantastic growth mindset, allowing the program to develop and the other adults to find important roles.”

While the results on the mat speak for themself, Assistant Coach Steven Kaplan ‘83 reflected on how the defining trait of Mr. Bradley’s legacy might be his ability to build relationships with the boys. “As is typical with great coaches and strong programs, success breeds success when coupled with a clear vision and a supportive environment. Don always told the boys that what they were doing was hard and hard work would pay off.

“In my 15-year run helping Don administer his program, I learned that his care for the boys was his defining mark,” Mr. Kaplan said. “Graduates from his earliest teams stay in touch and express incredible gratitude.”

That sentiment of gratitude is shared by the entire Belmont Hill community, both for all the incredible work Mr. Bradley has done for School and for the time, diligence, and care he will undoubtedly continue to bring to campus each day.

Dani Nugent ’25, National Champ!

Nugent wins the USA Wrestling national title and earns a world team spot

by David Fricke, Sports Information Director | Photos courtesy USA Wrestling

Nugent (right) in action during her title run

Despite a young career most wrestlers could only dream of, this year alone she won Beast of the East, New England Prep, and National Prep titles, one goal had eluded Dani Nugent ’25. In her two previous trips to USA Wrestling’s National Championships, Nugent had seasons hampered by injuries and had not placed.

This year’s path to a USA Wrestling title also looked like a long one, at least in the brackets. Despite being ranked #2 nationally at 140 lbs in the April 3rd USA Wrestling high school rankings, PHILLIPS ACADEMY ANDOVER |

“SINCE I STARTED

WRESTLING, THIS IS

Nugent entered this past weekend’s USA Wrestling Women’s Nationals/U20 World Team Trials in Spokane, Washington as the 11th seed in the 65 kg division.

On Saturday, the Andover wrestler stunned the competition by pinning all five of her opponents, including a decisive victory over the #1 ranked high school wrestler in her weight class and subsequent pins against two collegiate athletes in the quarterfinals and semifinals. Her momentum continued on Sunday as she

WHAT I’VE WANTED—TO

MAKE A WORLD TEAM AND WRESTLE ON THE BIGGEST STAGE.

I’M

GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY AND HONORED TO REPRESENT THE UNITED STATES IN BULGARIA THIS SUMMER.”

DANI NUGENT ’25

2025 USA WRESTLING NATIONAL CHAMPION

Champion Video Interview: Dani Nugent talks title post-match

triumphed in a best two-out-of-three finals against a collegiate wrestler and the reigning U20 National Champion.

This victory earned her the national crown and secured Nugent’s place on the U20 National Team, making her a World Team member who will represent the United States at the U20 World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, in August.

Visit Andover’s website for more.

Official Championship Ring Supplier

Supplier of NEPSAC Championship Trophies for over 10 years

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Full Size NEPSAC Championship Trophy

A Front Row for Victory

by Geoff Smith ’07

Winning a championship in professional sports takes determination, hard work, and a dash of luck. Building a career as a director with a professional sports team requires much of the same, as Brittany Glenn ’07 discovered on her path from Williston to the Boston Celtics organization—a journey that culminated last June in the team’s 18th NBA championship.

Raised in Easthampton, Massachusetts, Glenn has a long history with the franchise. Her father, Norman, a longtime Celtics fan who had grown up in Boston, passed along his passion to her and her sisters (Ashely ’03 and Danielle ’10), beginning with their first game in Boston one Easter weekend when they were girls. “I just fell in love with the Celtics,” Glenn recalls. “To grow up and have my dad teach me about the original Garden and all of the team history, and to see how much my working for the team meant to him, that’s probably been the most rewarding part.”

But a love for the Celtics didn’t translate to a desire to work for the team. Although she was athletic, playing field hockey both at Williston and later at Bryant University in Rhode Island, Glenn initially thought she would pursue a career in accounting. Then, in her junior year at Bryant, she scored an internship with the Celtics. Introduced to the internal workings of the sports world, Glenn began considering a new career after graduation. There was just one problem: The NBA was in a lockout, and the Celtics weren’t hiring.

So, she changed course again, heading back to Western Massachusetts and Springfield College to pursue a master’s in sports management. Just when it looked like the door was closed on a career with the Celtics, she got her dash of luck. The lockout

ended, the team was hiring again, and Glenn landed a job in 2012 as a Corporate Partnerships Activation Assistant, beginning as a receptionist and assistant. “A lot of people in my circle thought I was a little crazy to take such a leap,” Glenn says. “But I knew that it was my opportunity to get in. I knew that was how I was going to start my career here.”

And she has not looked back. Over the next 10 years, Glenn would earn six promotions through the front office, landing as Senior Director of Member Experience, Retention & Operations. Her role’s top priority, she explains, is overseeing the experience of season ticket members—the Celtics view their most loyal fans as more than just season ticket holders—“and everything that comes with that,” from a member’s arrival at the TD Garden, to the process of finding their seat, to the exclusive access and benefits they receive. “You’re paying for a membership that gets you more than just tickets,” she explains.

That role in shaping the game-day experience has given Glenn a profound respect for what it means to be a fan. “I tell my group all the time, we’re like Disney World,” says Glenn, who works as part of a 15-person team. “We have the magic of bringing someone onto the court for pregame. For me to be able to be part of something like that is special.”

After the Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks for the championship last June, Glenn could take stock of all that she’s accomplished. “To be here as this team has continued building itself is what’s made this championship even more special,” she says. “I was fortunate to be a part of the grind of getting to winning and everything that it takes. The ultimate goal is to win a championship, and even though we’re on the business side, there are things we do to help win.”

Going into the new season, Glenn finds herself in a great position. With room to grow inside the organization still, Glenn knows she’s found home. “I’ve grown up here and I’ve grown here,” she says. “I feel very fortunate to be part of such a special organization. I don’t know how you could walk away from a team like this unless you had to.”

Brittany Glenn ’07 has worked her way up with the Celtics en route to winning banner 18.

Brittany Glenn ’07 receives their 2023-24 championship rings at Empire Restaurant in the Seaport (Photo by Brian Babineau).

NBA All-Star Donovan Mitchell Jr. ’12 Inaugurates New Athletic Center

The atmosphere inside the brand-new Donovan Mitchell Family Athletic Center (The DON) was electric as alumnus Donovan Mitchell Jr. ’12 inaugurated the facility during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 27. The state-of-the-art gymnasium was filled with friends, family, and Mitchell’s Cleveland Cavaliers teammates, all there to celebrate his contributions to GCDS and his community. The Donovan Mitchell Family Athletic Center, nicknamed “The DON,” which stands for Determination Over Negativity, features a full-sized NCAA basketball court that can split into two high school-sized courts. The facility, which officially opened to the school community in late-November, also has the capacity to hold the entire N–12 school community for assemblies and events.

A 6’3” guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Mitchell is currently averaging 24.4 points per game this season. Drafted by the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft, he is a five-time NBA All-Star and was traded to the Cavaliers in 2022.

“I am forever grateful to everyone, especially my teachers, coaches, and family who helped me get to where I am,” said Mitchell, who was visibly emotional as he mentioned many people by name, including his family members and teachers, and administrators. “From day one, before basketball was the plan, everyone in this community was always checking up on me. They

told me what I needed to hear, not what I wanted to hear, and helped me to continually improve. They did it for no reason other than they cared about me.”

Head of School Adam Rohdie and Director of Athletics Tim Helstein kicked off the ceremony by unveiling Mitchell’s retired GCDS #45 jersey, the number he wore while a Tiger, which will hang permanently in The DON.

“Donovan left his mark here not because he was a terrific athlete, which of course, he was in multiple sports—including baseball and soccer,” Rohdie said. “He left his mark on GCDS

Ribbon Cutting, LtoR, Emily Sterm, Jordan Mitchell, Donovan Mitchell, Nicole Mitchell, Tim Helstein. Photo by Chichi Ubina/GCDS

not because he was a great musician, playing the drums and singing and dancing in the school musical. Donovan made his mark on the school because of the kind of young man he was then and is today.”

“Don is a terrific friend to everyone,” Rohdie continued. “He’s never stuck up, he never thinks he’s better than anyone else.”

