The Global Studies program at Bishop O'Connell kicked off the school year with an afternoon session with special guest speaker, Paul Singh. Singh is a 1999 graduate of Bishop O'Connell. He has founded several startup tech companies and spent some time at PBworks, AOL and Symantec. He is currently the founder of Disruption Corporation, which provides research, investment and advice in the in Crystal City. He is also a general partner of Disruption's post-seed venture capital arm, Crystal Tech Fund.

Singh shared his perspectives on the future business environment, telling the students, "The web is getting bigger and the world is getting smaller."

He shared stories of well known Internet companies to give the students perspectives on the labor force behind the scenes. In this discussion, he also reinforced a theme that our students have certainly heard before: be aware of your online identities, and realize that future employers are looking at you from that lens too. He called this "online breadcrumbs."

The school library was "standing room only" for this session, and students stayed around well beyond the formal presentation to have the opportunity to further engage with the speaker.  

Read more about Singh in the April 10, 2014 edition of the Washington Post.

CLICK HERE to find out more about the Global Studies program.

Bishop O’Connell High School has named Brianna Murphy to the ice hockey program coaching staff. For the 2014-2015 season, Murphy will serve as the head coach of the Varsity-2 hockey team. She will also serve as the head coach of an interim girls team that will play four exhibition games this winter.

Beginning in the fall of 2015, Bishop O’Connell will field a varsity girls ice hockey team that will play a full season schedule in the Mid-Atlantic Girls Hockey League (MAGHL). This league currently includes five teams from Maryland: Academy of the Holy Cross, Holton Arms, Archbishop Spalding, Bryn Mawr and St. Timothy’s.

Coach Murphy played four years of Division III women’s hockey at Buffalo State College, where she served as captain for two years. She graduated with a bachelor’s in health and wellness, and recently received her master’s in physical education from Canisius College.

"We’ve had a great deal of interest in our girls hockey program,” said ice hockey head coach Flip Collins. “I am looking forward to working with Coach Murphy to build the girls ice hockey program at Bishop O’Connell High School.

There will be a meet-and-greet with Coach Murphy on Monday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. in the school library for all interested players and parents.

For more information contact Coach Flip Collins at fcollins@bishopoconnell.org or Coach Brianna Murphy at bmurphy@bishopoconnell.org.

The Bishop O'Connell community kicked off Homecoming weekend with an Alumni Awards Dinner at Marymount University in Arlington. For the first time, the event combined both the Alumni Achievement Awards with the Athletic Hall of Fame, and more than 140 alumni, family members and friends attended the celebration.

The first award of the evening was presented by English department chair, Diane Cerniglia. Kristin Hughes '00 was awarded the Young Alumni Award. Kristin is currently a senior manager for Global Community Health Programs at Special Olympics. She has previously held government positions focusing on public health policy. Cerniglia shared stories of Kristin's high school days, where she already showed a desire to work hard to make a difference.

The Knights Service Award was presented to Ray Zdancewicz '74 by his son, Kevin Zdancewicz '04. Ray has been involved in youth sports all his adult life, serving as the Northern Virginia CYO treasurer for over 30 years. He is a parishioner at Our Lady of Good Counsel, where he has also served on their pastoral council for many years. In 2011, Ray received the St. Thomas More Award for Youth Ministry from the Diocese of Arlington.

Head of School, Dr. Joseph Vorbach '83 presented the annual Distinguished Alumni Award to Kevin Callaghan '79. Kevin is a managing director at Berkshire Partners and continues to be active in a number of community and philanthropic efforts. "Kevin epitomizes the award," said Vorbach. "In whatever point or place in his life, he has been an active, engaged and creative force for good."

Athletic Director, Joe Wootten, introduced the next set of awards, where former O'Connell athletes were inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame.

David Evans '69 was introduced by former teammate Bill Leib '69. David was the starting quarterback for the Knights football team, and Bill was his center. David went on to play college football at Missouri Southern State University, where he led the 1972 team to an undefeated season and the NAIA Division II national title.

