The newly established Athletic Hall of Fame inducted its first five members October 4 at 5:30 p.m. Sacred Heart Greenwich Athletics embarked on a new chapter in commemorating sports achievement at the inaugural Hall of Fame induction ceremony. This event took place in the Heffernan Lobby of the Athletic Center and praised the remarkable contributions of these honorees. The Hall of Fame will inspire current and future generations to strive for excellence in their athletic pursuits.
This event honored five women who exemplify honor, Heart, and hustle through their sports and personal lives. To be eligible for a nomination, candidates must have competed in their respective sport(s) while attending the school and have graduated from Sacred Heart at least five years prior to their nomination. Nominees must also have made significant achievements in athletics, which can occur at the high school, collegiate, national, or international level. Head varsity coaches and athletic directors must serve at Sacred Heart for at least five years to be eligible. Additionally, the committee may also consider teams that have achieved significant recognition for Sacred Heart. The first five women honored were Ms. Erin Myers Hutchinson ’12, Ms. Emily Leiner ’08, Ms. Megan Grehan ’07, Mrs. Cathleen Mendelson Daly ’85, and Ms. Margaret Melford.
The evening commenced with an opening prayer from senior Caroline Muccia, followed by a welcome speech from Mr. Michael F. Baber, President of Sacred Heart. Faculty members and friends introduced each nominee with a congratulatory speech. Mr. Baber then led the ceremonial ribbon cutting, marking the official opening of the new Athletic Hall of Fame. In the hallway near the Tigers Den, a new television display now provides access to a website with detailed information about Sacred Heart athletics, including the Hall of Fame honorees.
One of the athletes receiving this award was Ms. Grehan. Ms. Grehan is an All-American golfer, who led the Sacred Heart golf team from grades six through 12. At the age of 13, she became the youngest New York state women amateur golfer in history. Ms. Grehan then went on to play at Vanderbilt University and was a four-time NCGA All-American Scholar Award winner and a member of the All-SEC Second Team in 2011. Vanderbilt created “The Megan Grehan Academic Achievement Award” in her honor to recognize the player with the highest grade point average (GPA) each year. Later in her career, Ms. Grehan played professionally on the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour. Even after her time playing golf professionally, she continues to support women’s golf through the Executive Committee for the New York State Golf Association.
Sacred Heart also inducted Ms. Leitner for her exceptional leadership. At Sacred Heart, she was a captain of three sports and a member of student council from 2004-2008. Ms. Leitner received the Riley Athletic Award as a sophomore and was the 2008 recipient of the Margaret Melford Cup. She was a co-captain at the University of Pennsylvania where she was in the position of lacrosse goalie. Following her college career, Ms. Leitner continued to play professional women’s lacrosse for four years and showed her unwavering dedication and exceptional performance in the sport.
Mrs. Mendelson was another recipient of the Hall of Fame award. During her time at Sacred Heart, she was also the captain of three sports: field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse. She won achievements such as the prestigious Greenwich Award and the Sportsmanship Award. Mrs. Mendelson dominated the lacrosse field, earning First-Team All-American honors in 1989, and the NCAC named her Player of the Year the same season. Mrs. Mendelson’s exceptional accomplishments earned her a spot in Denison University’s Hall of Fame in 2000, recognizing her outstanding performance in both Field Hockey and Lacrosse.
Ms. Hutchinson also received this award. The National Collegiate Athletic Association honored Ms. Hutchinson as the only female soccer player from the state of Connecticut to be a Scholar All-American. While at Sacred Heart, Ms. Hutchinson led her club soccer team to consecutive Connecticut state titles and a national championship. Ms. Hutchinson continued her soccer career at Vanderbilt University, leading her team to success from 2013 to 2015. Following her soccer career, she continues to be an active part of the Vanderbilt Women’s Soccer community as a founding member of the Women’s Soccer Alumni Board.
Lastly, the event honored Ms. Melford for her roles the first Athletic Director, Director of Physical Education, Teacher of Physical Education, and Coach at Sacred Heart. Ms. Melford founded the Green and White teams and developed a successful athletic program, laying the groundwork for current traditions and foundations. Her unique coaching style balanced encouragement with discipline and care with challenge, inspiring athletes to reach their full potential. Coach Sarah Hill reflected on how Ms. Melford’s, “Peg’s,” passion for teaching and coaching created a competitive atmosphere and left a lasting mark on Sacred Heart athletics.
“From 1955 to 1980, Peg did not just teach physical education, she ignited a love for athletics in her students that would last a lifetime,” Coach Hill said. “Under Peg’s leadership, our rich athletic history developed. Her innovative coaching techniques transformed Sacred Heart’s programs into a powerhouse, fostering a competitive spirit while instilling the values of teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. I remember how she celebrated not just victories but the growth of each individual athlete. It was Peg’s enthusiasm and passion that inspired countless young women to compete and perform to their highest level.”
Sacred Heart Athletics emphasizes a commitment to cultivating a culture that fosters sportsmanship. The Hall of Fame pays tribute to the accomplishments of the school’s athletes, coaches, and teams, honoring their lasting contributions.
Featured Image by Ellie Furman ’26