EVEN AFTER HE BECAME AN NBA ALLSTAR, DONOVAN WOULD RETURN TO HIS ALMA MATER, WHERE HE ALWAYS HAD TIME FOR THE KIDS. HE WOULD RUN UP AND DOWN WITH OUR VARSITY

BASKETBALL TEAM AND WOULD ALWAYS

CHECK IN WITH HIS OLD TEACHERS ADAM ROHDIE, HEAD OF SCHOOL

Mr. Rohdie noted that you can still find Mitchell at GCDS once in a while. Even after he became an NBA All-Star, Donovan would return to his alma mater, where he always had time for the kids. He would run up and down with our varsity basketball team and would always check in with his old teachers.”

A Transformative Gift

Mr. Rohdie told the audience that in addition to funding the building of The DON, Mitchell and his family’s philanthropy supports increased access to education through GCDS student

scholarships and professional development through the Faculty Support Fund. Mitchell’s mother, Nicole, was a Pre-K teacher at the school for 13 years and currently sits on the school’s board of trustees, and his sister, Jordan, Class of 2017, is an alumna.

“The GCDS community was a role model for us. Many people here do good just because it’s the right thing to do,” said Nicole Mitchell, thanking the crowd for their support.

The DON will host not just sports, but all-school events and assemblies. “The DON will become the Grand Central Station of GCDS,” said Mr. Rohdie. “This is a transformational gift, not only for our athletics program but for the entire school and I can’t thank the Mitchell familyenough for their generosity.”

Mr. Helstein took a moment to remember the old gym that The DON now replaces. “It’s here that Nicole brought her Pre-K class for foundational athletics skills and where Jordan was a star of the dance team. It was here where I first saw Middle School

The Donovan Mitchell Family Athletic Center. Photo by Jon Lopez/GCDS.

student Donovan Mitchell rise up and flush the basketball with one hand.”

“I can’t believe that this is our gym,” he said. “The size and beauty of it is beyond belief. I can’t wait to see these stands packed for hoops night, for playoff games and even Donovan’s camp. These walls will be the home of even more championship banners, record holders and maybe, just maybe, a few more NBA stars.”

People Make the Place

Brianna McDermott, a senior and captain of the GCDS varsity girls basketball team is a Mitchell Family Scholar. McDermott is

the first person to have her name on the banner of the new gym. She scored her 1,000th career point last season and the banner, displaying her impressive accomplishment hangs prominently in the gym. She is thrilled that she will play her final basketball season at GCDS this winter.

“About four years ago, Donovan Mitchell and the Donovan Mitchell Scholars Foundation changed my life,” said Brianna. “Through the Mitchell Family’s scholarship, I was given a chance to attend this school and I had little clue that it would open as many doors as it did. When I first received the news that I had been selected as a recipient of this scholarship, I was unaware of just how transformative my experience at GCDS would be. Not only as a student and basketball player, but as a person. Of course, I knew that GCDS would offer me an incredible education, but nothing compares to the relationships I’ve built.”

“As I enter my final year at GCDS and reflect on the past three, it’s abundantly clear that the people make the place,” she added. “What truly makes it beautiful is the people within its walls. I see opening this gym as a fresh start. A new space that will allow myself, my teammates and my peers to work hard and play the game we love. There’s no doubt in my mind that the new atmosphere will be unmatched. It is truly a privilege to be the first girls team to play in The DON and set the tone for what the GCDS athletic program represents.”

To close the ceremony, Mitchell took the ceremonial first shot on the court. The crowd erupted in cheers as the ball swished through the net, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter for GCDS athletics.

Left to right: Jordan Mitchell, Adam Rohdie, Donovan Mitchell, Nicole Mitchell, Tim Helstein. Photo by Chichi Ubina/GCDS

Donovan Mitchell and Brianna McDermott. Photo by Jon Lopez/GCDS

Donovan Mitchell and the GCDS Boys Basketball Team. Photo by Jon Lopez/GCDS.

Donovan Mitchell and the GCDS Girls Varsity Basketball Team. Photo by Jon Lopez/GCDS

Taking A Shot: Rivers Athletes Supporting Brain Cancer Research Through Sports

by The Rivers School Marketing and Communications

Combine the determination and commitment of competitive athletes with philanthropy and you have A Shot For Life (ASFL), an organization that uses sports to raise funds for the Mass General Cancer Center. Since its founding in 2011, ASFL has raised over $1,000,000 to aid brain cancer treatment and research. Current students and countless alumni in the Rivers community have demonstrated their athletic skills and dedication to the ASFL–with the goal of raising as much money as possible for brain cancer research and having some competitive fun while doing it.

ASFL all-star games and shooting competitions are unlike typical sports contests. They are mission-driven events where athletes are pushed to the limits in terms of ability, endurance, precision, and mental focus. In the shooting competitions, players must shoot continuously for two hours–with a brief halftime break–while rotating through five segments, including free throws, mid-range jumpers, and three-pointers. The most efficient shooter by overall percentage is the winner and subsequently named the best shooter in the state.

YOU COULD TELL THAT EVERYONE THERE WAS PARTICIPATING FOR A POSITIVE AND MEANINGFUL REASON. NOBODY WAS FOCUSED ON SCORING THE MOST POINTS OR WINNING MVP—IT WAS PURELY ABOUT BRINGING POSITIVITY AND AWARENESS

Athletes are hand-selected through an extensive scouting and interview process, committing to fundraising minimums of at least $1,000. According to ASFL founder Mike Slonina, ASFL’s achievements are due to a competitive spirit combined with the personal fulfillment that comes from philanthropy and a deep attachment to this worthy cause.

TO THE CAUSE.

RISSI SMITH ’25

Since 2011, Rivers has hosted two ASFL events and participated in numerous off-campus events that engage communities, inspire hope, and support groundbreaking research. Rivers hosted its second ASFL event, featuring an All-Star game and shooting competition, on July 30, 2024, at the MacDowell Athletic Center’s Benson Gymnasium. The energy in the gym was palpable as athletes competed for a cause greater than themselves.

“The atmosphere was amazing,” said Rissi Smith ’25 (basketball, Stonehill). “You could tell that everyone there was participating for a positive and meaningful reason. Nobody was focused on scoring the most points or winning MVP—it was purely about bringing positivity and awareness to the cause.”

For many participants, ASFL is deeply personal. Smith dedicated her efforts to loved ones affected by cancer. “Last year, my grandfather passed away from stage four colon cancer. Even though it wasn’t the same cancer I was fundraising for, it was still incredibly meaningful because I know what it feels like to lose someone you love to cancer. I wanted to do anything I could to help fight it.” Her commitment extended to honoring her father and grandmother, both cancer survivors. “During the shooting competition, I was playing for him, my Nana, and my dad. My Nana had breast cancer, and my dad had stage three skin cancer. Seeing them fight through such difficult times put everything into perspective—shooting for two hours straight was nothing compared to what they went through.”

“Being a part of A Shot For Life has meant a lot to me,” said Ryan Altman ’25 (basketball, University of Pennsylvania). “My grandma passed away from pancreatic cancer, so anything I can do to help raise money for cancer research is amazing. Getting to combine playing basketball with helping others is something that truly can’t be beaten.”

Abby Lorion ’25 (soccer, Holy Cross) comes from a family of avid fundraisers and emphasized that joining the ASFL family was

a way for her to be directly involved in fundraising for a personal cause.” Raising money for cancer research hit particularly close to home, as a few years ago, my great uncle passed away from glioblastoma,” said Lorion. “Walking into orientation, I was thrilled to hear how the direct contributions from athletes saved a man who otherwise was going to die from a brain tumor and how he lives healthily today.”

ASFL celebrates the collective spirit and drive, not just about individual success. “The actual event gave me a chance to play with and against future college teammates, and it was a really lighthearted and fun experience with music, mascots, and team spirit,” said Lorion. “ASFL is so much bigger than the game.”

Thirteen Rivers students were selected and competed in 2024, representing basketball, field hockey, soccer, and lacrosse.