Syd Albrittain '83 introduced the next Hall of Fame inductee, Mike Rickard '83. Syd shared the story of Mike's spirit and determination to return to football and wresting after breaking his back during the summer before his senior year. Mike was a two-time Washington Metropolitan Athletic Conference wrestling champion, as well as a state champion his senior year.

Sara Goode '94 was introduced by her former softball coach, Tommy Orndorff. She was a four-year varsity starter who still holds multiple records, including for single season base hits (108), runs scored (107) and many others. Tommy attributes Sara's love of the game and her competitive spirit for her success that led her to succeed on and off the field.

Soccer coach, Alberto Starace, introduced Katie Brodnik '95, who recognized by the awards committee for her achievements on the soccer field and on the basketball court. He called her both a scholar-athlete and a leader; in her senior year she was serving as team captain and class president. Katie went on to play basketball at Duke University.

Coach Starace also introduced this year's Hall of Fame team--the 1990-1991 girls soccer team. The team won three consecutive CGAA championships, finished this season with a 19-0 record, and had five players named to the All-Catholic first team. This team was coached by Starace and Kelly Cole Iacobucci. Several members of the team have already been inducted as individuals to the O'Connell Athletic Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame committee also recognized two other athletes who were not able to attend this year's ceremony; Andrew Cunningham '72 (soccer) and Stephanie Vance '94 (softball).

Read more...

Alumni Achievement Awards

Athletic Hall of Fame

View a collection of photos from Spirit Week and Homecoming!

View other photo albums:

Alumni Homecoming Mass and BBQ Lunch - Oct. 4, 2014

Alumni Awards Dinner - Oct. 3, 2014

Special thanks to Mrs. Connolly, Coach Orndorff, Mrs. McDonald and the yearbook staff for sharing these great photos!

Student correspondent, senior John Patterson, reports on the growing number of after-school a cappella groups at Bishop O'Connell. There's something for everyone and music is definitely in the air!

Bishop O'Connell Students Reach a High Note
in the Arlington Catholic Herald (Oct. 9, 2014)

Come hear for yourself! These groups, along with the rest of the school's music ensembles, will be performing a special "Pops" concert on Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Admission is free!

Students enrolled in the Bishop O'Connell Global Studies Program welcomed Rob Prazmark for a special after school seminar on Oct. 20. Prazmark, a 1971 graduate of Bishop O’Connell, is the founder and CEO of 21 Marketing, a global sports and entertainment marketing organization. His career has taken him from network television production and marketing to worldwide sponsorship development and media relations for the Olympics and other multi-national sporting events. Prazmark has been involved in 16 Olympic games and he already has his sleeves rolled up for the 2016 summer games in Rio de Janeiro. He and his firm are involved in other global sports endeavors, including World Cup soccer, America’s Cup sailing and the Special Olympics World Games.

Prazmark shared his perspectives on business trends today, encouraging the Global Studies students to explore the global dimensions of all their interests, whether it involves business, technology, sports, or any field.

“My views of the market have shifted over the years,” remarked Prazmark. “The U.S. is not necessarily the center of the universe.”

“When I started working with the Olympics there were only a handful of global companies, like Coca Cola,” he added. “That number has grown exponentially.”

The students had several questions about sports as an industry, and Prazmark diagrammed a robust “ecosystem.” He encouraged students interested in that field to explore valuable internships and not limit themselves to one small area of the industry. He also reminded them that a variety of opportunities exist for those interested in working in a corporate setting, as well as for those with an entrepreneurial spirit.

Find out more about the Global Studies Program.

Bishop O’Connell High School has brought new faces and talents to the performing arts faculty, hiring a new choral director and a new band director for the upcoming school year.

Ron Isaacson (pictured left) is the new band director. He comes to O’Connell as a trombonist/low brass specialist, an instrumental conductor and a music educator. He earned a Bachelor of Music in music education from the Crane School of Music, SUNY-Potsdam, in 1983 and earned his master’s degree from George Washington University in 1998.

