NEW TEAMS, NEW ENERGY, SAME HEART
Aswestepintoanewyearandtransitiontothewinterseason,wealsostep ontotherink,courts,intothepools,andbackintotherhythmof competitionwithfreshenergyandexcitement.Newteamsandanewseason ofgamesbringsmorethanjustwinsandlosses,itbrings opportunity.Opportunitytogrow,tochallengeourselves,andtocontinue buildingsomethingspecialtogetherasSacredHeartGreenwichAthletics.
Eachseasonisachancetodevelopourskillsonthecourt,iceandinthewater, butjustasimportantly,togrowasteammatesandindividuals.Throughtough practices,andhard-foughtgames,welearnresilience,leadership,and commitment Wepushoneanothertobebetter,supporteachotherthrough setbacks,andcelebrateeveryvictory bigorsmall Alongtheway,new friendshipsareformedandexistingbondsgrowstronger,remindingusthat sportisasmuchaboutconnectionasitisaboutcompetition“Weplaywith passion,butwithdignityandgrace”~MichaelBaber,President
Thisfirstweekback,ourcampuswasbuzzingwithenergyaswehostedseveral MiddleSchoolbasketballgames,andthecamaraderieondisplaywaselectric. Thegirlsconsistentlyliftedeachotherupbycheeringloudlyformadebaskets, strongdefensiveplays,andmomentsworthcelebrating,whilealsooffering encouragementandsupportwhenthingsdidn’tgotheirway.Whetheronthe benchoronthecourt,teammatesstayedconnected,showingempathy, positivity,andresilience.Itwaswonderfultoseehowtheycompetedwithheart, supportedoneanotherthrougheveryhighandlow,andrepresentedthetrue spiritofteamwork.
Thatsenseofconnectionwasonfulldisplayaswerecentlywelcomedalumnae backtocampusforswimming,squash,andbasketball Watchingthemshare stories,cheerfromthesidelines,andreconnectwithcurrentathleteswasa powerfulreminderofthelegacyandcommunitythatdefineSacredHeart Athletics OnceyouweartheSacredHeartGreenwichjersey,youremainpartof ourfamily Theweekendwasfilledwithlaughter,memories,andinspiration, reinforcingtheenduringbondsbetweenpastandpresentathletes
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
Aswemoveforwardintothis newyearandcontinuethe winterseason,wedosowith gratitude forthosewhoworetheSacred HeartGreenwichjerseyin yearspast,excitementfor whatliesaheadinthe nexttwomonths.Here’sto growth,teamwork,new friendships,andanother unforgettableseason; togetherasoneheart.
Mrs.LaurieRousseau DirectorofAthletics
O N T E N T S
Defensefirst Culturealways Afterahistoricruntothe2025 NEPSACClassAFinals,our varsitybasketballteamreturns keypiecesandwelcomesnew facesreadytobuyin.
10
9 Basketball Squash IceHockey
Earlymornings,longdays, andunwavering commitmentdefinethe hockeyexperience,andthe grindispayingoff.
11 Swimming&Diving
A B L E O
OurSwimmersandDiversenter thewinterfocusedon community,growth,and collectivestrength,pairing seasonedleaderswithemerging talentastheysettheirsightson FAAandNEPSACchampionships. 6
Builtonstrategy,pressure,anda trueoneheartmentality, Squashcontinuestoriseonthe FAAandnationalstage With elitereturners,abreakoutNo 1, andafearlessrookieshakingup theladder.
14 Beyondthe Scoreboard: ProtectingtheMental HealthofOur Student-Athletes
Pressure,performance,and perfectionism.Inapowerful conversationwithschool psychologistDr.LisaSchwartz andAthleticDirectorLaurie Rousseau,weexplorehow SacredHeartGreenwich supportsthewholeathlete.
17 AlumniSpotlight
BellaAdams’22reflectson leadership,resilience,andthe courageittooktolaunchSacred HeartGreenwich’sinaugural waterpoloprogram.