» Ryan Altman ’25 (basketball, University of Pennsylvania)

» Andrew Alekseyenko ’25 (basketball, Colgate)

» Grace O’Sullivan ’25 (basketball, Princeton)

» Narissa ‘Rissi’ Smith ’25 (basketball, Stonehill)

» Natalia Hall-Rosa ’25 (basketball, Seton Hall)

» Elizabeth Bowers ’25 (field hockey, Washington & Lee)

» Jack Rabazzi ’25 (lacrosse, Colgate)

» Celia ‘Cece’ Lesperance ’25 (lacrosse, Richmond)

» Mattea Herman ’26 (soccer)

» Molly Hazard ’26 (lacrosse, University of Denver)

» Abigail ‘Abby’ Lorion ’25 (soccer, Holy Cross)

» Jasmine McNish ’26 (soccer, University of Connecticut)

» Ewen Robertson ’25 (soccer, Colorado College)

Slonina stressed the importance and value of participation and support from the Rivers community over the years. “We are incredibly proud of all the Rivers athletes and their families who have contributed so meaningfully to the cause,” he said.

Shot For Life has proven to be more than just a sports competition; it is a movement that combines passion, athleticism, and philanthropy to make a meaningful difference. The Rivers community is honored to play a role in this initiative, and their contributions will continue to fuel vital research in the fight against cancer. As ASFL grows, so does the hope for a cure, driven by the dedication of athletes, families, and supporters committed to making a lasting impact.

Cushing Academy Hosts 15 NEPSAC Schools for Annual Girls* in Sports Leadership Summit

The April event was a celebration of female-athletes and leadership development.

Over 80 female-identifying participants gathered for the 8th annual Girls* in Sports Leadership Summit on April 14, 2025. Focused on, “Looking Ahead, Giving Back: Leading Through Adversity,” student-athletes from 15 NEPSAC schools gathered for a day of learning, collaboration, and connection.

“Our goal really hasn’t changed over the last eight years,” says Dr. Jennifer Willis, Cushing’s Director of Teaching and Learning. “We aim to create a day that celebrates and affirms our young female leaders while surrounding them with role models who serve to inspire and guide their continued growth and development. I am grateful to my colleagues here at Cushing and across our NEPSAC peer schools, as well as to the E.E. Ford Foundation, for helping this program grow and thrive. Watching our participants interact with one another through dynamic workshops and meaningful dialogue is so energizing. By the end of the day the room is buzzing with excitement as students connect with each other, finding similarities and exploring shared experiences.”

Founded in 2018 by Dr. Willis and Sarah Catlin, Cushing’s Director of Student Affairs and former NEPSAC field hockey president (Loomis ‘94), the Girls* in Sports Leadership Summit has grown steadily each year. Katie Ftorek, Associate Director of College Counseling and coach for hockey and softball at Cushing (Deerfield ’04) has played an active role in building the program since joining Cushing in 2019. “I find the summit so inspiring because year after year you are in a room brimming full of potential,” Ftorek reflected, “ I like to sit back and think about all the different and amazing paths these young women are headed.”

Participants had the opportunity to hear from keynote speaker Holley Tyng, Head Coach of Colby College Women’s Ice Hockey. Tyng, who graduated from Tabor Academy in 1997, spoke to the student-athletes about the importance of authenticity in leadership. Speaking about her approach to building team culture at Colby College, Tyng said, “I allowed them to see me for who I was. I let them in and we learned together. I made mistakes and I owned

Keynote speaker Holley Tyng, Head Coach, Colby College Women’s Ice Hockey, encouraged participants to “Seek the best environment for your own growth.” Photo by Philip Wexler

them. I admitted when I didn’t know the answer…I went all in, and showed them on a day to day basis that I loved this opportunity.”

Sophomore

Evey Long, a three sport varsity athlete at Cushing, found inspiration in Tyng’s address, “Coach Tyng’s story about going to prep school resonated with me. Coach Tyng talked about finding her people and making connections through sports and prep school and how that helped her figure out who she is. That is something that I am in the process of now.”

In addition to the keynote, attendees participated in three discussion-based workshops from a list of six options, including:

» What Is My Brand? Defining Who You Are as an Athlete and Leader

» Giving Back Through Sport: Access, Community Building, and Mentorship

» In Her Shoes: A Panel Discussion with Girls* in Sports Leadership Summit Alums

» The Power of Differences: DEI & Leadership

» Developing a Mindful Leadership Approach to Sport

» Tackling Performance Anxiety in Sports and Beyond

For the second consecutive year, participants had the opportunity to hear from current college students who had previously attended the Leadership Summit. Rylie Jones, Cushing Academy Class of 2023 and current sophomore member of the Women’s Ice Hockey team

Students participated in “Developing a Mindful Leadership Approach to Sport,” a workshop led by Dr. Nefertiti Walker, Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Equity at The University of Massachusetts, a former Division I basketball player and hall of fame member at Stetson University and Woodward Academy (Atlanta, GA)

at Northeastern University, reflected on her experience speaking to participants about her transition to the college environment. “Returning to this event prompted me to think about my experience at Cushing with this leadership summit. As a high school student I had a preconceived thought about what leadership meant, but through my participation in the summit I realized that I did not always need to be a vocal leader; quiet leadership and leading by example are just as effective.”

THROUGH MY PARTICIPATION IN THE SUMMIT I REALIZED THAT I DID NOT ALWAYS NEED TO BE A VOCAL LEADER; QUIET LEADERSHIP AND LEADING BY EXAMPLE ARE JUST AS EFFECTIVE.

Through the continued support of Cushing alums and the Edward E. Ford Foundation, Cushing plays host to three events each year as part of the larger Leaders & Learners Summit Series. Focused on celebrating and developing leadership in femaleidentifying students across NEPSAC schools, the events include an Arts Summit in the fall (November), a STEAM Summit in the winter (January), and the original Sports Summit in the spring (April).

The Leaders & Learners Summit Series embraces and celebrates an inclusive definition of girls and welcomes participants who identify as girls, including trans girls and those who are nonbinary, gender non- conforming, and any student who identifies as female or otherwise in a way that is meaningful to them. For information and details about the Leaders & Learning Summit Series, contact Jen Willis at jewillis@cushing.org.

View all the photos from the day here.

2025 NEPSAC Summit Participants

Austin Preparatory School

Beaver Country Day School

Berwick Academy

Brooks School

Cushing Academy

Groton School

Holderness School

Lawrence Academy Middlesex School Milton Academy New

Pomfret School Tabor Academy

The Governor’s Academy

Williston Northampton School

More than 80 student-athletes from 15 NEPSAC schools participants in this year’s Girls* in Sports Leadership Summit, hosted by Cushing Academy. Photo by Philip Wexler

During the summit, students participated in three discussionbased workshops of their choice.

Alum Panel with Rylie Jones ’23

Keynote Speaker Holley Tyng with Emily Roller and Val Bono

The Power of Differences: DEI and Leadership

Rocket Alumni Solutions Works with Sacred Heart Greenwich to Elevate their Athletic Legacy

Sacred Heart Greenwich, a prestigious all-girls, independent, Catholic school renowned for its rich athletic tradition, has embraced digital innovation to celebrate and preserve its storied legacy. Partnering with Rocket Alumni Solutions, the school transitioned from traditional displays to an interactive digital platform that showcases its Hall of Fame, collegiate athletes, Olympians, athletic facilities, schedule, team photos, and individual awards. This new display not only honors past achievements but also inspires current students and strengthens connections among alumnae.

Working closely with Rocket, Sacred Heart Greenwich embarked on a comprehensive digital project. First, they gathered and digitized historical athletic records including detailed profiles, multimedia content, and high-resolution images to create a centralized archive. Then, using Rocket’s flexible templates, they crafted an engaging site that mirrors their brand and athletic spirit. Every section is designed for intuitive navigation and rich storytelling.

The display is accessible at the on-campus touchscreen and also via an online display, ensuring that students, faculty, and alumnae across the nation can explore Sacred Heart’s athletic narrative. Additionally, the cloud-based system empowers staff to update records instantly, ensuring that every new achievement is promptly showcased.

“This platform allows us to celebrate our student-athletes in a way that truly reflects the depth of our program’s excellence,” said Laurie Rousseau, Sacred Heart Greenwich’s Athletic Director. “It’s not just about honoring past achievements it’s about inspiring future generations.”

Sacred Heart Greenwich’s digital platform spotlights every aspect of its athletic legacy. The Hall of Fame is an interactive showcase featuring detailed biographies, multimedia content, and historical photos of the school’s most celebrated athletes.

The collegiate athletes section is a dynamic roster that highlights student-athletes who excelled at the high school level and are bringing their talents to the collegiate level.

