During the 2023-2024 fall season, eleven Sacred Heart Greenwich Upper School athletes tackle new roles in their athletic careers. The Upper School’s newest captains of the varsity field hockey, soccer, rowing, volleyball, and cross-country teams are eager to cultivate honor, heart, and hustle in their team members.
This year, there are three varsity field hockey captains: seniors Payton Sfreddo and Emma Marvin and junior Charlotte (Charly) Nemec. Payton began to play field hockey in sixth grade, her first year at Sacred Heart. She enjoys field hockey because it is competitive and team-oriented. She is not looking to commit to playing field hockey in college, but she hopes to find time to continue playing the sport for fun. Payton noted that she sees her role as captain as a leader and supporter.
“I love being a captain of the team as it allows me to lead and support my teammates, as well as advocate and bring energy every day,” Payton said. “Our main goal as captains is to be a connector between our teammates and our coaches in order to create an inclusive and successful atmosphere for everyone to be a part of.”
In sixth grade, Emma began playing field hockey for the AGH Field Hockey Club. Emma had a great experience, so she decided to join Sacred Heart field hockey. Emma’s favorite part about the sport is the team’s dynamic. She has been fortunate enough to create special bonds that translate on the field. Emma’s main role as a captain is to always keep the team positive after a loss or bad practice. Emma explained that she enjoys serving as captain because she is able to help her teammates feel confident.
“My favorite part about being a captain is making connections with every single player on the team,” Emma said. “In the past years, especially my freshman and sophomore years, I was pretty shy and quiet. But now, as a captain, I know what that feels like and love making sure everybody on the team has and feels like they have an equal role (because we all do) and bring out all of the personalities of every player.”
Charly has been playing field hockey for eight years. When she was seven, Charly played field hockey for her local team in Darien, Connecticut. She advanced to a club team as she got older, where she now dedicates most of her time. She loves playing on a team and cherishes the close bonds she has made through the sport. Charly is highly competitive, so she appreciates club field hockey and Sacred Heart field hockey because they both bring intense competition. She looks forward to continuing her field hockey career at the University of Virginia. Charly shared that she cherishes her time as a captain because she is able to serve as a role model for her younger and less experienced teammates.
“I love being a captain of this team because I have admired all the captains before me,” Charly said. “I looked up to them so much when I was an underclassman, and I still feel that I can talk to them today. I love being a role model and setting an example for our now young team, and I can’t wait to have an amazing season together.”
The varsity soccer captains are seniors Olivia Leahy, Ashley O’Meara, and Madison Hart. Olivia began to play soccer at age five for her town team and then advanced to travel soccer. Olivia played soccer for the seventh and eighth-grade teams at Sacred Heart. She enjoys the intense physical demands, mental demands, and the pleasure of forming friendships on a big team. Olivia reflected that she uses her role as a captain to lead by example.
“The role of being a soccer captain includes being the link of communication between the coaches and team,” Olivia said. “It requires organization regarding equipment, psych-ups, team dinners, and more. I like being a captain because I have the privilege to lead a very motivated and respectful group with so much potential. I like to lead by example and aim to be approachable towards my teammates, specifically underclassmen.”
In second grade, Ashley started to play soccer on a club team. Until she began high school, she played at HYSC (Harrison Youth Soccer Club). During Ashley’s high school years, she played on the Sacred Heart soccer team and CFC (Connecticut Football Club) in the National League. She loves the team’s comforting and stress-relieving atmosphere. In college, she hopes to continue playing soccer for fun. Ashley commented that she values her role as a soccer captain because she is able to be a leader of a team.
“Some roles of a soccer captain are leading warmups, taking the coin toss, speaking to the referee when things get out of hand, and overall just leading communication on and off the field,” Ashley said. “What I enjoy about being captain is just the overall opportunity to be a leader. I consider myself a leader in a lot of aspects of my life, not just in soccer, so having the opportunity to be a designated leader on a soccer team as well is very fulfilling.”
Madison decided to start soccer at age four. She enjoys the teamwork that is required to succeed on the field and the camaraderie between teammates. Madison explained that she appreciates how her role as a captain has allowed her to become more involved with each of her teammates.
“One thing I really like about being a captain is that it helps me grow my leadership, which is such an important skill to have in life,” Madison said. “Another thing is for the position, you have to learn a little bit more about each one of your teammates, which is something I might not have learned or worked to learn if I wasn’t a captain.”
This fall, the varsity rowing captains are seniors Bianca Shively and Sophia Sigro. Bianca began crew on the Sacred Heart rowing team during the fall of her freshman year. Bianca benefits from rowing because it pushes her beyond her comfort zone and teaches her significant lessons about hard work and determination. Bianca reflected on the organizational aspects of her role as a captain.
“Being a rowing captain requires Sophia and I to plan team dinners, conduct workouts, communicate with the coaches on a daily basis, run warmups, and much more,” Bianca said.
Sophia began to row in the fall of her freshman year at Sacred Heart. She cherishes the time she spends with her teammates, as she feels loved and cared for at each practice. Sophia shared that she enjoys being a captain because she is able to create a space where all of her teammates feel comfortable and equal.
“I love being captain because I can use my leadership role for good,” Sophia said. “I am able to use my privilege of leading a team and making it the best it can be. This means I can make sure every girl feels they have a role and that every teammate matters, especially in a sport as competitive as rowing.”
This year, the varsity volleyball captains are seniors Kaitlin Robinson and Emilia Bernal. Kaitlin has played volleyball since sixth grade at Sacred Heart. She enjoys the fast-paced game that requires focus and energy. She appreciates the opportunity to lead her teammates and work on leadership skills every practice. Kaitlin sees that her role as volleyball captain is to act and lead with spirit.
“As a captain, some of the roles are helping motivate teammates, communicating with the coaches, bringing energy to practice and games, and being super encouraging,” Kaitlin said.
In seventh grade, Emilia began her volleyball career at Sacred Heart. Outside of school, Emilia trained at the Greenwich Volleyball Club until her sophomore year of high school, where she switched to the Northeast Volleyball Club. She enjoys the energy and team aspect of the sport. Next fall, Emilia will continue to play volleyball at Boston College. Emilia reflected on the importance of forming part of a team.
“Being a captain is a reminder that I am a part of something bigger than myself and that my role is extremely important because I am setting the standard for my team and people that look up to me,” Emilia said. “Also, I am setting the example for future captains, teammates, and players after I graduate. Being a captain is setting the tone for intensity, hard work, and culture so that I can help influence the team’s success.”
This fall, senior Ava Lillis is the Sacred Heart cross country captain. She started to run cross country in third grade and competed in the United States of America Track and Field (USATF) Junior Olympic races. In fifth grade, Ava began to run cross country at Sacred Heart. Ava enjoys challenging herself and indulging in the focus and energy needed to succeed. Ava shared that she enjoys leading her team by example and with encouragement.
“As cross country captain, I am a leader and role model of the team,” Ava said. “It is my job to encourage my teammates to try their best in leading by example. I started on the varsity team as an eighth grader, so I enjoy being able to finally lead the team I have been a part of for so long. I love my teammates as well as the sport, so it is a great way to finish my cross-country career.”
Featured Image by Ava Briganti ’25
