September 13, 2024 Submitted by Notre Dame Academy
Last night, Notre Dame Academy proudly welcomed the Class of 2023 into its prestigious Athletics Hall of Fame, honoring individuals who contributed significantly to the school’s storied athletic tradition. More than 100 community members attended The Hall of Fame Ceremony on the grounds of the state’s first all-girls Catholic day school in Hingham, Massachusetts.
“As the community came together to celebrate these achievements, the evening served as a reminder of the lasting impact that sports have on the lives of NDA students, both on and off the field,” said Notre Dame Academy President Annemarie Lynch Kenneally.
Founded in 1853, Notre Dame Academy (NDA) has established itself as a powerhouse in high school athletics. With a staff of more than 50 dedicated coaches guiding interscholastic teams across 19 sports, NDA’s athletic program has consistently set the standard for success. The school has claimed 42 state championships, secured numerous league and conference titles, and produced a roster of Coaches of the Year who have led their teams with distinction. Currently, 90 percent of NDA students participate in at least one sport each academic year, a testament to the school’s thriving sports culture. This year’s inductees include:
- Caitlin Cronin, a standout swim student-athlete from the Class of 2010 who still holds the school swim records in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle. Caitlin Cronin, a standout swim student-athlete from the Class of 2010 who still holds the school swim records in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle, 200 medley relay team and for the 200 freestyle relay team.
- Corinne Cox, an exceptional volleyball student-athlete from the Class of 2016 then, went on to Dartmouth College to play a successful career, finishing with 673 assists, 279 digs, and 48 aces.
- Coach David Gianferante, affectionately known as Dave G., had been a cornerstone of the NDA golf program for many years, serving as head varsity golf coach from 2001 to 2014.
In addition to these individuals, NDA’s 2013 State Championship Soccer Team members were inducted along with former Head Coach Elizabeth (Liz) Lima Mustafoski and Assistant Coach Driton Mustafoski.
“The induction of the Class of 2023 into the Hall of Fame serves as a reminder of the enduring impact that these individuals have had on Notre Dame Academy’s athletic program and the significant role athletics plays in the lives of our students,” added Kenneally.
Kristen McGill Kelly, who has served as Notre Dame Academy’s Athletic Director since 2018 and is herself a proud NDA alumna, had the honor of presenting the awards with President Kenneally.
“Our Hall of Fame inductees have not only achieved great success in their respective sports but have also embodied the values that define Notre Dame Academy athletics—commitment, integrity, and leadership,” said Kelly during the ceremony.
Kenneally echoed these sentiments, highlighting the vital role of sports in the overall development of students. “At Notre Dame Academy, we believe that participating in athletics is vital to a well-rounded student experience. It hones athletic skills and builds character, integrity, leadership, and sportsmanship,” she stated.
Members of the 2013 State Championship Soccer team inducted into the NDA Hall of Fame include Colby Berrigan ’17, Sara Blackington ’17, Victoria Bryan ’14, Morgan Caron ’16, Alana Dibiase ’15, Parker DiNatale ’16, Elissa Dukeshire ’15, Margaret Eliott ’15, Kylie Fleming ’16, Taylor Foley ’17, Bridget Hobin ’15, Megan Johnson ’15, Gabriela Kenyon ’14, Keeley MacAfee ’14, Kristen McCrea ’16, Alexis Noyes ’17, Sarah Rawson ’15, Isabel Teixeira ’15, Olivia Thomas ’16, Hannah Volpe ’16, and Allison Zaccheo ’14.
As the first all-girls Catholic day school in Massachusetts, Notre Dame Academy has been delivering a unique student experience based on the teachings of the founders, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, since 1853. Their mission “to educate and empower the next generation of female leaders” is evident today on the Hingham campus, home to over 430 students in grades 7-12.