This year, 12 Sacred Heart Greenwich seniors have committed to continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Representing a wide range of sports, including lacrosse, soccer, rowing, basketball, and skiing, these student-athletes have demonstrated exceptional dedication, talent, and perseverance throughout their Upper School years. Their commitments reflect not only their passion for competition, but also their commitment to academics. As they prepare for this next chapter, these seniors are looking forward to competing at a higher level and furthering their academic pursuits at their respective institutions.
These athletes have each dedicated time and effort to their respective games to develop a strong sense of discipline and skill. By spending countless hours on the courts, fields, and the water, they have achieved long-standing athletic goals. Within this group, senior Torin Witek participated in three sports at Sacred Heart, including varsity squash, varsity lacrosse, and junior varsity A field hockey. Torin made her commitment official September 1, 2026, and she will be continuing her academic and athletic career as a Division I lacrosse player at Syracuse University in Onondaga County, New York. Torin reflected on how Sacred Heart’s athletic and academic resources and opportunities have supported her over the years.
“Sacred Heart has pushed me to be the best version of myself on and off the lacrosse field,” Torin said. “It is a school where everyone genuinely wants each other to succeed and where encouragement and support are always constant. This has always made me feel valued and supported, no matter what challenges I have faced. I have never felt alone because I’ve been surrounded by people who believe in me and push me to my best. I’ve also been so lucky with the coaching staff here at Sacred Heart and would not be where I am without them. I’m so excited for college and think the transition will be challenging, but I know Sacred Heart has prepared me for what will come.”
While committing to a college for a sport is rewarding, the journey to get there is often filled with challenges and moments of doubt. For these athletes, the recruitment process begins much earlier than it does for their peers who are not pursuing college sports. Balancing academics, friendships, family, and a social life requires both dedication and a genuine passion for the game. Senior Eva Wilkerson, who committed to playing basketball at Towson University in Towson, Maryland, looked back on her path to finding the right college fit. She emphasized the strong support and guidance she received from her coaches and mentors at Sacred Heart.
“Sacred Heart has played a huge role in supporting me throughout my recruiting process,” Eva said. “From Mrs. Rousseau to Coach Hart, mentors have been there every step of the way. They consistently checked in on me, offered guidance, and valuable insight. Their support went beyond just recruiting—they genuinely cared about helping me find the best fit for my future. I truly would not be where I am today, or heading where I am, without their encouragement and belief in me.”
For many of these athletes, committing to a college extends far beyond competing at the next level. It also allows them to deepen their academic interests and actively pursue their goals in a more demanding and enriching environment. While a rigorous university offers many rewards, balancing academics with the demands of collegiate athletics can overwhelm students. Senior Clare Junius will continue her rowing career at Princeton University this fall. As she prepares to graduate, Clare feels confident in her ability to manage both her coursework and athletic training. She shared how Sacred Heart prepared her with the discipline and skills she needs to succeed.
“I plan on prioritizing my academics in the limited time I have and leaning on upperclassmen on the team who have been through the same experience,” Clare said. “Sacred Heart has taught me to be a better student athlete because it has helped me build good habits in terms of studying and in learning how to be efficient in getting things done.”
Featured Image by Elin Eaton ’27
