One Roar Athletics Magazine by Sacred Heart Greenwich

ONE ROAR ONEROAR

MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

WelcometoanewyearofSacred HeartGreenwichAthletics!

AbigthankyoutotheSacred HeartGreenwichStudent-Athlete AdvisoryCouncil(SAAC)for designingthisyear’sshirtsand selectingour2025–2026athletics motto:ALLHEART.It’saperfect fitforourschool-widetheme, Lead with Heart, Act with Purpose. Andthere’snobetterplacetolive thisoutthanonthefield,inthe pool,onthewater,oronthe court.Everynewseasonbrings youopportunity opportunityto grow,tolead,andtocompete withpurpose.Somedayswillfeel effortless.Otherswillpushyou.

Buteverypartof thejourney matters.As SacredHeart alumnaeand OlympianKatie Ledecky(Stone Ridge'15)said: “Youdon’thave towinTHErace YoujustneedtowinYOURrace… Fallinlovewiththeprocess,not thepodium”

anddon’ttakeasinglemomentfor granted

Evenmoreimportant protectwhat makesSacredHeartGreenwich Athleticstrulyspecial:oursisterhood. It’sabouthowyoutreateachother, howyousupportoneanother,and howyoucontributetotheculture we’vebuilttogether Thefoundation ofourprogramis“WeBeforeMe” anditstartswithyou Beyour authenticself,andmakespacefor otherstodothesame.

Strongteamsarebuiltontrust, honesty,andsupport Thatmeans encouragingateammatewhenshe’s struggling,holdingeachother accountablewithlove,and celebratingeverywin bigor

STRONGTEAMS

whostoodbyyoursidethroughit all.Thosearethemomentsthat staywithyouforlife.

Andasyoumakethosememories, neverforgetwhatitmeanstowear theSacredHeartuniform.Wearit withpride.Yourepresent somethingbiggerthanyourself a traditionofexcellence,character, andsisterhood

Createnewbonds,andbuild memoriesthatlastfarbeyondthe seasonandwins-losses

Attheendoftheyear,youwon’t remembereveryscore.Butyouwill rememberthelaughs,thebusrides, thechallengesyouovercame,and theteammates

Thisyear,Ichallengeyoutodo justthat.Trustyourcoaches.Stay opentogrowth.Showupevery daywithintentionandgrit Play thesportyoulove, small asateam. Gobeyondyour comfortzone.Get toknowyour teammatesas people,notjust players.Sitwith someonenew. Warmupwitha differentgroup.

Solet’smakethisyear unforgettable ShowupwithALL HEART,andalwaysleadwitha“We BeforeMe”mentality

GoHeartGo!

Mrs LaurieRousseau DirectorofAthletics

DirectorofAthletics

Mrs LaurieRousseau

ManagingEditor

Mrs.AyoHartP’24P’24, Head Coach Basketball, Asst Coach, Track

Editors

Mrs.TriciaBoyle, Communications and Marketing Manager

Mrs.LauraPlunkett, Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications

Photographers

ChrisPope

LivStarr‘27

GraceVillar‘26

Contributotrs

SteveCorcoran

NickDePaola

SilvioFerraro

PhilGiackette

LillyO’Sullivan

OntheCover

SacredHeartGreenwich

student-athletesinaction.

Student-AthleteAdvisoryCommittee

ScarlettP.‘26

SAACRole:Co-President Sports:LacrosseandSoccer

JaidenV ‘26

SAACRole:Co-VicePresident

Sports:Soccer

JanieD.‘26

AriC.‘26

SAACRole:Co-President Sports:Soccer

SAACRole:Co-VicePresident Sports:FieldHockey,IceHockey,Golf

EmmaM ‘27

Sports:Lacrosse,Basketball,andFieldHockey

SAACRole:Secretary

SashaM‘28

SAACRole:2028Representative Sports:Lacrosse,Icehockey,FieldHockey

LivS.‘27

SAACRole:MediaRepresentative Sports:FieldHockey

DearSacredHeartGreenwichCommunity, Welcometotheinauguralissueof One Roar,ourbrandnewSacredHeart GreenwichAthleticsMagazine!

Thismagazineismorethanjustarecapofscoresandstats.It’sacelebrationof theheartthatdrivesourSacredHeartGreenwichstudent-athletesacrossall sports,alllevels,andeveryseason.Fromthefirstdayoffalltryoutstothefinal races,matches,andplayoffgamesofspring,ourathletescompetewithhonor, heart,andhustle-truereflectionsofthepillarsthatguideus.