DirectorofAthletics
Mrs.LaurieRousseauP’27
ManagingEditor
Mrs.AyoHartP’24P’24, Head Coach, Basketball, Assistant Coach, Track and Field
Editors
Mrs.TriciaBoyle, Communications and Marketing Manager
Mrs.LauraPlunkett, Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications
Photographers
Mrs TriciaBoyle
Mr.ChrisPope
Ms.ErinSnopkowski
Contributors
Ms.AlexandraBaker
Mrs.TaraCloughP’25,P’27
Mr.ChrisCunningham
Mr.NickDePaola
Ms.JulietteFirla
Mr.CarlosLópez
ScarlettP.’26
SAACRole:Co-President Sports:LacrosseandSoccer
JaidenV.’26
SAACRole:Co-VicePresident Sports:Soccer
JanieD ’26
AriC.’26
SAACRole:Co-President Sports:Soccer
SAACRole:Co-VicePresident Sports:FieldHockey,IceHockey,Golf
EmmaM.’27
Sports:Lacrosse,Basketball,andFieldHockey
SAACRole:Secretary
SashaM.’28
SAACRole:2028Representative Sports:Lacrosse,Icehockey,FieldHockey
LivS ’27
SAACRole:MediaRepresentative Sports:FieldHockey
MiaK.’29
SAACRole:2029Representative Sports:FieldHockey
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FROM THE EDITOR
DearSacredHeartGreenwichCommunity,
Winterhasareputationitdoesn’tentirelydeserve.Yes,it’sthe longestseasonontheathleticcalendar.Thedaysareshorter,the airiscolder,andtheschedulecanfeelrelentless.Butwinteris alsothecoreofourathleticyear.It’sthetimewhenthegrowth fromthefallcantakeroot.Theculturewebeganbuildingwith ourteammatesandcoachestakesshape.It’snolongerabout introductionsorfirstimpressions.Bynow,friendshipshave formed,routinesareset,andconfidenceisquietlybuilding.This Januaryissueof One Roar celebratesthatsenseofmomentum
Winter isn’t something to endure, it’s when strong friendships are forged and habits are solidified.
“ ”
Inside,wecheckinwith allourwintersports.Eachteamcarries forwardtheenergyfromthefall,nowenhancedbyfamiliarityand trust.Whatoncefeltuncertainisnowanchoredinsharedgoals, accountability,andbeliefinoneanother.
Thisissuealsoshinesalightonanequallyimportantpartofthe student-athleteexperience:mentalhealthandwell-being.My conversationwithschoolpsychologist,Dr.LisaSchwartzand DirectorofAthletics,LaurieRousseau,highli resourcesSacredHeartGreenwichprovides mentalhealthofourathletes.Theirmessage isn’tjustphysical,andsuccessisbuiltwhen supported,heard,andbalanced.
Finally,welookbeyondourtimeoncampus spotlightonIsabellaAdams’22.Bella,aSac lifer,isnowcompetingattheDivisionIlevel waterpoloteam.Herjourneyisaremindert resilience,discipline,andcommunitytravel HeartGreenwich.
Winterisn’tsomethingto endure It’swhenstrong friendshipsareforged, habitsaresolidified, limitationsaretested,and purposebecomesclear.As always,itwasanabsolute pleasurecompilingthis issue.Ihopeyouwillenjoy thisall-accesslookinside ourAthleticsDepartment. Withgratitudeandpride, Mrs.AyoHartP’24,P’24
HeadBasketballCoach; AssistantTrackCoach Co-Advisor,Classof2028
JANUARY2026
SEASON CHECK-IN: THE SEASON AHEAD FOR OUR WINTER TEAMS
01. BASKETBALL
Attheheartofourbasketballprogramisculture Ourteamculture is built deliberately off the court and tested relentlessly everyday onthecourt.Ouridentitystartsonthedefensiveend,whereeffort, communication, and trust have fueled some of our biggest momentsinrecentprogramhistory.Thatcommitmenttodefense hasallowedourvarsityteamtogotoe-to-toewithteamsstacked with Division I talent and to deliver statement wins when the lineupspredictedotherwise.
Last winter, we set several milestones as we completed a second straight undefeated FAA season, finished second in NEPSAC, and advanced to the 2025 NEPSAC Class A Finals, pushing four-time champions Loomis Chaffee to the final horn in a six-point battle. Seven players return from that group, joined by five new teammates who share the same appetite for defending, competing,andsacrificingforoneanother.
Thisyear’srosterblendsyouthandexperiencewithfivefreshmen, three sophomores, two juniors, and two seniors. Our squad is anchoredbyourupperclassmen,EvaW.’26(Towsoncommit),Ava C. ’26 (Trinity commit), Emma M. ’27, a SAAC representative and verbalFairfieldLacrossecommit,andLuciannaP ‘27athree-
yearstarterwhoalreadyholdsfour DivisionIoffers.Theirprotectionof ourstandards,pairedwithgenuine compassion for their teammates, setsthetonedaily.
