Sacred Heart Greenwich athletic teams lived out Honor, Heart, and Hustle on and off the court, water, course, and field this past fall sports season.  The volleyball, soccer, field hockey, rowing, and cross-country teams succeeded in pushing themselves to achieve their goals throughout the season.  Captains of the fall 2022 sports teams shared their appreciation and gratitude for their sport and teammates, and how their teams have each individually grown and progressed throughout the season.

In early September, varsity A soccer began their season by participating in team bonding activities and games on an overnight trip to Golden Goal, a soccer camp in Fort Ann, New York.  Senior tri-captains Zara Black, Bettina Holden, and Karina Sethi led the team this season.  In a game against rival school Greenwich Academy (GA), the team gained a 1 to 0 win with a goal from Karina, September 30.  The team ranked fourth in the Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA), after defeating St. Luke’s School, ranked first in the FAA, in their last in-season game November 4.  Bettina highlighted her team’s strengths this season.

“Throughout this season, the team has grown so much, both physically and mentally,” Bettina said.  “So many players are much stronger and faster, and their shot and pass accuracy have definitely increased since the first two weeks of preseason.  As for their mental state, they believe that they can beat some of the more challenging opponents we match up with throughout the season.  For instance, we just played St Lukes this past Friday, they are at the top of the FAAs, and we believed we could beat them, and we did.  I can also see friendships grow between the team, and as the friendships grow, so does our performance as a team.”

The rowing team, led by senior co-captains Jacqueline Franco and Gigi Gazal, began practicing on the Mianus River in Greenwich, Connecticut, in August.  Sacred Heart boats raced in the Head of the Riverfront October 2 and the Head of the Housatonic October 8.  Freshmen Clare Junius and Caitlin Dean placed second in the Women’s High School Doubles (Frosh/Novice) race, earning Sacred Heart rowing its first medal since 2019 at Head of the Schuykill October 30.  Later in their season, seven rowers and four alternates traveled to Boston, Massachusetts, for the Head of the Charles, the world’s largest three-day regatta October 21 to 23.  Jacqueline rowed in the Women’s Youth 1X race, and junior Sophia Sigro, sophomores Beata Servick, Morgan Matthews, and Scarlett Gedney, and freshman Caitlin rowed in the Women U17 4+ race. 

Varsity A volleyball began their season winning 3 to 0 in a match against Rye Country Day School, September 9.  The team played Kent on Homecoming and won all three sets in 50 minutes October 15.  The team’s greatest accomplishment is their 11 consecutive in-season wins, finishing as the runner-up for the FAA regular season champions.  Senior Martina Bernal and her sister, junior Emilia Bernal, are co-captains of the team.  Martina reflected on their successful season.

“I’m really proud of the way the team has been able to come together and keep our winning streak, especially after the adversity we faced at the beginning of the season,” Martina said.  “I think it is a testament to our team’s energy, strength, and the way we play together.”

Under the leadership of senior tri-captains Ines Araujo, Olivia Caponiti, and Delfina Gonzalez Lobo, varsity A field hockey had yet another successful season competing in the FAA, ending as regular season champions.  The team attended the Max Field Hockey High School National Invitational in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.  The tournament awarded Olivia All-Tournament 2nd Team and Delfina with Top Performer September 22 to 23.  On Homecoming, the team won 5 to 2 against the Hotchkiss School.  The team faced GA twice, winning the first game 3-2 after scoring three goals in the last quarter October 1.  Sacred Heart won their second game against GA 2 to 1 after two goals from senior Mackenzie Coleman and junior Payton Sfreddo October 23. 

Under the leadership of new coach Mrs. Kaitlin Brown May and senior co-captains Annie Finn and Katie May, cross-country ran in the Wilton Invitational, Canterbury Invitational, Manhattan College Invitational, and races at Kent School and Millbrook School in addition to three FAA meets.  At their first FAA meet at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, CT, the team finished fourth.  Junior Ava Lillis placed second at the FAA meet at Purchase College in Purchase, NY October 22.  Katie recalled how her team has grown together. 

“This season has taught me how to be adaptable to change,” Katie said.  “We went into the season with new team members, a new coach, and a mostly new athletic department.  Being captain during this time taught me how to embrace change and work toward a positive and successful season for the team.  At the beginning, change can be nerve-wracking because there is a level of not knowing what is to come, but I’ve loved every second of this season, and I think our team has had a really good season with the help of our coach and the whole athletic department.”

Featured Image by Jacqueline Franco ’23