Everyday,wewitnessextraordinaryteamwork,sportsmanship,andleadership fromeverycornerofourcampus:fromfifthgraderslacing upfor

theirfirstteam,toseniorsgivingeverythingtheyhaveintheirfinalseasonwearingthegreenandwhite.In everytriumphandeverychallenge,ourathletesliveoutthevaluesoffaith,intellect,socialawareness, community,andpersonalgrowth,theveryfoundationsofaSacredHearteducation.

AsaVarsityCoach,theproudco-advisorfortheClassof2028alongsidetheoneandonlyDr.BillMottolese, andaparent,Ihavehadafrontrowseattothewaysportsbringustogether Sportsuniteclassmates, families,teachers,andcoachesinasharedsenseofprideandpurpose.That’swhat One Roar isallabout: tellingthestoriesthatconnectus,inspireus,andremindusthatwearealwaysstrongerwhenwerise together.

ThisfirstissuegivesyouapreviewoftheseasonaheadforourMiddleSchoolandUpperSchoolstudentathletesacrossalloursports. Youwillalsofindteamhighlights,student-athletespotlights,quotesfromour coaches,andphotosfeaturingplentyofmomentsthatcapturethespiritofSacredHeartGreenwich athletics.

Butthisisonlythebeginning.

One Roar isaspaceforev student-athlete,analum tocontributetofutureis

Here’stothepowerofsp whereeveryvoiceinour

Withgratitudeandpride

AyoHartP’24,P’24

HeadBasketballCoach;A Co-Advisor,Classof2028

CHARTING NEW WATERS: SAILING TAKES CENTER STAGE

WhenSacredHeartGreenwich officiallylauncheditsSailing programin2023,itwasn’tjustthe beginningofanothersporton campus;itwasthestartof somethinghistoric.Thankstothe visionandleadershipoffounding membersCaitlinD.’26andAvery Q.’26,SacredHeartGreenwich sailorshavealreadybegunto makewavesacrossNewEngland.

ForCaitlinandAvery,sailing wasn’tnew.Caitlinfirsttooktothe wateratagesixaftermovingto Riverside,wheresailingisabig partofthelocalcommunity “My parentssignedmeup,andIloved itimmediately,”sherecalls. Avery’sjourneybeganonCape Cod,wheresummerswerespent learning,racing,andeventually

teachingsailingtoothers.Both girlsbroughtyearsofexperience andtheirpassionforsailingto SacredHeartGreenwichwhenthe opportunityarosetobuildateam fromscratch.

CompetingintheNewEngland SchoolsSailingAssociation (NESSA),SacredHeartGreenwich racesin420s,thetwo-person dinghiesthatarestandardfor scholasticcompetition.Witha homebaseatIndianHarborYacht Club,theteamtrainsonthe Sound,thecountry’slargest competitivesailingvenue

Butlaunchingaprogramisnot alwayssmoothsailing “Yearone wasaboutfoundationbuilding,” Caitlinadmits

“Wedidn’tknowhowtoteamrace yet,andwehadgirlswhohad neversteppedinaboatbefore.” Bypairingnoviceswithveterans andrelyingondailychalktalksto learntacticsandstrategies,the teamdevelopedrapidly Within twoyears,SacredHeartGreenwich waswinningqualifiersandholding theirownagainstlong-established programslikeGreenwichAcademy andBrunswick

ForAvery,thegrowthhasbeen personal,too Alifelongcrew member,shesteppedintothe skipperroleoutofnecessitywhen theteamfirstbegan.“Itwasnervewracking,butIgrewintoit.I’ve gainedsomuchconfidenceas bothasailorandaleader,”says Avery

Caitlinechoesthatsentiment, notinghowthesporthas sharpenedhertechnicalskills whilealsostrengthening friendships.“Youspendtwohours inaboatwithsomeoneeveryday, andyoubuildbondsquickly. Sailingisabouttrust, responsibility,andcommunity.”

Thatresponsibilityextends beyondracing.SacredHeart Greenwichsailorscarefortheir boats,derigging,cleaning,and storingthemattheendofeach season “Itteachesyou ownership,”Averyexplains.“The boatsaren’tjustequipment, they’repartoftheteam.”

Physically,sailingdemandsfar morethanyoumightimagine.