After two straight undefeated FAA seasons,ourstreakrecentlyended withatoughlosstoHamdenHall,
adding fuel to an already rigorous January slate. We have key matchups ahead, including a showdownwithGFAonJanuary27, followedbyaroadtriptoSt.Luke's, the perennial FAA powerhouse we dethroned in our back-to-back championship games in 2024 and 2025. January leaves no margin for error, with back-to-back Friday and Saturdaygameseveryweek,five
and Os. The goal is to pass forward a legacy rooted in friendship, joy, and unselfish competitionwhiledefendingeverypossessionas ifitisthelast.
GO HEART!!
Withasmallbutcommittedrosteroffive players,JVBasketballisembracingaseason definedbygrowthandopportunity.Themix oftwoeighthgradersandthreefreshmen, benefitsfromconcentratedinstructionand dailyguidance,whilesupportfromthree varsityplayershelpsfuelcompetitive performances.At3–2,thisgroupisgaining confidenceandbuildingastrongfoundation forthefuture.
Withphenomenalnumbersthisseason,SacredHeart GreenwichisfieldingsixMiddleSchoolteamsthis winter:three7 /8 gradeteamsandthree5 /6 grade teams.The7 /8 gradeteamsentertheseasonwitha sharedfocusongrowth,energy,andconnection
th th th th th th Offensively,theemphasisisonmakingsmartdecisions, movingtheballquickly,anddevelopingconsistent shootingform.Onthedefensiveend,aggressiveplay, constantcommunication,andacommitmentto reboundingisadailyconversation
Guidedbyfiveteamvalues:Teamwork,Grit,Patience, Inclusivity,andPositivity,thesesquadsareunifiedbya simplemindset-getbettereveryday.Withrostersfull ofeagerlearners,CoachDsayseveryplayerisa promisingcontributor,andtheenthusiasmis contagious Fromaloud,supportivebenchtosteady improvementonthecourt,our7 /8 gradeteams bringjoy,effort,andtogethernesstoeverypracticeand game. th th
The5 /6 Whiteteamenterstheyearwithhigh energyandaclearcommitmenttoteamworkand sportsmanship.Improvingindividualskillswhile learningtoworktogetheronbothoffenseand defenseremainsthepriority.CoachHillsaysher returningsixthgradershaveshownnoticeable growthandawillingnesstolearn,settingapositive tonefortheteam.Sheislookingforwardtothegirls continuingtodevelopgameawareness, fundamentals,andconfidencethroughacompetitive andrewardingseason.
th th
The5 /6 gradeteamsheadintotheseasonfocused onlearning,energy,andsteadygrowth.
For5 /6 Green,theearlyemphasisisonbuildinga strongfoundationunderstandingtherules,positioning, andcoreskillsthatmakethegamecometogether.As theseasonprogresses,thegoalistomovebeyond fundamentalssothatthegamebeginstofeelmore naturalandinstinctive.CoachStearnswillhave anotherseasonwithCateC whobringsconfidenceand scoringabilityatpointguard,whileanotherreturner, MaryC addsstrongball-handling,reliableshooting, andadefensiveedgethatanchorsthegroup. th th
The5 /6 Greyteamenterstheseasonunderthe guidanceofCoachCloughandCoachLewis,whose leadershipandexperiencesetastrongtonefor developmentandconfidence.Both emphasize fundamentals,effort,andteamwork Thissquadis focusedonlearningthegame,competingwith energy,andbuildinghabitsthatwillservethemwell throughouttheirSacredHeartGreenwichathletic journey.
The Sacred Heart Greenwich Ice Hockey team continues to embodydiscipline,resilience,andsteadygrowthunderthe
leadership of coaches Chris Myhro and Rich Wiese With earlymorning practices, long travel days, and demanding academic schedules,thisgroupisdefinedbyitsself-motivation.
That growth was on full display with a statement league victory overFAApowerhouseRyeCountryDay,awinthatunderscoredthe team’sbeliefinthemselves.
Each season, the program takes another step forward, and this winterisnoexception.Thegirlsareembracingthegrind,
sharpening theirexecution,and learninghowtomanagethe physicalandmentaldemandsofa challengingschedule.Asthe seasonunfolds,SacredHeart Greenwichhockeycontinuesto provethatconsistency,discipline, andheartarethefoundationof meaningfulsuccessbothonthe scoreboardandbeyondtherink.
Consistency, discipline, and heart are the foundation of meaningful success.
The squash program enters the season with ambitious goals and a unified mindset. Competing in FAA Championships,NEPSACChampionships,andHighSchoolNationals,theteamisdrivenbyaclearcredo: One Heart. Every player works together toward shared success knowing that collective commitment elevatesindividualperformance.