Olympians appear in a dedicated section that honors former students who have competed on the world stage, emphasizing the school’s global impact.

Facilities, schedule and team photos bring current information about venues, game times and participants at all levels.

Individual awards are camptured in a digital trophy case that catalogs personal honors, ensuring every accolade is celebrated.

The digital transformation has yielded significant benefits. The interactive platform has turned the traditional athletic display into a vibrant, narrative-driven experience that captivates students and alumnae. By centralizing its athletic legacy, Sacred Heart Greenwich has deepened alumnae engagement and fostered a renewed sense of pride among current students. The digital archive ensures that every accomplishment is preserved in a single, accessible location, streamlining record-keeping and reducing physical display costs, and the online site extends the

school’s influence beyond campus, serving as an inspiring model for other independent schools aiming to blend tradition with technology.

“This initiative reinforces the incredible legacy of our alumnae athletes while making their stories more accessible than ever,” said Meghan Ryan, Director of Alumnae Relations. “We now have a dynamic, evolving space where our community both current students and alumnae can celebrate and connect with the spirit of Sacred Heart Greenwich.”

Sacred Heart Greenwich’s collaboration with Rocket Alumni Solutions has redefined how an independent school preserves and celebrates its athletic legacy. By seamlessly integrating their features into an engaging digital platform, the school has set a benchmark in storytelling and legacy preservation. For independent schools seeking to elevate their narrative and strengthen community ties, Sacred Heart Greenwich serves as a compelling example of digital innovation in action.

Visit the Sacred Heart Greenwich Athletics Achievements Display to see Rocket Alumni Solutions in action.

Find out more about Rocket Alumni Solutions by using the QR code

After 40 Years, an “Amazing Coach” Steps Aside

Nic Civale ’10 says he became a father 16 months ago “and there is little doubt that the lessons I learned from Coach Beebe will be reflected in how I raise my son. I am proud to say that I believe his influence will show in a generation of players’ sons and daughters.”

Coach Beebe is Seth Beebe ’78, who concluded a 40-year coaching career at Loomis Chaffee with the Monday, February 24, game between current III boys basketball players and former III players still at Loomis Chaffee. Nic, who played baseball all four years and was a captain as a senior, was one of the many III basketball players whom Seth coached through the years.

“Coach Beebe is probably the most influential coach that I’ve ever had, as it pertains to becoming a better athlete and person,” Nic said.

Trevor Stern ’07 feels much the same way.

“Coach Beebe had an incredibly positive impact on me when I was a freshman at LC,” Trevor said. “When I look back on III basketball, it was arguably one of the best athletic experiences I’ve had in my career. Sports take on such a pressure-filled life at times that III basketball allowed me to have fun, compete, and connect with my peers in a way that was much needed at the time. I was a freshman boy simply trying to find his way. I will never forget how Coach Beebe put his arm around me after practice one day and asked if I was doing OK. I don’t remember why I was upset, but I do remember how Coach Beebe cared about me and the rest of my teammates. I’ll remember this for the rest of my life. We’ll never forget how people treat us. Coach Beebe has a big heart.”

Seth, the director of advancement services and operations, was honored at Monday’s game for “his years of service, incredible knowledge, and the special qualities that made him an amazing coach all these years,” Athletic Director Sue Cabot said.

“It was truly an honor,” Seth said. “Plus, so many colleagues showed up for the ceremony. That was a little overwhelming.”

Boys III basketball is not the only team Seth has coached during his Loomis career. Since 1985, he has coached boys and girls at various levels of basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. In basketball, he was an assistant with the girls JV team and then the head coach of the varsity girls team for nine years, during which time the girls won three league titles and made two New England semifinal appearances. In 2003 he started as head coach of the boys III basketball team and is completing his 23rd season this year.

He started coaching soccer in the fall of 1985 after refereeing a girls JV soccer game for coach Chuck Vernon. “I guess he found out that, while reffing, I was also giving advice to the players on the field,” Seth said. “He quickly asked me to join him as a coach.”

Seth assisted Chuck with the JV team for several years and then was head coach of boys III soccer for two years before rejoining Chuck as an assistant for girls varsity soccer for a number of years, including the teams that won New England prep school titles in 1992 and 1994.

Oh, and let’s not forget that Seth also helped coach girls JV and varsity lacrosse teams for about 10 years. He stopped coaching soccer and lacrosse in the mid-1990s, but he continued

to coach basketball for another three decades.

Thirds basketball has been special to him.

“I think it’s a combination of many things,” Seth said. “Because of the nature of our roster, mostly freshmen with a sprinkling of sophomores and an occasional junior, we mostly start anew each year. The journey from picking the team to having a pretty highly functional squad at season’s end where everyone knows their role is something I treasure. The energy of the boys brings a smile to my face. Freshman boys for the most part have a hard time staying focused on one thing for very long, so I tried to make practices have a quick pace where we were transitioning from one thing to another. And I tried to make it fun.”

There were benefits along the way.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to be involved with a team and make friends,” Seth said. “Admittedly, almost all of them are not going to be varsity basketball stars. But most of them will be varsity athletes in other sports. They learn a lot that translates to their other sports and maybe even beyond sports.”

Nearly 20 years after he was a III player, Nic still remembers those days fondly.

“We had a great team the season I played for him (2006–07), and we had a lot of success,” Nic said. “But what I remember most vividly is the feeling that I had arriving at the gym each day. There was no fear of being screamed at. There was no apprehension, wondering if your mistakes would be highlighted. There were many kids on that team who really didn’t have much of an interest in basketball, but they did as long as Coach Beebe was leading them.”

Seth was a caring coach, Nic said.

“Coach Beebe is the ultimate example of someone who doesn’t need to sacrifice their humanity to be a leader,” he said. “He’s the type of coach you would recommend to anyone, and the type of person you would unconditionally go to battle for. I’ve had many coaches, but I’ve never had someone connect with me and my teammates the way he did.”

Seth has had some health issues and has missed some practices this year, but he’s been at every game. His wife, Wendy, has driven him to some away games as has faculty member Jeff Dyreson.

“Sue Cabot has been fantastic in supporting me,” Seth said, “and I can’t say enough about the work that [faculty member] Scott Purdy has done as co-coach, pretty much managing everything. Andy Parker [assistant coach] has been a big help as well.”

There is much that Seth will miss about coaching.

“The players,” he said. “I have tried to give them my best every day, but they bring me such great joy and energy. The competition. It’s fun to put yourself on the line every three or four days and try to win a game. Or at least play well. Finally, Erickson Gym. Erickson Gym is such a classic high school gymnasium. I have been playing or watching games in Erickson Gym since I was a young child [Seth’s father Allen taught and coached at Loomis Chaffee]. It has a particular feel, a smell, an aura. I will miss that a lot.”

Breaking the Ice

Hanging on the wall in the Doug Woodruff ’77 Lobby of Jahn Rink are the mahogany captain boards engraved with the names of past leaders of Pomfret’s girls hockey team. The list starts in 1975 with Cindy Ferguson ’75 and Donna Reynolds ’75. They were there at the beginning — fifty years ago — when girls ice hockey first began at Pomfret with thirteen players. As the years passed, the team grew in both size and talent. They went from learning how to play the game to winning one game to having a winning season.

Inside the rink, to the right of the scoreboard, hangs a banner listing the fourteen times the girls hockey team made the New England Championship Tournament. Below the scoreboard is their 1997 New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Championship banner.

On the wall near the entrance hang six framed professional and Olympic jerseys — four belonging to former girls team members. These four and several of their teammates have been inducted into Pomfret’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

These visual representations of achievement at the rink only begin to tell the story of the program’s legacy. Over the decades, dozens of student-athletes have gone on to play ice hockey at the collegiate level, winning regional and national championships.

On the ice are eighteen members of the fiftieth girls hockey team who are working hard to achieve similar success and having fun with every shift — just like the young women who came before them.

PHOTO BY CINDY HUANG ’26

First Period: Chasing the Puck

Pomfret began accepting female students in 1968, joining the regional shift to a coeducational boarding school experience. Initially, girls spent their winter afternoons in the theater or on the basketball and squash courts. But Donna (Reynolds) Lynch ’75 was among a small group of girls who were drawn to the ice. They approached the athletic director and Headmaster Joseph Milnor about forming a team. They started as a club in 1973, when a group of five girls learned how to skate, practiced basic stick work, and studied the rules of the game.

