The Ethel Walker School Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes those who, as student-athletes, coaches, teams, or contributors, have played a significant role in the success of the athletics program and, in so doing, have demonstrated a consistent commitment to honoring their sport.
These individuals have represented the high standards and values of the School and brought distinction to Walker’s athletics program.
Walker’s celebrated a Centennial Athletics Hall of Fame during the academic year of 2010-2011 and thereafter, a permanent annual Athletics Hall of Fame will be established through a ceremony in 2023.
Nominees must: Be out of high school at least 10 years for student-athletes and teams, 5 years for coaches and contributors; have been involved in athletics as an athlete, coach, administrator, and/or contributor; and have made a significant recognizable positive impact in their field and/or level of participation. Nominees are selected based on:
Jenny Belknap '90
New York, NY
Jenny Belknap '90
Jenny Belknap graduated from Walker’s in 1990, then went on to earn a BA in History from Tufts University, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She has spent nearly 25 years with The Estee Lauder Companies, and is currently their SVP Portfolio Strategy, North America. While at Walker’s she excelled in the riding program and was Captain of the Equestrian Team, winning the Brunhilde Grassi Cup, the Voorhees Cup and the Frank O.H. Williams Cup. She held other leadership positions including Student Body President. Jenny believes that the discipline and drive necessary for success as a leader in the corporate world was fostered at Walker’s where she learned to balance her academic, athletic and leadership roles and priorities. Her love of horses continues in her role as Chairman of the Board of the EQUUS Foundation.
Meg Filoon '81
Charlotte, NC
Meg Filoon '81
Meg Filoon graduated from Walker’s in 1981, then earned her BA in Biology from Denison University and later an MSPT from Simmons College. At Walker’s, Meg played varsity field hockey, lacrosse and paddle tennis, was President of the Athletic Association and was awarded The Athletic Cup, The Voorhees Cup and the Margaret Mallory Cup. At Denison, she played field hockey and lacrosse. After college, she continued to play field hockey and lacrosse at the club level, playing on regional and national field hockey teams (1985-1988), and national lacrosse teams until 1996, including the US Women’s Lacrosse Team. She is a member of the Denison University Hall of Fame. Meg currently teaches and coaches field hockey and lacrosse. In addition to her athletic achievements, she has been an EMT and Firefighter, a Physical Therapist, a Laura Carter Fellow and sits on the Women’s Mental Health Leadership Council at McLean Hospital, MA.
Susan S. Ford '63
Harbor Springs, MI
Susan S. Ford '63
Susan Ford graduated from Walker’s in 1963 and then earned a BA in Philosophy from Connecticut College and an M.A.T. in Education and History from Brown University. At Walker’s, Susan played varsity field hockey, basketball and lacrosse. A career in sports has won her numerous accolades, including New England Women’s 8 Conference Coach of the year in 1988 for Field Hockey and in 1990 for Lacrosse. As President of the United States Women’s Lacrosse Association she had an active role in the transition of the men’s and women’s lacrosse organizations to combine into one national governing body, now USA Lacrosse. For her skills and leadership in lacrosse, Susan has won numerous service awards at the national level and been inducted into 6 halls of fame, including the US Lacrosse National Hall of Fame.
Samara Khalique Grove '00
Salem, VA
Samara Khalique Grove '00
Sydney Satchell '10
Edmond, OK
Sydney Satchell '10
Sydney Satchell graduated from Walker’s in 2010, then earned her BA from Howard University. At Walker’s, She played varsity soccer, basketball and lacrosse for twelve consecutive seasons and held numerous leadership positions including Student Body President. At Howard, she continued to balance her academic achievements with her athleticism, competing as a member of the D1 women’s lacrosse team as well as graduating Magna Cum Laude. Less than a year after graduation Sydney was in a life-altering car accident that led to the loss of a limb. Her commitment to athletics and determination through her recovery led Howard University’s Athletic Department to name an award after her, The Sydney Satchell Award For Perseverance. Less than a year after her accident Sydney was able to return to athletics through adaptive sport and is presently a member of the US Women’s National Sitting Volleyball Team.
Susan P. Storer '71
Cincinnati, OH
Susan P. Storer '71
Susan graduated from Walkers in 1971, then earned her BA from Middlebury College and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. Now retired, she worked in corporate finance first for The Pillsbury Company and later at Federated Department Stores (renamed Macy’s, Inc. in 2007) as Assistant Treasurer for Corporate Finance. Always an athlete, Susan won the Voorhees Cup at her Walker’s Commencement, then went on to play varsity field hockey, basketball and lacrosse in college and graduate school. Over the years, Susan has also picked up soccer, squash and tennis, competing at the national level in lacrosse, squash and soccer. Susan’s volunteer roles include being a tutor for the Cincinnati Squash Academy as well as working with the United Way’s WINGs (Women Investing in the Next Generation) group, for which she received United Way’s “Living Her Legacy” Legend Award in 2017.
The history of athletics at The Ethel Walker School begins with the School’s establishment, in 1911, in Lakewood, New Jersey. Outdoor recreation is mentioned in the earliest recollections of the School and also in early newspaper advertisements for admissions. The Sun Club and the Dial Club were established during the School’s first year, and these spirit clubs performed against each other in athletic and recreational events. Over more than a century, many developments have contributed to the growth of our program, including Title IX in 1972, the inclusion of girls’ schools in NEPSAC (New England Preparatory School Athletic Council), and enhanced facilities. While the competitive spirit of the Suns and Dials has remained strong among both students and alumnae, the School’s athletics program has changed greatly since 1911.
Please enjoy scrolling through a few archival images below.
Ruth Cummings Mead '47
Field Hockey, Basketball, Golf, and Tennis
Ruth Cummings Mead '47
Julie Welles '06
Equestrian
Julie Welles '06
Sally Goodrich
Coach
Sally Goodrich
Courtney Hornberger '01
Coach
Courtney Hornberger '01
Darrell Carrington P'02
Coach
Darrell Carrington P'02