As a music educator, Isaacson has taught at schools in the Washington metropolitan area and in New Hampshire. He has also directed school and community musical theater productions, including "Annie,” "Once on This Island,” "Pirates of Penzance,” “The Adventures of Mr. Toad,” and "My Fair Lady.”

Peter Kadeli (pictured right), a native of Falls Church, is the new choral director at Bishop O’Connell. He holds a Bachelor of Music in choral education and music composition from the George Mason University School of Music in Fairfax. Following his studies at Mason, Kadeli served as the choral director at Trinity School at Meadow View where he taught music theory and directed five high school choruses. His compositions have been performed in the United States and in Europe. Locally, the George Mason University Chorale, Modern Music Ensemble, Fredericksburg Chamber Chorale, W.T. Woodson High School Chorale, and Trinity School at Meadow View Chorale have performed his choral works.

This past summer, Kadeli conducted the National Philharmonic Chorus in a premiere of his composition “Veni Sancte Spiritus” in a European tour that included the cities of Vienna, Salzburg, and Prague. He also enjoys directing the contemporary choirs at the Saint Robert Bellarmine Chapel in Fairfax and the Life Teen Choir at All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas.

“Both of these new faculty members are committed to building on the successes of our award-winning music program at Bishop O’Connell,” said Carl Patton, assistant head of school and director of curriculum and instruction. “Our entire performing arts program will benefit from these experienced artists and dedicated teachers, and we looking forward to a year of learning and celebration of the arts.”

Seniors Brooke Fernandez and Kevin Fraser were recognized at the 4th Annual Courage Award Reception of Catholic Athletes for Christ (CAC), held earlier this month at Top of the Town in Arlington.

Fernandez is a four-year varsity swimmer and field hockey player. She volunteers her time as a high school ambassador at Children’s National Medical Center and as a tutor at the neighborhood elementary school. She is a member of the Spanish Honor Society, Keyettes and the Medical Missionaries Club. Over the summer, she traveled with the Medical Missionaries Club to Haiti to provide assistance to the staff at St. Joseph’s Clinic in Thomassique.

Fraser is a four-year varsity soccer and lacrosse player at Bishop O’Connell. He is an active member of St. Ann’s parish in Arlington, where he has participated in the work camp program. He has also dedicated his time to volunteering in the local community, through organization such as the Greenbrier Learning Center, Arlington County Parks and Recreation, Arlington Food Assistance Center and Lose the Training Wheels, a recreational therapy program. Fraser plans to play lacrosse at Ursinus College next fall.

O’Connell chaplain, Father Gregory Thompson, was on hand at the awards ceremony as these students were honored along with student-athletes from other diocesan high schools. CAC presented former Major League Baseball player, Darrell Miller, with the 2014 Courage Award for his leadership in athletics and his Catholic Faith.

Catholic Athletes for Christ serves Catholic athletes in the practice of their faith and shares the Gospel in and through sports. The organization work with athletes at all levels of sport in an effort to promote a Catholic sports culture. CAC was formed in response to Pope John Paul II's call to evangelize the world of sports and his establishment of the Vatican's Office of Sports.

Read more about the awards dinner in the Arlington Catholic Herald.

Pictured (l to r): Athletic Director Joe Wootten, Kevin Fraser, Brooke Fernandez and Father Thompson.

Congratulations to the Bishop O'Connell girls cross country team who captured the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) title for the eighth straight year. The championship race was held Saturday, Oct. 25 at Lake Fairfax in Reston, Va.

The Lady Knights were led by sophomore runner, Isabell Baltimore, who finished the race in second place. Not far behind her were senior Sarah Davis (5th place), junior Briana Broccoli (7th place), junior Gabriella Baltimore (9th place), freshman Grace Pulliam (13th place), senior Theresa Matula (14th place) and senior Mackenzie Nihill (18th place).