“I liked to ice skate, and I was looking for an alternative to basketball and squash,” says Reynolds. “We found enough girls who wanted to play, and the coaches were very patient with us. Some girls played in figure skates rather than hockey skates.”

Former headmaster Brad Hastings ’68 was their coach at the time and worked admissions. To express their appreciation for all of the time he spent teaching them how to play, Reynolds and her team presented him with a plaque at the end of the year to commemorate their undefeated season — despite never playing a single official game.

After two years as a club, in 1975, the girls had their inaugural season as a team and became one of the six original prep schools to offer girls hockey as a team sport, joining Loomis-Chaffee, Taft, Choate, Northfield Mount Hermon, and Williston. The original six played games against one another and local colleges, including Yale, who had recently added girls hockey to its lineup of sports. The team practiced at night, long after the boys cleared the ice. One benefit of the late hours was that their classmates were less likely to make their way down hockey hill and laugh at them as they developed their skills. “They were a special group of girls,” said Charlie Putnam, one of the team’s early coaches. “It certainly

“Women’s hockey has been around for a long time. I get frustrated that every four years, when the Winter Olympics comes around, people are stunned to learn there are women playing hockey.”

— Kay Cowperthwait ’87

wasn’t easy for them. They were taking a risk by being some of the first to pursue this sport. They were all groundbreakers.”

While some girls had their own sticks and gear, many used old equipment from the boys’ teams, including their jerseys.

“My senior year, my dad was so fed up with our hand-me-down jerseys that didn’t even say ‘Pomfret Hockey’ on them that he paid for new uniforms for the team,” said Sue Mead ’81.

Mead was one of Pomfret’s first star girls hockey players. Before coming to the Hilltop, she played for a regional team. After their starting netminder decided to spend the semester studying abroad, Mead was invited to be the goalie for Harvard University’s club team. When she played for Pomfret, she was a brick wall and kept the Griffins competitive in many games. “Any game we won or came close to winning was because of Sue,” says Putnam.

The Pomfret team grew in size and talent in the early 80s. Regionally, more girls began playing youth hockey. They were often the only girl on the team — resigned to getting dressed in the bathroom or janitor’s closet while their male teammates suited up in the boys locker room. Prep schools became their

Hockey Coaches Association began to sponsor a championship tournament.

Each year, more girls enrolled at Pomfret who not only knew how to skate and the rules of the game but were experienced and outstanding players. The team swelled in size until a JV squad was eventually added in 1985 — just ten years after the varsity program was established.

“Women’s hockey has been around for a long time. I get frustrated that every four years, when the Winter Olympics comes around, people are stunned to learn there are women playing hockey,” says Kay Cowperthwait ‘87. “We have been playing hockey in college and on national teams for quite a while.”

Many Griffins continued to play hockey in college and beyond. Though Mead stopped playing ten years ago, she minded the goal well into her fifties, playing primarily on men’s club teams and representing our country in national and international women’s senior competitions. Cowperthwait played hockey in college and is a former head coach of the Amherst College women’s hockey team. She now runs clinics for women who are looking to improve

’97

Second Period: Power Plays and Breakaways

In 1990, Waddy Rowe began coaching the girls ice hockey team. The team had some great club players who happened to make their way to Pomfret. They competed against some strong opponents and held their own — often losing in the final minutes. Rowe began to travel to club team tournaments and showcases around the country and Canada to recruit top players who would be a good fit for the Pomfret team. His recruiting efforts helped elevate the program, attracting talent from across the region.

The team worked hard to achieve a winning record each year, but making it to the championship tournament was not easy. In 1995, NEPSAC added a second division to expand the tournament and invite more teams to the playoffs. Pomfret played in the early rounds of the Division II tournament during its inaugural year. The following year, they fell in the finals. In 1997, they earned their first championship. This victory marked a turning point, symbolizing Pomfret’s arrival as a dominant force in girls hockey. They moved to the upper division the following year and made eleven championship tournament appearances in seventeen years.

Their success as one of New England’s top girls hockey programs helped recruit talent to the Hilltop. They faced off against some tough competition, many of whom played on the national team. Pomfret had some great players, including Danish national team member Janie Madsen ’94, US national team member Genevieve Richardson ’99, two-time Canadian Olympic gold medalist Sarah Vaillancourt ’04, and 2016 US Women’s Under-22 Select Team member Makenna Newkirk ’15.

Off the ice, the girls achieved similar success. Most were three-season athletes who helped the School win soccer and field hockey championships. The team and their coaches advocated for equity for girls sports, and with the support of then Headmaster Brad Hastings, received equal quality ice time, new equipment, and travel support and lodging when they traveled to holiday tournaments. They went on to be recruited and play hockey at the collegiate level, winning regional and national tournaments. The successes and efforts of the team helped raise the bar for girls sports here at Pomfret, while women’s hockey gained notoriety beyond the Hilltop.

The Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) was established in 2007. In 2015, the National Women’s Hockey League (which was later rebranded as the Premier Hockey Federation in 2021) was founded, becoming the first US professional women’s hockey league to pay its players salaries. Along with Vaillancourt, Richardson, Micaela Long ’06, and

Jaimie Leonoff ’11, all played on various professional teams in these leagues, with Long and Leonoff playing for the Connecticut Whale. After the CWHL dissolved in 2019, the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) was established by the players and was dedicated to advocating for the promotion of professional women’s ice hockey. For four years, the PWHPA organized a series of exhibition seasons. Newkirk played two seasons in the New Hampshire Region.

The Professional Women’s Hockey League was formed in 2023. The inaugural 2024 season was an outstanding success, marked by record-breaking attendance, viewership, and partnerships. The league is gearing up for a great second season, with more games at larger venues and featuring additional talent and teams.

While a handful of Griffins went pro, many more went on to coach. Sam Slotnick ‘10 returned to the Hilltop from 2017 to 2020 to coach her former team at Jahn Rink. Newkirk is entering her third year as an assistant coach at Penn State. Before coaching at Syracuse College, Heather Farrell ’00 guided the girls hockey program at St. Paul’s School for eleven years; her tenure included facing off and ultimately defeating Pomfret in the 2015 NEPSAC championship tournament finals. When Farrell left to become the head coach at Syracuse, she passed the St. Paul coaching reins to Kelli Mackey ’14. Mackey is excited to return to the Hilltop when the Pelicans take on the Griffins in late January. Tiffany Hayes-Romaniello ’99 has coached many girls club teams and will coach the U14-1 Hartford Junior Wolf this year. The leadership and dedication of these and so many of our alumnae continue to ensure the success and future of girls hockey.

“Coaching hockey is part of my DNA. I love to develop a player, build a team, help them succeed, and take their game to the next level.”

— Dave Peltz, Head Coach

PHOTO BY CINDY HUANG ’26

Third Period: The Next Shift

In 2023, Pomfret was searching for a new girls ice hockey coach. Hayes-Romaniello shared the opportunity with her friend David Peltz. Peltz has twenty-six years of coaching experience behind the bench at both the Junior and Tier 1 AAA youth hockey levels. He has won a USA Hockey National Championship, three Junior Hockey National appearances, and several regional and state championships. He’s led his teams to league championship tournament appearances and wins throughout his coaching career. Many of Peltz’s athletes have gone on to play Division I and III college hockey programs, with some going professional.

Peltz was eager to help the Griffins achieve success at Jahn Rink. He teamed up with English Department Head Todd Matthew, his assistant coach, and the pair have been recruiting and inviting players from the region’s and nation’s top club teams to the Hilltop to meet the team. The girls and their families learn about the School and the academic programs that not only prepare them for college but for life. Their campus tour includes a stop at the rink, which underwent extensive renovations in 2021, including a state-of-the-art mechanical room, new ice-making equipment, and a dehumidification system that extends the rink’s season from September 1 through April 1.

Peltz and Matthew are investing their time and energy into the future of the girls hockey program because they love the game. “Coaching hockey is part of my DNA,” says Peltz. “I love to develop a player, build a team, help them succeed, and take their game to the next level.”

The girls team has an opportunity to compete for a championship once again. In 2023, Pomfret and teams from five other independent schools formed the Vaillancourt Conference, named in honor of Pomfret’s own Sarah Vaillancourt ’04. Pomfret finished the season ranked fourth.