“Peopledon’talwaysthinkofitas anathleticsport,”Caitlinsays, “buthiking(holdingyourbodyout oftheboattokeepitflat)takes seriouscore strength.It’s exhausting,butinthebestway”

TheSailingteamhashadabrief butmeaningfulrun. Highlightsfor AveryandCaitlinfromthepast twoyearsincludemultiple regattasinNewEnglandandeven anescape-roomoutingthat bondedtheteamoffthewater duringtheirspringbreaktraining triptoMiami ButforbothCaitlin andAvery,thereallegacyiswhat liesahead “IwantSacredHeart girlstodiscoverhowspecial sailingis,”Caitlinreflects.“It’s unique,it’scompetitive,andit buildsfriendshipsandresilience

youcarryforlife”Avery adds,“I hopethatwecancontinuetoget newmembersandbecomeeven morecompetitivewiththebest schoolsintheregion.”

Astheypreparetograduate, CaitlinandAveryleavebehind morethanmemories;theyleavea coursechartedforfutureSacred Heartsailors Injusttwoseasons, theyprovedthatwithcourage, teamwork,anddetermination,a brandnewprogramcancompete withthebest...andwin.

Andinmanyways,that’sthestory ofSacredHeartGreenwich Athleticsitself:bold,ambitious, andalwaysreadytosetsailinto unchartedwaters

SEASON PREVIEW: THE SEASON AHEAD FOR OUR FALL TEAMS

01. CROSS COUNTRY

Sacred Heart Greenwich Cross Country is ready to hit the ground running this fall. Under the leadership of Coach Thompson while Coach McCrae is on maternity leave, the Upper School team continues to build on a tradition of endurance, resilience, and sisterhood.

TheTigersreturna coreofexperiencedrunners,includingcaptain AidanK.’26,whowillalsoco-captainthespringTrackandField team Aidanbringsbothenduranceandleadershiptothecourse Withseveralpromisingnewcomersjoiningtheprogram,Sacred HeartGreenwichispoisedfordepthandbalanceacrossallgrades.

Training throughout the preseason has emphasized strength, pacingstrategy,andmentaltoughnesswhicharethecornerstones ofasuccessfulcrosscountryprogram.Theteamwillcompeteona variety of challenging courses throughout the FAA and NEPSAC, preparingthemtopeakattheFAAchampionshipmeetonOctober 27 atWavenyPark. th

But for our runners, the season is about more than times and finishes. It’s about the daily discipline of showing up, the encouragementexchangedbetweenteammates,andtheprideof

representingSacredHeart Greenwichmileaftermile.

Withleadershipatthefront,depth throughout the roster, and a culture built on grit and support, Sacred Heart Greenwich Cross Country is ready to make this fall seasononetoremember

ForourMiddleSchoolteam,many ofthegirlsaretryingCrossCountry forthefirsttime Ourcoachesare helping thembuildendurance, confidence,andcamaraderieat everypractice.Whilethegirlswill havetheopportunitytoracein fourmeetsthisseason,the programemphasizeseffort, sportsmanship,andfindingjoyin thejourney. GOHEART!!

02. FIELD HOCKEY

SacredHeartGreenwichFieldHockeyentersthefallseasonwith tremendousmomentumandhighexpectationsafterclaimingthe 2024FAAregularseasontitleandgoingontowintheFAA tournamentlastyear LedbyHeadCoachAlexGheorghe,the programbenefitsfromworld-renownedcoachingandastate-ofthe-artnewlyresurfacedturfthatgivesourplayerstheperfect stagetoshowcasetheirspeedandskill

TheVarsityrosterisanchoredbystudent-athleteswhosharpen theirgameyear-roundonnationallyrankedclubteams,bringinga highlevelofpace,fitness,andtacticalunderstanding.That experience,combinedwithstrongteamchemistry,positionsthe TigersasaformidableforcewithinboththeFAAandNEPSAC.

Butthesuccessoftheprogramdoesnotliesolelywiththeclub playerswhoseathleticfocusisonfieldhockey.Theprogram’s depthisoneofitsgreateststrengths WiththreeUpperSchool squads Varsity,JVA,andJVB SacredHeartGreenwichensures thateveryplayerdevelopsinacompetitiveenvironmentwhile learningthevaluesofteamwork,discipline,andleadership.From risingstarsgainingtheirfirsttasteofinterscholasticplayto veteranschasingchampionshipsandcommitments,everyteam membercontributestotheprogram’sgrowthandsuccess.