“One heart. We all work together to reach our goal.”
Strategically,theteamemphasizesintelligent pressureusingthecornerstocreateopeningsand allowplayerstocapitalizeontheirstrengths.
SeniorcaptainCatherineT anchorsthelineupwith afearlessattackingstyle,whilereturning sophomoresCara,Eloise,andRosiebring competitiveexperiencehonedthroughyear-round play.RosieV.’soffseasongrowthhasbeen
especiallynotable,risingfromtheNo.4position lastyeartotheteam’scurrentNo.1.
FreshmanFrancisF hasemergedasastandout rookie,quicklyclimbingtoNo.2afterleadingthe MiddleSchoolsquadlastseason.Withmarquee matchupsaheadagainstDeerfield,Hotchkiss,and GreenwichAcademy,theseasonpromiseshighleveltests.Mostimportantly,theprogram continuestothriveonitsstrongculture,onethat fuelsgrowth,loyalty,andalastingloveforthe game
Our 2025 - 2026 senior class
04. SWIMMING & DIVING
VarsitySwimmingandDivingentersthewinterseasongroundedin onepowerfulidea:communityfuelsexcellence.Unlikemost programs,SacredHeartGreenwichSwimmingcompetesasone unifiedteam,wherefirst-timeracerstrainalongsideDivisionI recruits.CoachReedsaysthatrangeofexperienceisnota challenge,it’sastrength.Thegoalthisseasonissimple:elevate everyswimmerandraisethecollectivelevelofspeed,skill,and confidencebeyondwhereitstoodlastyear.
CoachReedemphasizesthatwhileswimmingisoftenviewedasan individualsport,peakperformanceisunlockedthroughshared effort.Dailyexpectationscenterongiving100%fortheday, recognizingthatnoteverydaylooksthesame,butcommitment mustremainconstant.Practicesaredesignedwithvarietyand intention,whilemeetlineupsarestrategicallycraftedtoput swimmersinthebestpossiblescoringpositions.Withthis approach,theteamexpectstobehighlycompetitiveatboththe FAAChampionshipsandtheNEPSACDivisionIChampionships
Leadershipisakeycomponentoftheswimteam’ssuccess.Junior captain,LaurelC.andSeniorCaptain,Caitlin.D.serveasthe cornerstoneoftheprogram,leadingthrougheffort,focus,and genuinecarefortheirteammates Theoffseasonsawmeaningful growthfromMirandaZ.,IzzyN.,andVeeV.,whilenewcomersMolly C.,CarolineandAllisonS.,GraceN.,MaddyD.,andHamptinS.add depthandenergy
EmmaB.captainsthedivingteam andwillbedivingforLafayettein thefall Shehasbeenatop performerfortheSacredHeart Greenwichteamduringher varsitycareer.EloiseL.andClaire K.,fellowseniordivers,alongwith Emma,helptochallengeourtwo youngdivers,MaryKateMcB.and RileyW.astheycontinueto advancetheirskillsfortheseason ahead.“Withseveraldivingmeets left,wearelookingforwardto theirperformanceatFAAsand NEPSACswheresomeofthemwill perform11divesastheycompete fortopplaces,”saysCoachReed.
MiddleSchoolSwimmingheadsintotheseasonwith enthusiasm,focusingoninclusivityandaclearfocuson learningandconnection.Guidedbythesimplemotto,“Just doyourbest,”theprogramemphasizeshavingfun,building friendships,andsupportingoneanotherinandoutofthe pool Withitslargestrosterinyears,theteamreflectsthe growingexcitementaroundthesportatSacredHeart Greenwich.
We want the girls to learn, have fun, and bond as friends.
VersatilereturnersCatherineR.andMaddieMcM.provide experienceandsteadyleadership,withCatherineshowing notableoffseasonimprovement.Awaveofnewcomers,many brandnewtocompetitiveswimming,addsenergyand curiosity,makingeachpracticeanopportunityforgrowth As theseasonunfolds,theteamlooksforwardtospiritedmeets againstGreenwichAcademyandBrunswick,allwhile competingwithencouragement,effort,andjoy
MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS
Why Middle School Swimming?
Newtocompetitiveswimming? Lookingforasupportiveteam? Wanttotrysomethingnew?
Middle School Swimming at a Glance
Roster:Largestinprogramhistory
SeasonFocus:Learning, confidence,connection
TeamMotto:“Justdoyourbest”
KeyMeets:GA•Brunswick
WhatWeValue:Effort,joy, belonging
“Just do your best.”