Over the last fifty years, these moments — etched into the ice, the scoreboard, and the hearts of players — are more than just memories; they’re milestones in the story of Pomfret girls hockey. But this story is far from over. Each game, each period, and each shift is a testament to the talent, determination, and potential of girls’ sports at Pomfret. With a legacy built on hard work and camaraderie, and a future that promises even greater achievements, the girls who lace up their skates here are not just making history — they’re shaping it.

This story appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of Pomfret Magazine.

PHOTO BY KALKIDAN BIRHANU ’26

NEPSAC Teams Have Fun in the Sun

kimballunion KU on two… one, two, KU! Spring training over the break was all about sharpening skills, getting reps in, and of course, some team bonding! With @kuabvl in Pennsylvania, @ kuasoftball in Florida, and @kuabaseball and @kuagvlax training right here on campus, teams were spread out and eager to gear up for the spring season!

goshgreenwich Our Tennis program had an incredible Spring Break training trip to Orlando, FL. Between intense practice sessions and some fun at Universal, it was the perfect mix of hard work and team bonding. A great start to the season, and we’re ready for what’s ahead! GO HEART GO

kingschoolct_athletics #kingspringtraining2025 in the books! The Vikings spent last week in Florida preparing for the spring season! King teams and athletes trained, competed, bonded, developed, and had a blast traveling and growing together in the fun and sun! Thank you to @ksaevents who hosted at @universalorlando and to @saddlebrooktennis and @saddlebrookgolfacademy who hosted in Tampa!

govsathletics Flashback to our spring teams’ preseason trip to the Sunshine State last week! Boys Lacrosse, Girls Lacrosse, and Boys Baseball headed south to train, compete, and spend quality time off the field together! We can’t wait to be back from March Break tomorrow!

hoganlax and exetergirlslacrosse  @exetergirlslacrosse working hard and having fun

the Sun with Spring Break Training

kentschool_ct The last week of Kent’s Spring Break was all about lacrosse prep in Arizona. Our Kent School Girls’ and Boys’ Lacrosse teams, @KentGirlsLax and @KentLacrosse, spent five days training with @TrilogyLacrosse, getting ready for an exciting season. Coach Clarke: “It was a week full of hard work and team bonding. The coaches are grateful for the training experience and the players’ dedication. We’re all excited for the season ahead!”

proctorlacrosse The boys finished up a great preseason training in Naples with a scrimmage. Looking forward to getting back to campus to get ready for the season!

pomfretschool Griffin Baseball is putting in the work down in Vero Beach as they gear up for the season. Let’s go, Griffins!

taboracademy Varsity Baseball has landed in Vero Beach Florida! We keep busy during Spring Break here at Tabor

goshgreenwich Hard work, competition, and plenty of sunshine! Members of our Lacrosse program had an incredible Spring Break training trip in Clearwater, FL.So excited for the season ahead after all the hard work, team bonding, and unforgettable memories made! GO HEART GO

dxsf_athletics The Baseball, Girls’ Lacrosse, and Boys’ Golf programs traveled to Florida over spring break to help prepare for their upcoming seasons. We look forward to seeing all of our spring teams compete!

westy_athletics Boys Tennis kicked off their March break with a four day trip to Orlando. Lots of tennis and fitness of course, but also time with each other and games at the house, rain day golf, and ending with a friendly (and windy) scrimmage at Lake Highland Prep. Special thanks to our parents who provided some special meals to end the long training days, @ustanationalcampus and Country Club of Orlando for the amazing courts, and @lakehighlandathletics for hosting us at their beautiful campus.

deerfieldteams Girls water polo traveled west for spring break and made a big splash while soaking up amazing training and sunshine along with an incredible college game @ stanfordh2opolo! Go Big Green!

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Northfield Mount Hermon’s New FieldTurf Surface by Tarkett Prioritizes Performance and Sustainability

Prestigious boarding school continues to trust artificial turf supplier on campus’s McLamore Field

Northfield Mount Hermon, the coeducational boarding school in Massachusetts’ Connecticut River Valley, promotes an inclusive, diverse community that empowers its over 650 students to follow their passions as they embark on a journey of self-discovery. That mindset extends to NMH’s diverse athletic offerings, which reflect its belief in nurturing the whole person and giving students every opportunity to be their best selves.

Ensuring that students have access to top-of-the-line facilities is crucial to the effectiveness of this endeavor. Now, with the introduction of new FieldTurf artificial turf at the campus’s McLamore Field, student-athletes have another trusted solution that promises to enhance their participation in sports.

“The turf project at McLamore is a key part of our larger plan, as we maintain and upgrade our athletics facilities and provide our scholar-athletes with the resources they need to succeed,” said Interim Director of Athletics Michael Shelton. “That effort has included, in recent years, the construction of NMH’s Draper Riverhouse, the Calagione Fitness Center, and the Li Wrestling Center. Work is now underway on a new hockey arena, The NMH Ice Barn, with a new field house to follow.”

NMH boasts a serene, wooded 746-acre campus that provides students with a scenic locale bordered by the Connecticut River to the East. It is the ideal environment for young minds to find the inspiration and direction vital to helping them realize their goals. The campus also fosters inclusivity, a core principle since the school’s founding in 1879 that has been essential to encouraging

collaboration and collective strength. That spirit has consistently shone through in the dedication shown by its scholar-athletes and NMH’s support of their aspirations.

“It was a great experience working with Northfield Mount Hermon from the initial contact all the way through construction,” said Jonathan Luster, FieldTurf Regional Construction Manager, New England. “Their team’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and collaboration made this project especially rewarding.”

The new turf, installed in June 2024, replaced a previous FieldTurf surface that was introduced in 2008. McLamore Field is located at the southern edge of the NMH campus and is home to varsity field hockey and boys’ varsity lacrosse. FieldTurf, part of Tarkett Sports, is also used on Thorndike Field, where the girls’ lacrosse team competes.

FieldTurf collaborated with NMH throughout the fall and winter to plan the replacement process, which took approximately one month to complete once summer arrived. FieldTurf and NMH approached the project with a commitment to promoting sustainability and limiting environmental impact by repurposing and recycling as many materials as possible.

The multi-phase process began with the FieldTurf team assessing the existing turf system to ensure that the stone base beneath it was still draining properly. The evaluation also required laboratory testing of infill samples to determine if it could be reused in the new field. Results showed that the infill, comprised of sand and rubber, was suitable for reuse in the new turf system

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and that the stone base maintained favorable infiltration rates. For NMH, the findings had the dual benefit of reducing the project’s carbon footprint and providing significant cost savings.

Through its ‘Sustain the Game’ program, FieldTurf offers several environmentally conscious solutions that prioritize circularity and waste reduction. In addition to reclaiming and reusing infill, the company also recycles the carpeting from aged turf systems to be used in manufacturing other products.

“Sustainability is one of NMH’s core values. It’s embedded in everything we do, from our curriculum to our campus operations,” said Assistant Head of School for Finance and Operations Mary McEneany, noting that the school’s recent construction projects have received LEED certification. “It was important to us that the McLamore project was consistent with that commitment.”

When construction began at McLamore Field, the first step was removing and bagging the infill for reuse. The old turf carpet was then cut into sections, rolled up, and transported to a recycling facility. In preparation for the new surface, the field was laser-graded to ensure a smooth surface and proper elevation without significant high or low points that could adversely impact water flow.

The new surface, which features inlaid lines for boys’ lacrosse and field hockey, and a 48’ x 19.5’ “NMH” logo at its center, was then laid in place, followed by the reclaimed infill. The field also now has lines for girls’ lacrosse and soccer. The project was completed on schedule, making it available in time for NMH’s athletic summer camps.

“It’s been exciting for our student-athletes and coaches to have this new surface to play on,” said Rick Hendrickson, NMH special advisor to athletics. “It’s one more step toward achieving our ambitious vision: to develop the most innovative, inclusive, and successful athletics program in New England.”

The first official contest on McLamore Field’s new turf was a scrimmage hosted last September by the varsity girls’ field hockey team, which competes in the prestigious NEPSAC Class A. The boys’ lacrosse team also competes in NEPSAC Class A and has built a reputation for producing elite players who go on to compete at some of the most respected college programs in the country.

The new turf comes at a crucial time as both programs look to build their on-field momentum while continuing to nurture academic excellence and a culture centered on hard work and leadership.