Witha5-0starttotheseason,theVarsityFieldHockeysquad seemsprimedtodefenditshometurf,pushboundaries,and

continuebuildingatraditionof excellence SacredHeart Greenwich’sMiddleSchoolfield hockeyprogramisthrivingwith fourteams:7/8A,7/8B,andtwo balanced5/6squads.

Withnumerousnoviceplayers, ourMiddleSchoolteamsfocuson skill-buildingandteamwork.The programdevelopsyoungplayers whilefosteringaloveforthe game.

HeadCoachLillyO’Sullivanentershersecondyear at the helm and her sixth season overall on staff. She’s ready to guide a youthful Sacred Heart Greenwich Rowing team into a season of growth, speed, and resilience. With no seniors in the program, the focus is on building for the future while competing hard in the present. “This year, we’ve emphasized that leadership comes from everygrade,notjustourcaptains,” O’Sullivan said. “It’s about setting the tone as a team and holding each other accountable both on and off thewater.”

SacredHeartGreenwichreturnsacoregroupof experiencedrowers,ledbycaptain,MirandaZ.,a strongvoiceandveteranoftheFirstVarsityboat Co-captain,CampbellC.alsoaconsistent contributortotheteamisreturning tohelplead andmotivateheryoungerteammateshowevershe can.TheyarejoinedbyfellowreturnersLeilaC., alsoaformer1Vrower,CarinaB,theteam’stop coxswain,andAudreyC.,asteadycontributor knownforherworkethicandconsistency.

Together,theyformthebackboneofarosterfilledwithnewfaces tomaketheirmark.

Among those newcomers are two 8th graders who, despite being brandnewtothesport,arrivedprepared,focused,anddetermined afterdoingtheirhomeworkintheoff-season.They’rejoinedbyfive novice rowers, all of whom have impressed O’Sullivan with their rapidimprovementandcommitmenttotheprogram.

Rowing may be one of the most demanding sports, but O’Sullivan sees her athletes embracing the grind. “These girls show up every daywithpositiveenergy,readytopushthemselvesandeachother. Their progress has been exciting to watch, and it’s a pleasure to coachthem”

TheTigersarelookingforward totheirtraditionalrivalrieswith GreenwichAcademy,whom theyhopetoscrimmageinthe nearfuture.Thatmatchup wouldprovideanearly benchmarkfortheteam’s development.AsO’Sullivan workstobuildthefastest lineupspossible,SacredHeart Greenwich Rowingisless focusedonrecordsandmoreon forgingafoundationforlongtermsuccess.

SAAC SPOTLIGHT: MEET OUR CO-PRESIDENTS

Leadership is another quality both Ari and Scarlett take seriously Ari believes it’s about effortandattitude,notjusttitles,“Youdon’thave to be the best player to be a leader. When you give110%,respectandlistentoothers,andenjoy the game, you can lead the team by example.” Scarlett echoes this sentiment with her own perspective, “Real leaders show up, work hard, andsupportothersnomatterwhat.”

Together, Ari and Scarlett see SAAC as a bridge between student-athletes and the broader community. “We represent our peers’ voices by listening to their concerns and suggestions, and then work with faculty to find solutions,” Ari explains. Scarlett adds, “SAAC lets athletes share ideas, bring up concerns, and make sure our voices are heard so we can keep improving our sportsprogramsandourcommunity.”

Under the leadership of Ari and Scarlett, SAAC is set to continue its mission of building a studentathlete experience that is rooted in opportunity, integrity,andsisterhood allwhileleadingwith Heart.

Sacred Heart Greenwich soccer, led by Head Coach Stuart Smith, longtime assistant Silvio Ferraro, and Goalkeeper Coach Steve Corcoran, once again sets its sights on the program’s perennial goal:the“treble”(winningtheFAAleaguetitle,theFAAleaguecup, andadvancetoandultimatelywintheNEPSAC championship.

Guided by the credo “The will to train, to practice, is more important than the will to win For then victories will surely follow,” the team emphasizes preparation as the foundation for success.Onthepitch,theTigersplayamodern,adaptablestyleof high-pressure defending, rapid passing and possession, efficient attackingplay,andteamtacticalflexibilitytomeetthechallenges ofeverymatch

CaptainsAriC ’26andGeorgiaL ’26willanchoratalentedroster thatblendsveteranleadership withpromisingrookies

CoachSmith’ssharpeyefor talent,“au-courant”trainingplans andmatchschemes,andcaring leadershiphaveelevatedSacred HeartGreenwichsoccertoelite status.Withthesevaluesfirmlyin place,thefutureofourprogramis bright.