O'Connell took third place in the boys race, finishing closely behind Good Counsel and Gonzaga. With three DJO runners in the top 15, this was the best team finish in more than ten years. The O'Connell boys were led by Junior Kevin Dannaher (6th place), senior Josh Speier (7th place) and senior Marty Knauf (14th place).

Read more...

"O'Connell Girls Win Eighth Cross Country Title" (Oct. 27, 2014)
Arlington Catholic Herald

Complete Race Results by M&D Timing

On Oct. 27, fifteen Bishop O'Connell students attended the Anti-Defamation League’s annual Concert Against Hate at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. This powerful and inspirational event honors heroes in the fight against intolerance, extremism and terrorism. Stories are told about individuals who have performed extraordinary acts of valor and courage when confronted with bigotry, hate and other discriminatory acts.

This year's event honored Olympic gold medalist William Mervin ("Billy") Mills, who has devoted his life to giving back to the Native American people; Jacqueline Murckatete a survivor of the Rwandan Genocide and a human rights activist; and Reat Griffin Underwood, Dr. William L. Corporon, and Teresa Lamanno, who were killed by a white supremacist at the Jewish Center and Retirement Home in Kansas.

The concert was hosted this year by Leslie Uggams and Isiah Whitlock Jr. The National Symphony Orchestra, along with the Washington Performing Arts' Children of the Gospel Choir and the ADL Choir, performed selections from Tchaikovsky, Debussy, John Williams, Pete Seeger, and others.

Dr. Daniel Stabile, Mrs. Monica Stabile and Mr. Andrew Edmondson organized and chaperoned the event. This is the seventh consecutive year that O'Connell students have attended this event.

Bishop O'Connell High School has a long-standing French exchange program with a Catholic high school in Reims, France--Lycée Jean XXIII. Students from each school have the opportunity on alternating years to travel to the others' country, stay with a host family and experience the life of a student in a different culture. This year, our O'Connell families served as hosts for a group of students and their chaperones from France.

Our Spanish program hosted students from Barcelona's San Ignacio de Loyola School during the same time period, adding a multinational and welcome new dimension to the O'Connell exchange experience.

Read personal reflections from O'Connell students and view photos on our Student Blog page at www.bishopoconnell.org/dayinthelife.

In late October, two O’Connell teachers participated in collaborative learning opportunities that allowed them to stay connected with their peers in the region and around the country.

English teacher, John Meehan, was invited to a weekend conference, called “Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teaching & Teachers.” This event brought approximately 300 educators from all across the country to New Orleans for an all-expense paid three-day event which Meehan described as an “educators’ retreat.” “I was energized by this group of great teachers who love their jobs, and humbled by the number of state-wide ‘teachers of the year’ in the group.” said Meehan.

The conference included breakout sessions and small group discussions that focused on leadership, collaboration and innovative instructional practices. “I was talking shop with great people,” said Meehan. “There were informative presentations by veteran teachers, and roundtable discussions on the meaningful use of technology in today’s classroom.”

Vocal music director, Peter Kadeli, was invited the same weekend to join other alumni of George Mason’s music education department for a panel discussion on classroom management in the music classroom. The audience included currently enrolled students in the master’s program at the University. The panelists discussed their own strategies and techniques for dealing with behavior issues at all grade levels. Kadeli’s comments were focused on teacher preparation and teaching approaches. “When the students are engaged in learning, behavior problems are minimized,” he said.

Read more about the event:

http://gmusiced.blogspot.com/2014/10/local-teachers-visit-mason-to-share.html

On Saturday, Nov. 2, more than 800 high school students from across the area gathered at Wakefield High School in Arlington to audition for All-District Chorus. Bishop O'Connell is part of the VCDA District 12, which includes Arlington and Fairfax counties. The students auditioning on Saturday were from 16 different area high schools, public and private, including Oakton, Herndon, Marshall, James Madison, South Lakes, Flint Hill, Chantilly, Oakcrest, Langley, HB Woodlawn, Washington Lee, Yorktown, Wakefield, Madiera, McLean, and O'Connell.

