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Athletics Hall of Fame

Athletics

Walker's Athletics Hall of Fame

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 was established through a ceremony in 2023.


Criteria to be Considered

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:

Competitive Success while at Walker’s

Sportsmanship – Character

Leadership – Team, School, Community

Community Service

Collegiate and Post-Collegiate History (i.e., recognitions and awards)

Class of 2023 Inductees

Nancy Van Voorhees '24 Athletics Hall of Fame

Nancy Van Voorhees Barrett '24

Track, Hockey, Basketball, Tennis

Nancy Van Voorhees Barrett '24

Nancy Van Voorhees, Class of 1924 and a Sun, is recognized for her excellence in athletics while both a student at The Ethel Walker School and after graduation. A highly versatile athlete, she played for both the Suns and on the Varsity team in ice hockey, basketball (winning the “Golden Basketball” in 1922), baseball, and track, and was also on the tennis team. Nancy was secretary of the Athletic Council in 1922, and served as its president in 1923 and 1924. While she was a star in many of her sports, it was in track where Nancy competed at the highest level. At the age of 15, she became the youngest member of the first Women’s Olympic track team, competing in the 1922 Women’s World Games. She tied for a gold medal in high jump in the 1924 Paris games.

Later in life, Nancy devoted much of her time to volunteer work mostly in support of hospitals. She volunteered for the Presbyterian Hospital and was treasurer of its Women’s Auxiliary, and sat on the Board of Managers of Holy Comforter’s United Hospital Fund. The Voorhees Cup, one of The Ethel Walker School’s highest athletic awards, is named for Nancy, and is awarded “to the best all-around athlete who has at all times shown good sportsmanship and good school spirit.”

Constance Lavino Bell '48 Athletics Hall of Fame

Constance Lavino Bell '48

Riding, Hockey, Tennis, Basketball

Constance Lavino Bell '48

A graduate of the Class of 1948 and a Sun, Constance “Connie” Lavino entered Walker’s in 1945 and immediately made her impact felt athletically. A contributor to the riding program as well as interscholastic sports, Connie was a true leader. She served on the Athletic Board from 1946 until 1948 and was president of the riding association in 1948. Connie won the Walker’s athletic emblem in 1947. In addition to riding at the school, Connie played on the Suns team in field hockey, tennis, and basketball, and played interscholastically on the basketball, hockey, and lacrosse teams. She was awarded the Voorhees Cup; the Sun Basketball Cup; and the Good Hands, Good Head, Good Heart Riding Cup.

Outside of athletics, she showed her leadership as a prefect. After Walker’s, Connie continued to ride until 1953, with the arrival of the first of her six children. Later in life, she could often be found on the golf course, winning numerous weekly round robins, and achieving three holes in one at three different golf clubs. In tennis she was a favorite partner and frequent competitor in member guest tournaments. Connie’s leadership at Walker’s also continued well into her life, through multiple terms on both the Alumnae Board and the Board of Trustees. Her contributions to our Walker’s community are felt every day, with the Bell Library situated in the heart of our campus. Connie’s legacy has carried on through her family, with two daughters and two granddaughters attending Walker’s. Her daughter, Debbie Bell Spoehel ’75, served as a trustee and her son, Stuart, served as Board Chair. Granddaughter Eda “Ellie” Bell ’12 followed in her grandmother’s footsteps and became Head of Riding.

Brunhilde Grassi Ryan '29 Athletics Hall of Fame

Brunhilde Grassi Ryan ’29

Hockey, Track, Apparatus, Basketball

Brunhilde Grassi Ryan ’29

A graduate of the Class of 1929 and a Sun, Brunhilde Grassi’s yearbook page says it best: “Not only is she always one of the best in every sport, but she rivals her proficiency in athletics with her academic credits in studies.” Her participation in athletics was extensive. In hockey, she was captain of the Four Corners Hockey team, captain of the Sun Hockey team, and captain of the Varsity Hockey team. In track, she was captain of the Sun Track team and a member of the Varsity Track team. She was manager of the Sun Apparatus Team and won second place in the Individual Apparatus Competition multiple years. She also played on the Sun Basketball team.