SacredHeartGreenwichMiddle Schoolsoccerisfieldingthree teamsthisfall:one7/8teamand twobalanced5/6squads.They areguidedbydedicatedcoaches, includingvarsityCoachSteve Corcoran,whoisalsoaneliteclub coach

TheMiddleSchoolprogram emphasizesskilldevelopment, teamwork,andfunwhilebuilding astrongpipelineforfutureUpper Schoolsuccess.

strongreturningcoreplusthe injectionoffreshmantalent,the Tigershavetheirsightsseton returningtothepodiumthis November.Theteam’sdailygoal? “Toget1%bettereveryday”

Sacred Heart Greenwich Volleyball is set for another exciting season under the leadership of Head Coach Beth Wilson-Jordan WithfourUpperSchoolteams:Varsity,JVA,andtwoJVBsquads, the program continues to thrive as one of the largest and most vibrantatSacredHeartGreenwich

Thevarsityteamenterstheseasonfocusedonsharpeningits serve-receive,diggingdeepondefense,andrunningasmart, controlledoffensethatmaximizeseveryrally.Ourvarsityathletes havebothconfidenceandhungerandareeagertocompeteatthe highestlevelofNEPSACandFAAplay.

Atthesametime,JVAHeadCoachPhilGiackette,nowinhis secondseasonleadingtheteam,knowsthisfall’ssquadisbuilton ararebalanceofhalfreturningplayersandhalfnewcomers.With sevenupperclassmenandsevenfreshmen,theteamisblending experiencewithfreshenergy,andGiacketteisexcitedtoseehow themixdevelopsoverthecourseoftheseason

“Weknowtherewillbeupsanddowns,”Giackettesaid.“Butour veteransareheretohelpguidethenewplayersthroughthose challenges,andthat’showwe’llkeepmovingforwardtogether.” Lastyear’steamfinishedthirdintheFAAtournament,andwitha

Theprogram’smotto,“BeWilling toFail,”shapestheteam’s mindset.Giacketteencourageshis playerstoplaybold,takerisks, andlearnfrommistakesrather thanshyawayfromthem.“Highlevel,high-IQvolleyballmeansnot beingafraidoffailure,”he explained.“Wewantplayerswho takechances,growfromthem, andcapitalizethenexttime around.”

Onthecourt,SacredHeart Greenwichhasleanedintoa defensiveidentity,fueledbytough servingandacommitmentto runningtheoffenseearlythrough themiddle

“Unlikepastyears,thissquadalsohastheability to attack effectively through the right side, a wrinkle that can keep opponents out of the systemalot,”explainsGiackette

Keycontributorsinclude:

CatherineO –adefensive-mindedpresence inboththemiddleandontheright.

GiannaR.–aversatile,high-IQplayerwhocan adaptinanyrole.

ClaraB.–areliable,all-aroundoutsidehitter.

MiaR –providingsteadyleadership, especiallyforthefreshmen.

GraceM.–transformedhergameintheoffseasonandhassteppedupasakeysetter andfloorleader.

RisingstarstowatcharePaigeR.andCalyssaR., who bring very different skill sets but have alreadymadestrongimpactsonbothoffenseand defense.

TheTigersfaceachallengingschedule,including abigwinoverKing(2-1),aroadtestatHolyChild (10/4),andhomebattleswithrivalsGreenwich Academy(10/8)andGCDS(10/27).

Coach Giackette emphasizes the importance of communitysupport:“WhentheSacredHeart

Greenwichcommunityshowsup,itgivesusthatbig seventh player advantage. It makes a huge difference,especiallyattheJVlevel.”

TheJVBteamsprovidevitalopportunitiesformore novice players to develop their skills, gain experience,andcontributetotheprogram’sculture ofenergyandteamwork.

Fromthetopdown,theprogram’ssuccessliesinits depth, camaraderie, and commitment to growth. Whether on Varsity or JV, every student-athlete playsanimportantroleinraisingthestandardand carrying forward Sacred Heart Greenwich’s traditionofspirited,competitivevolleyball

The Sacred Heart Greenwich Middle School volleyball program is ready to serve up an exciting season with its largest-ever roster featuring five teams Our state-of-the-art 35,600-square-foot athletic center, with its three NFHS regulation courts, provides the ideal environment for the program'sgrowthandsuccess.

The5/6teamledbyfirst-yearcoachandPEteacher Mr.NickDePaola,isfocusedonmasteringpassing, serving, and hitting. The goal for the season is to get our first "pass, set, hit!" Players are building strongfundamentals,teamwork,andaloveforthe game.