The audition consisted of two parts: a prepared piece and a sight-reading example. This year, the prepared piece was an excerpt from "How Lovely Are The Messengers" by Felix Mendelssohn. The audition was blind, meaning the judges could not see the students and vice versa, and the students sang along to a recorded accompaniment. After the prepared piece, the student was given a short musical excerpt, and only 30 seconds in which to study it. After 30 seconds, the student would sing it and be graded on the accuracy of the rhythm and pitches.

At the end of the day, the scores were tabulated and the top students in each voice part were accepted, aiming for about 100 students in the Women's Choir and about 200 students in the Mixed Choir.

O'Connell students  selected for the 9th and 10th grade Women's Choir were:
Katherine Hales (10th grade)
Miranda Smith (10th grade)

The O'Connell students named to the Mixed Choir were:
Meghan Mack (12th grade)
Isabel Fernandez (11th grade)
Jordan Hunt (12th grade)
Maddy Collins (12th grade)
Amanda Mezaros (12th grade)

Of the 800 students that auditioned Maddy Collins, Katherine Hales, and Isabel Fernandez scored within the top fifteen for their respective voice parts. All DJO students that auditioned represented their school well on Saturday. Go Knights!

The District Chorus will rehearse together Feb. 12-14, 2015 at Herndon High School. There will be a public performance following the event on Feb. 14 at 2 p.m.

Congratulations to all participants!

Pictured below (l to r): Katherine Hales, Jordan Hunt, Isabel Fernandez, Amanda Mezaros, Meghan Mack, Miranda Smith and choral director Peter Kadeli. Not pictured: Maddy Collins.

The student body gathered for a special November assembly to recognize two important groups of people. During the first half of the assembly, recipients of 2014 O’Connell scholarships and academic award were recognized. The second half of the assembly was devoted to the observance of Veterans Day, by honoring staff and faculty members who have served their country.

The O’Connell jazz band provided music as the community gathered, and then returned later in the assembly to perform a medley of songs from the armed forces, including The Air Force Song (Air Force), The Army Goes Rolling Along (Army), Semper Paratus (Coast Guard), The Marine’s Hymn (Marine Corps) and Anchors Aweigh (Navy). The O’Connell Singers performed the National Anthem, and the Men’s A Cappella group, on stage together for the first time this year, performed the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

Father Thompson opened and closed the gathering with prayer. Sister Catherine Hill read the poem, In Flander’s Field, as a special tribute to all veterans.

Honoring Veterans

Eleven members of the Bishop O'Connell faculty and staff were recognized for their service to our country. Together, this group has more than 138 years of military service:

Michael Bernhard (Math Chair) – U.S. Navy
Reno Cassidy (Math Teacher) – U.S. Army
James Ewings (Football Coach) – U.S. Marine Corps
Michael Garofolo (English Teacher) – U.S. Navy
Joseph Giaquinto (Softball Coach) – U.S. Navy
Paul Gerton (Science/Engineering Teacher) – U.S. Army
Tom Glynn (Science Chair) – U.S. Coast Guard
Quinn Hollomon (Tennis Coach) – U.S. Navy
Susan Koranek (Math Teacher) – Air National Guard
Mary Quinn (Field Hockey Coach) – U.S. Army
Joseph Vorbach (Head of School) – U.S. Coast Guard

Scholarships and Awards

Below are the scholarship and award winners recognized at the assembly.