Academically, she received Honorable Mentions in Algebra, Latin, and Physics. Not surprisingly, Boots was elected President of the Athletics Board in 1929. She was awarded the Prize for Effort and Development and the Athletics “W” in 1929. The Brunhilde Grassi Cup was established to honor her, “for the girl in the Freshwoman or Sophomore Class who has shown the most sustained good spirit in work, conduct, athletics, and community living.”

Deborah Verry '29 Athletics Hall of Fame

Deborah Verry ’29

Tennis, Skiing, Hockey, Track

Deborah Verry ’29

A graduate of the Class of 1929 and a Dial, Deborah “Deb” Verry made her impact athletically both in club competition as well as interscholastic games, and was a true leader who encouraged everyone around her. Her yearbook page states that, “Again and again, she drew out the best in individuals and sent them ahead, inspired by her example, to undreamed-of accomplishments. She found the best in herself and never failed to pass it on, so that the remembrance of Deb, whether wrestling with Cicero translation or throwing the basketball, will be legendary in the School.” Deb served on the Athletic Board in 1928 and 1929 and was the Secretary of the Board in her second year. She competed for the Dials in tennis, skiing, ice hockey, track, and basketball. She was the captain of the Dials in tennis, skiing, ice hockey, and track. Deb also played Varsity hockey, track (captain) and tennis while at Walker’s. At graduation, she was awarded the Emily Cluett Prize for Courage and Fortitude.

After Walker’s, Deb’s athleticism won her notable success in golf, coming in second in the Women’s North-South Golf Tournament in 1934, and winning the event in 1936. Deb later won the Women’s Massachusetts Amateur Golf Championship in 1937. She became President of both the Women’s Eastern Golf Association and the Women’s Golf Association of Massachusetts. Outside of athletics, Deb became a major in the Massachusetts Women’s Defense Corps, and in 1942 joined the Waves as an apprentice seawoman, notably the first of the women’s golf champions to sign with the armed forces.

Centennial Inductees

Darrell Carrington coaching softball in 1989

Darrell Carrington P'02

Coach

Darrell Carrington P'02

Sally Goodrich

Sally Goodrich

Coach

Sally Goodrich

Courtney Hornberger

Courtney Hornberger '01

Coach

Courtney Hornberger '01

Ruth Mead black & white

Ruth Cummings Mead '47

Field Hockey, Basketball, Golf, Tennis

Ruth Cummings Mead '47

Julie Welles black & white

Julie Welles '06

Riding

Julie Welles '06

History of Walker's Athletics

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.

Read More

1942 Varsity Field Hockey

Walker's Athletics Through the Years

1942 Dials
1914 May Day
Ethel Andrews Harlan
1917 Riding Henrietta Davis '18
1920 circus
EWAC 1921-1922
Nancy Van Voorhees
1930 Pepper Pot Arena
Mallory cup
1942 Uniforms
1958 skiing
1963 IFWFH
Walker's basketball 1970s
1981 Field Hockey
Lacrosse in the 1990s
Crew early 2000s
Riding Team 2002
Soccer 2008
Centennial Center
1912

The Sun Club and the Dial Club (pictured in 1942) were established at Walker's. These spirit clubs performed against each other in gymkhanas, as well as at other athletics and recreational events.

1914

Dancing was a formal part of a Walker's girl's education from the school's earliest days. At Lakewood, students were instructed by Misses Darling and Miner. Miss Darling trained the girls for special dances in connection with our May Day and dramatic performances.

1917

Alumna Ethel Andrews Harlan '15, who had some influence over school athletic uniforms, became the School's first athletic director in 1917. "The first thing on my agenda turned out to be hockey," she said.

1917

The riding program began to flourish when the School moved to its Simsbury location in 1917. Here, alumna and rider Henrietta Davis '18 poses with her horse in the picturesque woods that surround campus.