~ Coach
Mansfield
BECAUSE OF YOU: OUR COMMUNITY OF CHAMPIONS
Heartfelt gratitude from our community. Because of you, we thrive.”
“Youalwaysareso happy...Itreally makesmehappy.”
BEYOND THE SCOREBOARD
Protecting the Mental Health of Our Student-Athletes
At Sacred Heart Greenwich, mental wellness isn’t a separate initiative or an occasional assembly topic, it’s woven into the daily lives of our student-athletes.
Sportsprovideimmeasurable opportunitiestoexperiencea spectrumofemotions.Often theseebbsandflowscorrelate totheoncourtsuccessstories, butthereisalsoaconnection toastudent’sphysicaland mentalwell-being.Studentathletesoftenareoftentoldto drownoutthenoise,butwinter hasawayofturningupthe volume Thedaysgetshorter, theschedulesgetheavier,and themarginforerrorfeels smaller.Forstudent-athletes, thismiddlestretchoftheyear canbeespeciallyintense Academicsareaccelerating, teamrolesaresolidifying,and expectationsfromselfand othersarepilingon.AtSacred HeartGreenwich,thatreality isn’tignoredorminimized. Instead,it’smetwith somethingpowerful:aculture thatinsistsyoucancompete fiercelyandbecaredforfully.
InconversationswithDr.Lisa Schwartz,schoolpsychologist, andMrs.LaurieRousseau, AthleticDirector,aconsistent themeemerged:mental
wellnessisn’taseparate initiativeoranoccasional assemblytopic,it’swoveninto thedailylivesofourstudentathletes.Itshowsupinhow teamsarebuilt,howcaptains lead,howadultsrespondwhen somethingfeels“off,”andhow thecommunityremindsour girlstheyaremorethanany statline. Thepressurenoonesees (untilitshows)
Dr Schwartzdescribesthe mostcommonemotional challengesfacingstudentathletesasafamiliartrio:fear offailure,perfectionism,and comparison,withbodyimage and“doingitall”closely behind.Manygirlsexperience athleticsasahigh-stakes reflectionofidentity,“IfIdon’t perform,I’mnotenough.”That mindsetcanbeintensifiedby recruitingchatter,socialmedia highlightreels,andtheinternal narrativethateveryoneelse hasittogether.
Dr LisaSchwartz SchoolPsychologist
Andthenthere’sthelayerthat studentsdon’talwaysfeel comfortablesayingoutloud: parentpressure.Dr.Schwartz notesthatsometimesgirlswant tostepawayfromasport, switchpaths,orsimplyadmit theydon’tloveitanymore,but theyfeelguilty,especiallywhen parentalexpectationsareloud evenunintentionally.That disconnectcandeepenanxiety andfuelafearoffailure:IfI stop,Idisappointthem.IfI struggle,Ifailthem.
Mrs.LaurieRousseau, DirectorofAthletics
Earlywarningsigns:whatoverwhelmedlookslike
BothDr SchwartzandMrs Rousseauemphasizedthe importanceofcatchingstressearlybeforeitbecomes somethingmore.Thesignscanbesubtleatfirst,and thensuddenlyobvious:
Sleepchanges-stayingupextremelylate,not sleepingwell,orwantingtosleepallday
Moodshifts-irritability,beingalwaysupset, unabletorelax
Eatingextremes-noteatingenough,eating erratically,noticeableshiftsinroutine
Losinginterestinthingsthatusedtobringjoybaking,walkingthedog,hobbies,evenfriends
Secretivebehaviorespeciallywithphonesor socialhabitsthatsuddenlybecomeguarded
Dr.Schwartz’sadviceissimplebutimportant:ifyou noticeextremes,orapersonalityshiftthatdoesn’t resolve,it’sworthpayingattention;without judgment,withoutpanic,andwithoutassumingyou knowthewholestory.
Mrs Rousseauaddssomethingcrucialfroman athleticdepartmentperspective:coachesand teammatesoftenseestudentsincontextsthat teachersandparentsdon’t Practices,games,locker rooms,longbusrides;theseenvironmentscanreveal whensomeoneisthrivingandwhensomeoneis barelyholdingittogether.Thatvisibility,whenpaired withtrust,canbecomealifeline.
Comparisonisthethiefofjoy.
Dr.Schwartzencouragesfamiliesandstudentsto bemindfulofsocialmediausenotbecauseit’s “bad,”butbecauseitisnotanaccuratereflection ofreality.Ahighlightclipdoesn’tshowthe anxietybeforethegame,theinjuryrehab,the lonelynights,ortheuncertaintybehindthesmile. Ifstudent-athletesspendtoomuchtime consumingcuratedversionsofeveryoneelse’s lives,theirownself-worthmaystarttofalter.