Young Skiers Ascend to New Heights

This Season’s NEPSAC Alpine Championship Teams Might Surprise You

by Jim Kelly

Bigger, faster, stronger. Typically these are the descriptors that describe those who emerge victorious from all manner of athletic competition. What makes sports like Alpine Skiing different, however, is that each trial is a contest not between opponents, but between an individual, the clock, and the course. In this environment, it does not necessarily matter who is the biggest or the strongest just who is the fastest.

This winter on the slopes of the NEPSAC Alpine Skiing Championships, the fastest skiers in Class A Boys and Class C Girls were student athletes from Cardigan Mountain School and Indian Mountain School; notable for the fact that both are middle schools that serve students through the end of their ninth grade year.

“We have competed in Class A for a number of years now, but never pushed for that top spot because of a combination of our relative age and missing that extra one or two skiers to really put us over the top,” said CMS Athletic Director Ryan Frost. “But this year with our top two skiers being elite high-level competitors and those 3, 4, 5 spots in each discipline being there we felt we could bring it home.”

Cameron Blatz and Thomas Choi led the way for the Cougars with Blatz finishing first in both the giant slalom and slalom. Choi finished third in the slalom and fifth in the giant slalom to help keep the team total score low. Cardigan’s 39 points was six ahead of Northfield Mount Hermon’s 45 and was enough to lift the Cougars to their first NEPSAC Class A Championship.

On the girls’ side, Indian Mountain School repeated as Class C Champions by placing three in the top 10 of the slalom and four in the top 10 of the giant slalom en route to a team total of 34 points, 17 ahead of second-place Greenwich Academy.

“This team in particular was really powerful, absolutely stacked,” said Indian Mountain School coach Dave Rosen. “It was impossible to know who our number one, number two would be

BY

PHOTO

CHRIS ADAMS

any given week because they’re all so competitive and feed off each other.”

The IMS team has been building towards this for the last number of years, growing from an average of nine skiers to this year’s peak of 27. Many on the team will compete and train with the school’s team during the week and then also compete on the weekends with their United States Skiing Association club programs, offering a great opportunity for both high-level competitive skiing as well as rigorous academics.

“It’s sort of an all-star team of athletes from different mountains,” Rosen said. “Transitioning this year to a full high school league schedule we actually were facing a higher level of competition during the week than we’re at USSA events on the weekends. They really embraced the opportunity to take on those older kids and show them they’re at that same level.”

While winning is nice, the value of programs like CMS and IMS is in the holistic approach to such formative years for these student athletes.

“When we’re recruiting these types of students to Cardigan we’re typically going up against ski academies, so we’re offering a different experience where in addition to the skiing piece they’re playing soccer or football in the fall, they’re trying lacrosse or tennis in the spring,” Frost said. “Our location allows them to stay competitive in their age groups and compete at those [USSA] events. So they get that academy-level skiing experience alongside everything that comes with boarding school.”

At Cardigan that academy-level skiing experience is shepherded by Julia Ford, assistant athletic director, former US Olympic skier, and two-time National Downhill Champion. A NEPSAC alumna herself, having skied at Holderness School, Frost believes that her expertise both in the sport and in the environment have helped spearhead many of the advancements Cardigan has made over the last eight years.

“I really believe in the boarding school model and the opportunity to play multiple sports and get a great education while also being able to compete at whatever level of ski racing you want to,” Ford said. “This championship was really a testament not just to the student athletes but to everyone at Cardigan who has supported the growth and development of the student athletes and the program.”

Cardigan recently opened its Snow and Bike Center on campus which has equipment and facilities for ski tuning as well as dedicated locker rooms for students in those outdoor programs. Ford believes this facility in particular has helped level up the boys on her team.

“It allows them to take themselves just a bit more seriously by having that space to be a team, review film and technique and tune equipment,” Ford said.

The nature of programs like Cardigan, Indian Mountain, and other middle schools is that these students will in many cases be looking to further their academic and athletic careers at the very same schools they are competing with week in and week out. This makes events like the NEPSAC Championships not just an opportunity to compete, but also connect with former student athletes and share their experiences transitioning to high school.

“The opportunity for these other schools to see our students compete week in and week out can be a real differentiator from an admission standpoint,” IMS Athletic Director Max Abendroth said. “Our students come to the table with experience in a boarding school environment, understanding what it means to live away from home and balance schoolwork, sports, and everything else in addition to demonstrating they can compete at or above the same level as their next school.”

This is not the first time a middle school has emerged from a crowded NEPSAC Alpine Skiing field to claim a championship. In addition to IMS winning their first title in 2024 the Eaglebrook School claimed the Class A Boys in 2008.

Where the slopes will take these young skiers next remains to be seen, but one thing you can bet on is this won’t be the last time we see them on a NEPSAC podium.

Photo from Indian Mountain School Instagram

Francis T. “Fay” Vincent Jr. ’56, P’85, Dies at 86

Francis T. “Fay” Vincent Jr. ’56, P’85, Former President of the Board, Eloquent Chronicler of Hotchkiss Life, and Former Baseball Commissioner

Hotchkiss Communications

Aformer CEO, former commissioner of Major League Baseball, and author of several books, Francis T. “Fay” Vincent Jr. ’56, P’85 died on Feb. 1, 2025, at age 86. In coming to Hotchkiss, Vincent, who attended on scholarship, followed in the footsteps of his father, Francis T. Vincent, Class of 1927. He loved Hotchkiss and cared deeply about its continued distinction.

Vincent appreciated the enduring values instilled during his four years at Hotchkiss and greatly respected the late George Van Santvoord, Class of 1908 (“the Duke,” as the students dubbed him), headmaster from 1926-1955. In 2012, with the help of his classmate, the late John Barrett ’56, Vincent published The Gift of His Example: George Van Santvoord of Hotchkiss. In the preface, he wrote of the legendary headmaster: “He provided direction, inspiration, and wisdom to boys at a time in their lives when he could have maximum impact.”

“The Duke had the greatest influence on me of anyone besides my family,” Vincent said of Van Santvoord. “He stood for the life of the mind, for excellence and civility. I once asked [former Supreme Court Justice] Potter Stewart ’33 who, besides his family, had the greatest influence on him, and he said it was the Duke.”

Vincent’s career accomplishments speak to the range of his interests and talents: lawyer specializing in corporate banking; former CEO of Columbia Pictures Industries and executive vice president of Coca-Cola; commissioner of Major League Baseball, 1989-92; owner of Vincent Enterprises; and president and chairman of the board of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. But Vincent shone especially as a writer. In his essays and columns in The Wall Street Journal, and in his books on baseball and other topics, he conveyed a warmth and depth of feeling that expressed his essence. Although he enjoyed following sports in general, baseball remained a lifelong interest and source of unending delight. In three volumes of the Baseball Oral History Project published between 2007 and 2010, he recorded the memories of some of the 20th century’s best-known men of baseball, holding a special respect for the players of the old Negro Leagues. Ever respectful of history, he wanted to share all the stories he had heard or observed firsthand with younger generations.

In a Wall Street Journal column titled “Life as the Ninth Inning Nears,” published on Feb. 24, 2016, he wrote of the slowed-

down patterns and habits of his life in his 70s. He said, in part: “I write, but with acute knowledge that my values and opinions are outdated. I still think duty, honor, and country should be the national mantra. I know better.”

Fay Vincent enrolled at Hotchkiss in 1952. He played tackle on the football team and was the team’s captain, showed talent as a track and field competitor, and also played basketball and baseball.

He did well in the classroom, earning a place on the honor roll each year. He showed a special ability in language, studying French, Latin, and German. He was a member of Dramatics and served on the board of the yearbook. On campus, he became known as an all-around good citizen.

After graduating cum laude, he enrolled at Williams College on a full academic scholarship. As captain of the undefeated freshman football team, he learned from coach Frank Navarro, who became known as the inventor of the “monster defense.”

Then, an accident in the dormitory changed his athletic career. When friends pulled a prank that involved locking him in his dorm room, he climbed out of a window to a ledge, where he slipped and fell four floors. Halfway down, he hit a balcony railing. The accident damaged his spine, and his legs were paralyzed. There were fears he would never walk again, but a talented surgeon repaired the damage. Vincent was able to walk unassisted until about age 50, when he began the use of a cane, and years later, a wheelchair.