• John A. Ballard Scholarship - Alexandria Sacci
• Barry Breen Scholarship for the Visual and Performing Arts - Teresa English and Turner Richmond
• Joseph W. Connolly Scholarship - Rachel Narvaez
• De La Salle Award for Instrumental Performance - Ava Coffin and Kenneth Rudolph
• De La Salle Award for Vocal Performance - Peter Lucas and Elise Welsh
• Henry Heishman Scholarship - Marty Knauf
• Knights Recognition Scholarship
• Sarah Grasmeder, David Pizzano, Nikolas Rocha and Seth Viani
• Rev. Monsignor John McMahon Scholarship - Alec Quiroga
• Robert J. and Elizabeth K. Murphy Family Scholarships - Matthew Funkhouser and Hodari Robinson
• Bishop O’Connell Alumni Scholarship - Alexandra Lucchesi
• Bishop O’Connell Scholar Award - Caitlin Mea, Gabriela Matheu, Anthony Socarras, Selene Swanson and Annmarie Wolf
• O’Donnell Family “Making a Difference” Award - Andrew Oliveros
• Schaffner Family Scholarship - Katharine Colclough
• Colonel C.A. Seoane Award - Diego Garcia, David Koehlmoos and Marissa Luna
• Prudential Spirit of Community Award - Maureen Duesterhaus
• Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Service Award - Kate Rocheleau
• Cindy Walls Scholarship - Josh Speier
• “Spirit of O’Connell” Award - Janiya Clemmons
  

National Merit Commended Students - In September, officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of approximately 34,000 Commended Students in the 60th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.  More than 1.5 million juniors in about 22,000 high schools entered the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2013 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as the initial screen of program entrants. Commended Students placed among the top 5% of the more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2015 competition by taking the 2013 PSAT/NMSQT. The following O’Connell seniors were recognized as Commended Students: Srijan Bhasin, Kathryn Gliot, Alexander Socarras, Jennifer Ternullo and Katherine Ward.

AP Scholars – The College Board's AP Program recognizes high school students who have demonstrated college-level achievement through AP courses and exams. At the end of last year, 125 O’Connell students were named AP Scholars. Members of the class of 2015 who were included in that group were recognized at the assembly. CLICK HERE to view a complete list of 2014 O'Connell AP Scholars.

View a slideshow from the assembly below:

Ms. Anne-Marie Funk and Sister Tracey Uphoff recently accompanied members of the Bishop O'COnnell Fiat Club on a morning hike near Potomac, Md. Fiat is a new club that exists for young women who would like to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ.

Ms. Funk's photos and blog entry on the outing can be found on the Knights of Faith section of our web site.

CLICK HERE to read more...

O’Connell’s head softball coach, Tommy Orndorff, was inducted into the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) National Softball Hall of Fame, where he was recognized for his accomplishments over the past 40 years as a manager and head coach of girl’s fast pitch softball in the Washington, D.C. area.

Orndorff was joined by former players, family and friends at the Hall of Fame ceremony, which was held in conjunction with the ASA Annual Council Meeting in Reno, Nev.  on Nov. 8, 2014.

“I am both humbled and honored to be selected,” said Orndorff. “Recognition such as this is very gratifying, but it’s more than just an individual award. It says a lot about everyone who has been involved—and by that I mean the coaches, assistant coaches, scorekeepers, parents and, most especially, the players themselves.”

At Bishop O’Connell, Coach Orndorff has led the Lady Knights to a 678-78 record in his 29 years at the helm, which include an impressive 21 Catholic league tournament championships and 19 Virginia Independent School state tournament titles.

From 1972 until 2010, Orndorff also coached the local Shamrock’s Under-18 team. During that time period, the team qualified for the national championship 25 times, finishing eight times in the top five.

The ASA National Softball Hall of Fame is located in Oklahoma City, where it welcomes over 200,000 guests each year. Since its inception in 1957, 378 athletes and non-players have been inducted.

View Coach Orndorff's acceptance speech HERE.

Pictured: Tommy and Doug Lindaman, Chair of Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

Congratulations to the following students who have been named Bishop O'Connell Student-Athletes of the Week.

Michael Hurley ‘15
Boys Soccer – Goalkeeper
Hometown – Arlington, Va.