Butshealsopointstoapowerfulprotectivetool: teamculture.Whencoachesbuildenvironments whererolesarevalued,strengthsareunderstood asdifferentandnecessary,andperformanceis framedassomethingthatnaturallyebbsand flows,student-athletesarelesslikelytomeasure themselvesagainstteammates.Themessage becomes:IbelongherebecauseofwhatIbringto theteam.
Mrs.Rousseauseesthatculturalshapingasthe heartofleadership.Ourschooltheme, Lead with Heart, Act with Purpose, isn’tasloganmeantfor banners.It’smeanttoshapethedailychoices thatbuildateam.Shedescribesherhopefor student-athletes,especiallyinUpperSchool,as learningtoshowupwithintention:notjust attendingpractice,butarrivingwithpurpose Working,listening,encouraging,andtakingcare ofthepeoplebesideyou.
Toher,“leadingwithheart”isn’tpretending everyoneisbestfriendsorforcingpositivity.It’sa process.It’sthelittlegesturesdoneconsistently thatcreatetrust:aquickcheck-in,ahighfive,a smile,awordofencouragement,adecisionto includesomeonewho’sdriftingtotheedge. Thosedetailsbuildthekindofteamculture wheresuccessbecomesabyproductandwhere mentalhealthhasroomtobreathe.
You’renottellingonsomeone you’reprotectingthem.
Oneofthemostimportantand mostcomplicatedelementsof athletewell-beingispeersupport Mrs.Rousseaumeetswithcaptains before,during,andafterseasons andasksadirectquestion:“Isthere anyoneyou’reconcernedabout?”
Thatquestioncanfeelheavyfor students Sometimestheyworry thatbringingconcernsforward makesthemdisloyal.Mrs.Rousseau isclear:it’snotbetrayal,it’scare Sherecalledarecentsituation whereastudentfearedtheywere “reportingon”ateammate,butin reality,theylikelypreventedabad decisionandhelpedkeepsomeone safe.Teachingstudentsthat distinctionispartofbuilding maturityandcommunity. Thissenseofcommunityis reinforcedbythefactthatSacred HeartGreenwichdoesn’trelyona singlepersontocarrytheload. Supportisapartnershipbetween coaches,captains,theathletic department,divisionalleadership, andmembersofthestudent supportteamwhoknowthegirls well.Theresponseisn’tone-sizefits-alleither Itdependsonthe situation.Sometimesit’saquiet check-in Sometimesit’sloopingin appropriateschoolleaders. Sometimesit’scontactingfamilies. Nomattertheprocess,the consistentgoalisthesame:don’t justreact,createasolution
Ifcoachescanshapethecultureof theteam,parentscanshapethe climateathome.Mrs.Rousseau’s advicetoparentsissimple:listen first.
Inhigh-achievingcommunities, thetemptationistoadvise immediately,fixquickly,or“help” ButDr.Schwartzbelievesthatat thisage,manystudent-athletes needasafeplacetounloadthe pressurewithoutimmediately receivingaperformancereview Mrs.Rousseauputsitplainly: parentsshouldbeparentsfirst Coachescancoach.
Dr Schwartzaddsanother essentialreminder:staypresent andsavorthemoment When familiescantrusttheprocess, trustthattheirchildisinagood school,surroundedbypeoplewho care,thepressureeases.Andwhen pressureeases,thereisroomfor joytoreturn.
Joyisn’tareward.It’sfuel.
Perhapsthemostinspiring takeawayfrommyconversation withDr Schwartzisherinsistence thatjoyisnotoptional.Many student-athletestreatjoylike somethingyouearnafterthegoal isachieved.Butshearguesfor somethingdeeper:joyforthesake ofjoy,notoutcome-driven,not resume-driven,not“whatwillthis getme?”joy.
Herchallengeispractical:identify whatbringsyougenuinejoy,then
builditintoyourweekevenifonly briefly. Itcanbeanything:A routinethatprotectssleep, nourishingfoodandconsistent hydration(andshegivesagentle reminderthatenergydrinksand excesscaffeinearenotyour friend) Afewminutesoutside A realconversationwithsomeone whomattersinperson,notonly throughascreen
Shealsohighlightsconnectionasa dailymentalwellnesshabit.Check inonfriendsnotbecauseyouneed something,butbecauseyoucare Remindoneanother,“weneed eachother” Thatiswhat supportingmentalhealthlooks likeinaction.