ALTHOUGH HE ENJOYED

FOLLOWING SPORTS IN GENERAL, BASEBALL

REMAINED A LIFELONG

INTEREST AND SOURCE OF UNENDING DELIGHT.

He completed four years of the Williams curriculum in three years, graduating cum laude in 1960. He then earned his L.L.B. degree from Yale in 1963 and began his professional career practicing law at the firm of Whitman and Ransom. He became a partner at Caplin & Drysdale in Washington, DC, a law firm specializing in corporate banking and securities. He left the practice of law for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where he was associate director of the division of corporate finance. In 1978, he was selected to become president of Columbia Pictures Industries, and in 1982, when Columbia was acquired by The Coca-Cola Company, he was appointed chairman and CEO of Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. He also served as executive VP of CocaCola and president of the entertainment division. During his decade-long tenure at Columbia, he led the company out of severely difficult times and saw the

production of movie successes like Tootsie, which Vincent said was perhaps “the best picture Hollywood ever made.”

In 1988, he rejoined Caplin & Drysdale as a practicing lawyer in New York City. Then, several months later, he was asked by A. Bartlett Giamatti, commissioner of Major League Baseball, to become the deputy commissioner. When Giamatti died suddenly several months later, Vincent was elected by baseball owners to a four-and-a-half year term as Major League Baseball’s eighth Commissioner. His tenure began in September 1989.

Almost immediately, Vincent faced a major crisis: in October a massive earthquake hit the San Francisco Bay area, where the World Series was taking place. After meetings with city officials, he announced that the Series would resume. This early crisis foreshadowed the difficulties that followed; there were multiple labor disputes and negotiations between Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association. During his

tenure, he gained admiration from baseball people for his leadership; he resigned as Commissioner in 1992. He then returned to practicing law with Caplin & Drysdale.

Among his business distinctions, Vincent was a former director of AOL/Time Warner Inc., Culbro Corp., Carson Pirie Scott, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Tri-Star Pictures, and the Motion Picture Association. He served as a trustee of Carleton College and Williams College, and received an honorary degree from Williams in 1990. Inducted into the Connecticut Sports Hall of Fame in 1994, he received a gold key from the Connecticut Sports Writers’ Alliance in 1999.

An active Hotchkiss alumnus, he served as a class agent and won election as an alumni trustee in 1976. He became a term trustee in 1982 and served until 1989 on the Board, including as president from 1985 to 1987. He formed the long-range planning committee, worked on the drafting of a new mission statement for the School, and served as head of the search committee that selected Robert Oden as headmaster in 1989. With Dan Lufkin ’49, he created the Lufkin-Vincent Travel Fellowship Program, a fund that made it possible each year for a Hotchkiss language teacher to travel and experience firsthand the life, culture, and language of another country. He also established the Francis T. Vincent ’27 Scholarship, in memory of his father. He received the Alumni Award, the School’s highest honor, in 1991.

He is survived by his cherished wife, Christine Clarke Vincent; daughter Anne Vincent ’85; twin sons William and Edward; three stepchildren, Jake, Ned and Nilla Watkins; his sisters, Dr. Joanna Vincent and Barbara Vincent; and several grandchildren.

Do You Know How to Coach Leadership Ability?

You may assume that student-athletes simply develop leadership ability by participating in sports, and it’s true that statistics suggest participation in youth sport is one of the top predictors of leadership capability. In fact, 94 percent of female CEOs were student-athletes.

However, while youth sport is a great way for teens to develop leadership skills, it’s not an automatic skill transfer. Coaches have a responsibility to help athletes develop those leadership skills, and here, board-certified family physician and TrueSport Expert Deborah Gilboa, MD, shares the best ways to coach leadership ability.

TIP: HELP ATHLETES DEFINE LEADERSHIP

Before you can ask or expect student-athletes to exhibit strong leadership, you will need to help them define what exactly leadership means. As a longtime coach, you may assume that athletes know what leadership looks like, or that athletes can easily take what they’re learning about being leaders in a team sport and use it in other areas of their lives. But Gilboa explains that most young athletes aren’t naturally making connections between their actions and the concept of ‘being a leader.’

She adds that if we’ve never asked an athlete to articulate what leadership looks like, it’s unlikely that they’ll make those connections.

So, begin each season by asking athletes what leadership means to them, and constantly revisit those values throughout the season.

TIP: ASK ATHLETES WHAT THEY LEARNED

We know that sport teaches athletes life lessons—but often, those lessons are missed until years later. “It’s a rare student who’s truly a lateral thinker, someone who can listen to a speech that a coach gives and connect it to a problem outside of their athletic life,” says Gilboa. “It’s hard for them to take a strategy from sport and apply it somewhere else. So as a coach, ask your athletes leading questions.”

You can simply ask athletes what they learned after games and practices and follow that up by asking where else in their lives that lesson might be useful. You may need to push them to consider lessons beyond sport skills and game tactics by asking about things like teamwork and decision-making.

TIP: LET ATHLETES HANDLE CONFLICT

Leadership doesn’t just mean leading warmup drills or doing the team pep talk. In fact, the skill of leadership is the most valuable when things aren’t going well or there is conflict. And that is arguably the hardest time for someone to step into the role of being a leader. “It’s really worthwhile to consider letting athletes lead when things aren’t going great,” says Gilboa. “A lot of the most important leadership that happens on a team is when athletes are the ones to call out bad behavior. Yet this is when the coach is most likely to step in.”

Obviously, as the coach, you need to judge when it’s necessary for you to step in during a team conflict. But, if possible, give your athletes the opportunity to be the first to speak up and take charge.

TIP: TREAT EVERY ATHLETE AS THOUGH THEY CAN LEAD

“It’s easy to make an assumption that a kid who’s loud is going to both want to be a leader and be a good one,” says Gilboa. “It can be really frustrating, especially to the other kids on the team, when we make that assumption because others typically know if that person’s not a great leader and they just got singled out as the leader for being loud.”

“We tend to associate leadership with extroversion, but those aren’t the same traits,” Gilboa explains. “In fact, some of the best leaders are those who are quieter, who lead from behind rather than being the figurehead of an organization.”

Athletes who are less outgoing may be more capable of leading than you assume, so operate as though any athlete on the team can take on leadership roles. You have the opportunity as the coach to help athletes find the leadership opportunities that best align with their strengths.

TIP: MAKE OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF LEADERSHIP

Many coaches use leading warmup drills or pre-game pep talks as opportunities for athletes to lead the team. That’s a good start, but it’s not the only way to encourage leadership. Gilboa suggests adding opportunities for the ‘quiet leaders’ to stand out on the team. Options like having every athlete bring a new play or drill to the team huddle every Monday allows the athletes who may not be the loudest to be part of decisionmaking for the team.

“Look for any place where you can be creative about letting students make decisions,” she adds. “But that means you have to be okay with any of the choices they pick, so don’t give them a choice you’re not okay with!”

TIP: NAME AND FRAME LEADERSHIP

As a coach, you can help athletes spot moments of leadership, whether you’re pointing it out explicitly by telling the athlete that they did great rallying the team when they were down, or by asking pointed questions, like ‘What did you learn from leading warmup drills that you could take to your job at the movie theatre?’

TIP: KEEP HAVING THE CONVERSATION

Let your athletes know that you are trying to help them develop leadership capabilities and remind them of that throughout the season. “There can be a constant dialogue about what the athletes are learning through their sport,” says Gilboa. “You want to help athletes recognize that sport teaches us these values like leadership, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation, while also helping athletes find ways to bring what they’re learning in sport to other areas of their lives.”

TAKEAWAY

As a coach, you can encourage every athlete to take on leadership roles on your team. Start by defining what leadership can look like, and continue the conversation throughout the season, encouraging athletes to make connections between leadership moments on the field to opportunities outside of sport. Help all athletes find leadership roles that suit their strengths, call out moments of leadership, and don’t assume that the loudest players are the only leaders on the team.

About TrueSport

TrueSport®, a movement powered by the experience and values of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, champions the positive values and life lessons learned through youth sport. TrueSport inspires athletes, coaches, parents, and administrators to change the culture of youth sport through active engagement and thoughtful curriculum based on cornerstone lessons of sportsmanship, characterbuilding, and clean and healthy performance, while also creating leaders across communities through sport.

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