BECAUSE OF YOU: OUR COMMUNITY OF CHAMPIONS

Heartfelt gratitude from our community. Because of you, we thrive.”

“Yourcommitment tohelpingstudents grow,learn,and succeedmeansalot toeveryone.”

FROM SUNRISE TO SIDELINES:

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MR. WIL SMYERS

OnanygivendayatSacredHeartGreenwich,thegroundslookpristine. Thesoccerfieldsarecrispwithfreshlines,thetenniscourtssweptand, theturfsafeandreadyforplay.Tomost,thesedetailsmightgo unnoticed,butforMr.WilSmyers,DirectorofGrounds,theyarethe essenceofhiswork.Forthepasteightyears,Wilhasbeenthesteady handandsharpeyeensuringthat110acresofcampus,fourathletic fields,andcountlessoutdoorspacesarenotjustfunctional,but beautifulandsafeforourstudents,families,andvisitors.

Wil’sjourneyherestartedwithaloveofsportsthatbeganwhenhewas justfouryearsold.GrowingupoutsideofPittsburgh,heplayed baseballandbasketball,andranthehurdlesintrack.Helaterpursued adegreeinturfgrassmanagementatPennState.Hisfirstprofessional stepsledhimtogolfcoursemanagementandalandscapingbusiness beforehispathbroughthimtoSacredHeartGreenwich

“Ialwayswantedacareerin sports,”Wilshared.“Thisjob wastheperfectcombination myturfbackground,mylovefor athletics,andthechanceto buildsomethinglasting.”

Wiloverseesadedicatedteam offivefull-timeandoneparttimecrewmembers Together theyhandleeverything outdoors:fromplantingflowers andpruningtrees,to maintainingsyntheticturfwith magnetsandimpacttests,to preppingspacesforliturgies, graduations,andevenalumni pickleballevents

Routinely,Wilandhiscrew performimpacttestsonthetwo turffields.We’veputin22tons ofinfillonourfieldsinthepast twoyears,”Wilexplained. “Peoplethinkit’sjustmowing grass,butit’sreallyabout safety,planning,andmaking surethesurfacesourkidsplay onarethebesttheycanbe.”

He’salsohelpedshepherd majorcampusupgrades,from installinglightsonthefieldsto buildingnewtenniscourtsand parkingexpansions.Hisvision doesn’tstopthere:“Mydreamis tobuildapropertrackaround thesoccerfield Itwouldgive ourtrackprogramthefacilities itdeservesandwewould upgradethesoccerfieldatthe sametime.”

ACoachatHeart

Despitethelongdays,Wil’s favoritetimeiswhenhe transitionsfromthefieldstothe sidelines,coaching

MiddleSchool

Basketballand Track.Hiscoaching style?“Energetic, positive,andalittle unconventional,” helaughs.His favoritememory butsomethingmuch isn’tachampionship

Itwaspuremagic.That’swhat it’sabout.Thecamaraderie,life lessons,andlovingthegame.”

Whatdoeshehopehisathletes willcarrywiththem?“That sportsareaboutmorethan scholarshipsorwins.It’sabout thejoy,thefriendships,andthe lessonsyoutakewithyoufor life.”

FamilyandCommunity

Wil’stiestoSacredHeart Greenwichrundeeperthanhis job.Hisdaughter,Lola,started intheBaratCenterandisnowa fifthgrader.Andhisson,Bruno, isrightacrossthestreetat Brunswick.Manymornings,Lola ridesinwithherdadandspends afewminuteswithhiminthe maintenancebuildingbefore headinguptoclass

“Thatshortdriveinandthose fewquietminuteswithherin

themorning,

SPORTSARE ABOUTMORE THAN SCHOLARSHIPS ORWINS

moreSacredHeartGreenwichin spirit:“Twoyearsago,our basketballteamhadn’twona gameallseason.Then, everythingaligned Wehitbig shots,thebenchwasgoing crazy,andthejoyontheirfaces aswepulledofftheupset.

that’smybiggest motivatorto cometowork everyday,”Wil said.Their family’sdaily routineflows seamlesslyinto Wil’scoaching. Hiskidsoften ridethebuswithhimtotrack meetsandlovegoingdownto IcahnStadiumtocheeronthe team,andevenhelppickouthis cellphoneringtones(Wil’s currentringistheroarofa HarleyDavidson,courtesyof Bruno.