WhatmakesSacredHeart Greenwichspecialisn’tthat pressuredoesn’texisthere.Itdoes becausegirlscare,becausethey strive,becausethey’reambitious WhatmakesSacredHeart Greenwichdifferentisthatthere areadultsreadytonotice,respond thoughtfully,andguidestudents towardbalance Thecultureis builttoproducenotjuststrong athletes,butstrongteammates andhealthyyoungwomen.
Andmaybethebestreminderfor thisseasonisthis:yourmental healthisnotsomethingyou addressaftertheseason.It’spart ofhowyoulivetheseason. So,aspracticesstackupand gamesintensify,letthisbethe messagethatechoesthroughthe hallways,lockerrooms,and homes: You don’t have to do it alone.
ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT: ISABELLA ADAMS ’22 | SAN JOSE STATE ’27
Bellalaughsrememberinghow theytalkedclassmatesintotrying somethingtheyhadnevereven seenlive.Theyalsorecruited swimmerswhichwasanideal crossoverbecausetheseasons don’toverlap,andswimmerscan learnthegamequickly. Thepitch wassimple: Come with us. It’s fun. You’ll be part of something new.
Isabella“Bella”Adamsdoesn’tjustplaywaterpolo,she’slivedit, builtit,andhelpedbringittolifeforanentireschoolcommunity.
Long before she was battling in the NCAA’s most demanding conference,shewasaneighthgradestudentwithanewobsession, a bold idea, and the confidence to walk into Sacred Heart Greenwichandsay,“Weneedawaterpoloteam.” Andshehadthe passionandcommitmenttobackupherrequest.
“I started playing water polo when I was in eighth grade,” Bella explains,“Iplayedoverthesummercasually,thenstartedplaying with Greenwich Aquatics at the YMCA.” Around that same time, Bella,hersister,andaclassmatewhoalsoplayedwaterpolosaw an opportunity. Water polo was growing, there was already a league in place, and Sacred Heart Greewnich’s PE requirement provided a natural entry into the sport for girls looking to try somethingnew.SotheydidwhatSacredHeartGreenwichgirlsdo whentheybelieveinsomething,theygotorganized
“We advocated for it with the athletic director at the time,” Bella says,“andwegaveherafullPowerPointpresentationonhowwe couldplay,potentialcoaches…wereallypushedforit.”
Starting a program from scratch means you don’t just need athletes,youneedbuy-in.Youneedcuriosity.Andyouneedfriends willingtojumpinthedeepend,literally
Anyonewhohaswatchedwater poloknowsit’snotforthefaintof heart Athletesbattleforposition bydefending,attacking,and sprinting,allwhiletreadingwater. Bellaunderstandswhypeople thinkwaterpoloisatoughsport, buttoherit’ssecondnature “It’s funny,”shesays,“becauseit’s become instinctivetome,but thenItrytoplaybasketballand I’mlike…Idon’tknowhow anybodydoesthis.”
Bellahonedtheresilience,leadership,andhumilityneededto excelatwaterpoloasaliferatSacredHeartGreenwich.“Sacred HeartGreenwichasaschooltaughtmeaccountability,”shesays, “andhowtoleadearlyon.”Thatleadershipgrewexponentially becausewaterpolodemandedit,especiallyinanewprogramwith youngerandnewplayers.BellacreditsSacredHeartGreenwichfor helpingherdevelopstrongcommunicationskills,discipline,and theabilitytoleadbyexample Anditwasn’tjustthesportitself,it wastheveryfiberofthecommunity.“Havingsuchatight-knit group…thegirlsinmygradeandevengirlsinotherclassesthatI metonthewaterpoloteamhelpedmetoleadbyexample”The programwasn’tjustateam,itwasaplacewherethegirlslearned howtoshowupforoneanother.
ForBella,thenextstepwasnotthemostcomfortableone, however,itwastheonethatpushedherintherightway “I decidedtogotoCaliforniabecauseIwantedtochallengemyself,” shesays.WaterpoloisbiggeroutWest.Thecompetitionishigher, andthepaceisrelentless.Bellawantedthat.We’reinthehardest conferenceintheNCAA…weplayUCLA,Cal,Stanford.”That’snot justaschedule,that’saweeklygutcheck.Bellaknewmoving acrossthecountryafter15yearsinthesameschoolcommunity wouldbeoneofthehardestthingsshe’deverdo.Butshewanted tomature,notjustasanathlete,butasaperson,andshewanted toseehowfarshecouldgo.
