Sacred Heart Greenwich welcomes Ms. Noreen Haggerty as the new head coach of the swim team this winter season.  Following her engagement with programs based in New York and Connecticut, Ms. Haggerty joins the Sacred Heart Athletic Department ready to build a team focused on bonding, faith, and hard work.

Ms. Haggerty began her collegiate swimming career at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. where she swam Division III.  Ms. Haggerty continued her passion for swimming by coaching swimmers at Empire Swimming in White Plains, New York, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Greenwich, Connecticut, and Rocky Point Club in Old Greenwich, Connecticut.  She expressed that her experience as a coach and as a swimmer at a young age taught her the importance of being a team player.  

“What I learned during my swimming experience was much more than winning, form, and technique,” Ms. Haggerty said.  “I learned how to be part of a team and be a team player.  Teamwork, accountability, commitment, and responsibility are all lessons I learned in the pool.  I want to share my experiences and teach my swimmers these lifelong qualities and Sacred Heart is just the place to do that.”

This season, senior co-captain Grace Lillis looks forward to training with the swim team and participating in team bonding activities, while leading her teammates alongside Ms. Haggerty.

“I am looking forward to training competitively per usual, but also taking the time to participate in more team bonding activities as we will likely have more opportunities to do so with less in-person meets,” Grace said.  “In terms of helping Coach Haggerty lead the team, I am excited to introduce her to all of the traditions that make our team so special, and to maybe even form new ones, especially because it is always exciting to have a new perspective on the team.”

Ms. Haggerty will work with the members of the swim team to ensure that they are competing and practicing to the best of their ability.  With team support and tenacity, Ms. Haggerty hopes that each swimmer will come to practice filled with excitement and enthusiasm.  

“I coach because I enjoy it and have fun,” Ms. Haggerty said.  “I expect the same from my swimmers.  My number one goal during these uncertain COVID times is not only for my swimmers to come to practice ready to work hard and do their best, but to make sure they have a good time while doing it.”

Featured Image Courtesy of Mr. Christopher Pope