MoreThanJustGrass

ForWil,theprideisn’tjustin lushfieldsorfreshlypainted lines,butinbuildingsomething lastingforthecommunityhe’s proudtocallhome.From compostingfoodscrapsnear thegreenhousetoprotecting theschool’sbeehivesby eliminatingpesticides,hiswork blendstraditionwith sustainability.

“I’mproudoftheprogresswe’ve made,”hereflected “Butmore thananything,I’mproudtobe partofthiscommunity.Sacred HeartGreenwichisn’tjustwhere Iwork,it’swheremyfamily belongs”

Intheend,Wil’sstoryisabout morethanturf,trees,orfields. It’saboutthepeople:hisstaff, hisathletes,hischildren,and thewiderSacredHeart Greenwichfamily.Hisworkmay belargelybehindthescenes, butitsimpactiseverywhere.

Thenexttimeyoustepontoa field,cheerfromthebleachers, orstrollacrosscampus,takea momenttonoticethedetails. They’retheproductofWil’s dedication:energetic,positive, andjustalittleoutsidethebox.

83% ofSacredHeartGreenwich studentscompeteinatleast onesport

3-SportAthletes

21 inthe past5years inthe past5years FourYear

CommunityImpact

2,500+ ServiceHours bystudent-athletesannually

TIGERS FOR LIFE: CHECKING IN

WITH JUSTINE HOUNSELL ‘22 CORNELL ‘26

SacredHeartGreenwichtrackfansstill rememberthenameJustineHounsell’22and forgoodreason.Oneofthemostdecorated runnersinschoolhistory,Justineleftwith recordsinboththe200mand400mdashthat stillstandtoday.NowasenioratCornell University,Justinecontinuestoraceforwardas anintegralmemberoftheBigRedtrackand fieldteam,whereherspeed,determination, andleadershiphaveonlygrownstronger.

JustinejoinedSacredHeart Greenwichinseventhgradeand quicklybecameastandouton theMiddleSchooltrackteam. Sherecallsherveryfirst400m racevividly.Shecollapsedat thefinishlineonlytolookup andseeCoachC(Carolina Gelbman)standingoverher andsmilingsaying,“Yea,you’re doingthatagain.”That moment,shesays,setthetone forhercareer “Itwasthefirst timeIhadeverruna400,andit reallystuckwithme.CoachC’s influenceandtrainingshaped somuchofwhoIbecameasan athlete.”

Whilesheexcelledinathletics, Justinesayswhatshemisses mostaboutSacredHeartisthe close-knitcommunity.“At

Cornell,therearesomany people.SacredHeart Greenwichwasdifferent.You kneweveryone,anditfeltlike suchatight-knitgroup”She stilltreasurestraditionslike RingDayandCongé,often sharingthoseuniqueSacred HeartstorieswithherCornell teammates.

AtCornell,Justinecompetesin the200m,400m,andthe 4x400mrelay,thoughshe admitsthe200sometimes testsherhamstring.Lastyear, shebattledthroughastress fracturebuthassincereturned tothetrack,readytofinishher senioryearstrong.

Balancingthedemandsof DivisionIathleticswith

academicshasbeennoeasy task,butit’saroutineSacred HeartGreenwichhelpedher establish.“Thebalanceof school,sports,andstudyfelt similartowhatIhadatSacred Heart.Thatexperiencereally preparedmeforthecollege schedule.”

Outsideofathletics,Justineison thepre-medtrackandcurrently studyingfortheMCAT

Sheplanstotakeagapyearafter graduation,possiblyworking, pursuingamaster’sdegree,or both,beforecontinuingher educationatmedschool.“It’s exciting,butalsoalittle daunting,”sheadmits.“The mostrewardingpartofcollege hasbeenseeingmyselfgrowinto someoneIwasn’tsureIcouldbe. FreshmanyearIhaddoubts. NowIfeelproudofhowfarI’ve come.”

“Thebalanceofschool, sports,andstudyfelt similartowhatIhad atSacredHeart.That experiencereally preparedmeforthe collegeschedule.”

Communityservicehas remainedacornerstoneof Justine’slife.AtCornell,shecoleadsateamcommitteethat organizesserviceprojects throughouttheyear,anatural continuationofthevalues instilledatSacredHeart Greenwich.Shealsovolunteers inIthaca,strengtheningherties tothelocalcommunity Whenshelooksback,Justine describesSacredHeart Greenwichinthreewords: special,loving,andstrong.She creditsourschoolnotonlywith preparingheracademicallyand athletically,butalsowith teachingherwhat

itmeanstobeateammateand leader.