ThebiggestshockwhenarrivingatSanJoseStatewasn’tjustthe geography,itwastheintensity.“Thebiggestadjustmentwasbeing aD1athlete,”Bellasays,“Trainingbecamefull-timeratherthan somethingIdidafterschool.”Timemanagementbecamenon-
negotiable.Doubtcreptinearly, somethingmanyhighachieving student-athletesknowwell But Bellalearnedalesson,struggling doesn’tmeanyoudon’tbelong.It oftenmeansyou’regrowing.“When youstruggle,”shesays,“itdoesn’t necessarilymeanyou’renotmeant tobethere.Itmeansyou’repushing yourself.”
Thencametheinjury,andthe redshirtyearfollowed.Igothurt… soIhadnochoicebuttoredshirt,” Bellashares.Butintheforced pause,shefoundanewkindof development,notvisibleprogress, butinternalprogress.“Redshirting taughtmeaboutprogress…howit’s notalwaysvisible,butit’sstill happening.Youmaynotbegrowing muscleatthetime,butyou’re growingasaperson.Thatwas mentallyverychallenging”
Inaculturethatrewardstoughness, student-athletescanfeelpressure tohandleeverythingalone.“I struggledwithitatfirst,”she admits.“Iwastryingtoberesilient
Theglamorousstoriesofcollegiateathletics rarelyincludetheschedule Bella’srealityisearly morningsandlongblocksofwork.Inseason,the teamliftstwiceaweekfrom7:00-8:00a.m.,then practicesroughly8:30am -11:00am Onnon liftdays,practicerunsfrom9:00a.m.-noon. Trainingincludesconditioning,skills, scrimmages,andtacticsplusfilmsessions, scoutingreports,andindependentfilmstudy sessions Andofcourse,herpriority,her academics.
andactlikeIcoulddoitonmyown.”AtSanJose State,shehadaccesstoresources,andtheuniversity activelyencouragedstudent-athletestousethem. Likemanystudents,Bellainitiallythought,“Idon’t needthat,”butthenshegaveitashot “Iendedup seeingthesportspsychologist,”shesaid,“andwithin myfirstsession,itchangedmyperspectiveon everything.”Thesportspsychologisthelpedher recognizesomethingthateverystudent-athleteneeds tohear, especiallyduringinjury,setbacks,orthe recruitmentprocess:Youaremorethanyoursport.
“It’sterrifyingtosaythattosomebody,especially somebodyyoudon’tknow,”Bellasaid,“butitwasone ofthemosthelpfulresourcesI’vehad.”Thenshe sharedadviceforallheryoungerSacredHeart Greenwichsisters:“Youarenotdefinedbyyoursport. You’renotdefinedbyyourperformance It’sgoingto beokay.You’regoingtogetbackonthefield,theturf, thepool…andyouhavemoresupportthanyoucan imagine.Capitalizeonthat.”
Everystudent-athletehasadefiningmomentwhen doubtfinallyloosensitsgrip.ForBella,thatmoment cameinagameshortlyafterherreturn.“Inmyfirst gamebackduringsophomoreyear,Iscoredmyfirst goal,”sherecalls,“Myfamilywasinthecrowd.My teammateswerecheering.That’swhenIrealized… I’mmeanttobehere.”
Bellamajorsinbusinessmarketing,andbecause practicesmonopolizemostmornings,shecan’t takeclassesbeforenoon. Thetimedemandofa “20hour”sportquicklybecomesmoreonceyou addtravel,pre-gamepreparation,andthe unspokenrealityofcoachholdsyoulate “It’s takenalotoforganization,”shesays,“butyou getintoaroutine,andyou’relockedin.”
Bellahasalsotakenfulladvantageofinternships. Sheinterned withtheNYGiantsinCommunity Relations,thenspentasummeratSportsNet NewYork,inmarketingandprogramming affiliaterelations Sheclearlylikesbigstages,big responsibility,andnoexcuses.
ThebestpartofitallforBella?Hercommunity. Becauseafterallthetactics,trainingandtravel, whatreallygroundsheristhesamethingthat helpedlaunchher-herpeople.“Ilearnedto prioritizemyfriendshipswithmyteammates,” shesays “It’ssonicetowalkintopracticeandbe close…ithelpsyourmentalhealth.You’reallinit together.”
HeradvicetoSacredHeartGreenwichstudentathleteshopingtoplayincollege?“Don’trush theprocess.Don’tcompareyourpathto someoneelse,”shesays.“Trustyourown process…havefun…enjoythemoment.”
ONE ROAR
LEAD WITH HEART, ACT WITH PURPOSE. LEAD WITH HEART, ACT WITH PURPOSE.