• 1st Team All-WCAC. Recorded 13 shutouts (from 19 played games) during 2014 season. Team Captain. Varsity starter since sophomore year. Received WCAC and All-State honors as sophomore, junior and senior
• 4.36 GPA
• Student leader for the Wreaths Across America - Wounded Warrior Project
• National Honor Society, German Honor Society, German Club, Best Buddies Club
  

Anthony Howard ‘15
Football – Running Back and Defensive Back
Hometown - Temple Hills, Md.

• 2nd Team All-WCAC. Holds full scholarship offers from West Virginia Wesleyan, WV State, and Shepherd University
• 3.45 GPA
  
• Plays in the concert band and plays organ for church on Sundays. Volunteers at local homeless shelters  
  

Elizabeth Farrell ‘16
Tennis – Doubles Team
Hometown – McLean, Va.

• Finished 7-1 in conference play; WCAC champions
• 4.3 GPA
  
• SCA, Spanish Honor Society, Spirit and Leadership Team. Serves as a volunteer at SOME (So Others Might Eat)
  

Lula Hailesilassie ‘16
Tennis - Doubles Team
Hometown – Alexandria, Va.

• Finished 7-1 in conference play; WCAC champions
• 3.61 GPA
  
• French Honor Society, Math Honor Society. Volunteers at an assisted living facility

For the third year in a row, the Bishop O'Connell field hockey team has hosted a special "Play 4 the Cure" game to raise the visibility of cancer research needs. This cause is particularly close to many of the players whose families have been affected by cancer, and they are inspired by head coach Mary Quinn who underwent cancer treatment not long after she began coaching the team in 2011.

The National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) featured the Lady Knights and their "Play 4 the Cure" game in a recent video.

If you are unable to view the video below, visit the NFCR YouTube page.

Bishop O’Connell is proud to partner with the University of Notre Dame’s Play Like a Champion Today Character Education Through Sports program. This partnership is part of Play Like a Champion’s national initiative to support schools and sports organizations in making sports more safe, fun, and developmentally enriching. Athletic Director Joe Wootten of Bishop O’Connell welcomed the opportunity to work with Play Like a Champion, saying: “Play Like a Championemphasizes presenting sport as a form of youth ministry and challenges us to view sports as a means of developing the whole person: physically, mentally and spiritually.”

The Play Like a Champion program is designed to provide children and adolescents with the highest quality sports experience possible. Drawing on the expertise of members of the Notre Dame coaching staff and the research of developmental, moral, and sport psychologists, Play Like a Champion aims to renew youth and high school sports by educating coaches and parents to nurture children’s personal and spiritual development as whole persons along with athletic excellence.

By partnering with Play Like a Champion, Bishop O’Connell brings both coach and parent clinics to their community. University of Notre Dame Play Like a Champion Program Director Kristin Sheehan will join Athletic Director Wootten and O’Connell leadership on December 7^th and 8^th to conduct the clinics. O’Connell is the first area school to partner with Play Like a Champion in elevating their sports culture.

Play Like a Champion Today workshops are nationally accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE.) Play Like a Champion has partners in over forty cities across the United States and Canada, and has educated over 30,000 coaches and 20,000 parents who in turn have impacted the lives of over a million athletes.

Pope Francis recently spoke in his Vatican Radio address about “the importance of sport in moral education, since the sporting spirit is one that teaches the need for discipline, effort and sacrifice to succeed and achieve excellence – becoming a constant reminder of the sacrifices necessary to grow in the virtues that build the character of a person.”  Play Like a Champion works to instill these virtues in young athletes, their parents, and coaches across the country. “If Catholic-sponsored sports programs are going to achieve their full-potential as envisioned by Pope Francis, Catholic schools and dioceses must invest in preparing coaches and sport parents to understand sports as a vehicle to teach gospel values. When sport programs partner with Play Like a Champion, they run a program in sync with our Christian community and effectively develop young people to become disciples of our Church.” says Kristin Sheehan, Play Like a Champion Program Director. 

Find out more about our school's program at www.bishopoconnell.org/playlikeachampion.