1920

In 1920, the Suns and Dials started a new tradition of competing circuses. Within the privacy of their own campus, the students performed acrobatics and simple stunts, much to the amusement of their peers and the members of faculty, staff, and administration.

1921-1922

In 1921, the field hockey team and the track squad were introduced. Other early sports included basketball (pictured), riding, and tennis.

1921-1922

The Ethel Walker School Athletic Council was formed in the first decade of the school (1911-1921) and has had a variety of names including the Athletic Association in the early 1980s. To this day EWAC is still responsible for generating enthusiasm around athletics.

1924

Nancy Van Voorhees ‘24 was a remarkable athlete who, at the age of 15 and while a student at Walker’s, was selected to participate on the first Women’s Olympic Track Team.

1929-1930

In late 1929, the school finished construction on the John Henderson Indoor Riding Ring. John Henderson was a long-time riding instructor at the school. The first indoor horse show (later called the Winter Horse Show) was held in February 1930.

1932

In 1932, the first athletics award, the Margaret Mallory Cup, was announced at that year's commencement exercises to Jean McClelland. The award was created to recognize "the new girl whose spirit in work, conduct, and athletics has been most distinguished."

1942

The Walker's varsity athletic teams received their first formal uniforms in 1942. In the same year, Walker's joined the newly formed New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC).

1958

Walker's first alumna faculty member, Mabel "Mabsie" Walker '30 helped to form a ski club in 1935. Today, Walker’s ski program competes in the Class “B” Western New England Prep School League (NEPSAC) as well as the Brigham Ski League (BSL).

1963

Word of Walker's quality athletic facilities and playing fields led the International Federation of Women’s Field Hockey to petition Walker’s for the use of its fields for the annual IFWFH tournament. As a result, the school gained notoriety for its own hockey program.

1970s

While the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) began in 1942, it wasn’t until the 1970s that girls’ schools were granted membership and girls’ athletics became a regular part of the Council’s annual agendas. Title IX was signed into law in 1972.

1980s

Walker’s was part of the original Founders League membership in 1981, and the league officially began in 1984. Walker’s left the League for a time, along with some of our sister schools, to create more flexibility in opponents and contests across different programs.

1990s

Walker’s found much success in the Girls’ School League, with championships in field hockey, soccer, and lacrosse throughout the 1990s.

Early 2000s

The early 2000s showed a boom of new sports added to the athletic program. Squash and competitive swimming were two recent additions as the popularity of these sports rose in New England.

Early 2000s

Since its inception, the riding program has continued to be a cornerstone of The Ethel Walker School.

2008

Walker’s returned to the Founders League in 2008, as the school’s teams became more competitive and more prominent within the interscholastic leagues. Walker’s also found much success as a member of the Connecticut Independent School Athletic Conference (CISAC).

2016

As Walker’s achieved a higher competitive profile, turf fields were added and in a community-wide spirit of pride and purpose, the Centennial Center opened in 2016 to welcome another 100 years of Walker’s athletes.

Nominating Committee

Brett Benzio, Director of Athletics

John Monagan, History Faculty, Head Varsity Basketball and Softball Coach

Marion Paterson P’17, ’19, Director of Alumnae Relations and Major Giving

 

Jenny Belknap

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

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

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 Alumnae Board

Samara Khalique Grove '00

Salem, VA

Samara Khalique Grove '00

Samara Khalique Grove graduated from Walker’s in 2000, then went on to earn a BS in Psychology from Bates College and her MD from The American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. She is a practicing rheumatologist and an assistant professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, VA. At Walker’s, Samara played varsity field hockey, lacrosse and basketball, and held numerous leadership positions including team captain and as a member of the Big 7. She won the Clarissa Green Cup, the Vorhees Cup and the William Lickle Athletic Cup. At Bates, she played varsity field hockey and lacrosse, and was awarded the lacrosse spirit award. After college, Samara continued her involvement in lacrosse through club sports and coaching, volunteering as a youth coach in both Boston and New Orleans, and even working for a time as a lacrosse and field hockey coach at Walker’s.
Sydney Satchell '10

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

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.