Hermessagefortoday’s SacredHeartstudents issimplebutpowerful: “Havefunandenjoy themomentyou’rein. Trustinyourselfandin theprocess.Thingswill cometogether.”

LIGHTNING ROUND WITH JUSTINE ⚡

BEYOND THE SCOREBOARD: BUILDING LEADERS IN OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL

SacredHeartGreenwich's athleticdepartmentis launchinganinnovativenew programdesignedtoshapethe nextgenerationofleaders.Led byHeadBasketballCoach, AssistantTrackCoach,coadvisorandownerofShaping Champions™,AyoHart,the programfocusesonbuilding character,fosteringleadership, andhelpingstudent-athletes findbalanceintheirdemanding lives.

MoreThanJustaGame

Theprogram'sphilosophyis simpleyetprofound:true excellenceisbuiltinthequiet

moments Duringherrecent keynotespeechtoMiddle Schoolathletes,coaches,and faculty,CoachHartemphasized thatastudent-athlete'sjourney isaboutmorethanwinsand losses.

Drawingonherexperienceasa coachandmotheroftwo SacredHeartalumnae,Hart highlightedtheimportanceof characterandconsistency, sharingstoriesofformer playerswhoembodiedthis principle.Oneplayer,who wasn'tthemosttalented, becameacaptainandstudent councilleaderthroughherdaily commitmenttohardworkand

encouragingherteammates

RedefiningExcellenceand TeamCulture

Thenewprogramaimsto redefinewhatitmeanstobea "champion."It’snotjustabout whathappensonthe scoreboardbutaboutthe valuesandhabitscultivated everyday.CoachHart challengedtheathletesto adoptthe"1%betterevery day"mindset,focusingon incrementalgrowthin leadershipandcharacter Akey componentofthisapproachis buildingastrongteamculture where"WEisalwaysgreater

SHAPING CHAMPIONS

thanME."AsHartexplained,"Cultureiswhatyou allow,whatyouencourage,andwhatyourefuse totolerate"Sheurgedathletestobeloud cheerleadersfortheirteammates,emphasizing thatchampionshipteamsarebuiltontrustand communication,notjustindividualtalent."Your talentwillgetyouontheroster,"shesaid,"but yourculturewillwinyouchampionships"

MasteringtheBalancingAct

Recognizingthepressuresfacedbyourstudentathletes,acoretenetoftheprogramisteaching theskillofbalance.Hartstressedtheneedto manageacademics,athletics,family,andfaith. Heradviceispragmatic:"Bepresentwhereyour feetare."Sheencouragedstudentstobefully engagedintheclassroom,onthecourt,andwith theirfamilies,suggestingstrategieslikeplanning theweek,communicatingwithteachersand coaches,andprotectingmentalandphysical health.Sheremindedthemthatrestisnota weaknessbutaweapon,andthatfaithservesas ananchoramidstthechaos.

LeadershipThroughActionandFaith

Ultimately,theprogramisaboutshapingleaders whocanleadthemselvesbeforetheyleadothers. Leadershipispresentednotasatitlebutasa verb;notjustasavaluebutanaction.Hart encouragesathletestobethe

kindofteammatewhoinspiresothersthrough theiractions.Shechallengedallofthegirlsto saysomethingpositivetoatleastthree differentteammateseachday.

“Culture is what you allow, what you encourage, and what you refuse to tolerate."

TheprogramisalsogroundedintheSacred HeartGreenwichcommunity’sfaith-based values Hartconcludedherspeechbyquoting 2Corinthians5:7"Forwewalkbyfaith,notby sight."Sheremindedtheathletesthattheir valueswillguidethemthroughwinsand losses,andthatgroundingthemselvesinfaith istheultimatepreparationforlife's challenges.

Ultimately,theprogramseekstoensurethat everystudent-athleteisnotonlyabetter playerbutabetterperson,buildingalegacy thatextendsfarbeyondthefinalbuzzer.

TEAM OF THE WEEK (SEPT 15):

VARSITY SOCCER

Tigers edge Taft 3-2 and FAA rival GCDS 2-1

“We battled every minute. This was a team win.”

GameRecap:

ThegirlstookdownTaftinagritty3-2battlethenfollowedupwithanotherthrillingbattled hardandscoredathrilling2-1victoryoverFAArivalGCDS.Strongdefense,clutchgoals,and relentlessenergydefinedtheweek. Amazingfightandteamworkallaround!