Sachem Schools proudly joins the nationwide celebration of National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), recognizing the achievements, resilience, and contributions of female athletes—past and present—who have shaped the district’s rich sports legacy.
Through a partnership between the Sachem Athletic Department and the Sachem Alumni Association, the district has released a commemorative poster design honoring all women in the Sachem Athletic Hall of Fame. The poster will be placed in every district building and presented to the Board of Education on Wednesday evening.
In addition to the poster, the district is rolling out the “Numbers of Recognition” program to pay tribute to the pioneering student-athletes who left their mark on programs as leaders, scholars, and role models. The jersey numbers of past student-athletes will be given to current student-athletes who embody leadership, academic success, and community pride. The athletic department and alumni association will work with coaches to identify former student-athletes who will be recognized.
In 2025, the program will kick off with girl’s soccer, and the first Number of Recognition is 22 in honor of Sachem Athletic Hall of Famer Karen Ferguson, the current head women’s soccer coach at the University of Louisville and a former All-American at UConn, who played on the U.S. Women’s National Team. The alumni association will arrange for Ferguson to speak with the Sachem soccer programs and connect with the No. 22 on each team.
“As a district, we take immense pride in the incredible impact of our female athletes and their contributions to Sachem’s storied sports history,” said Chris R. Vaccaro, ‘04, President and Founder of the Sachem Alumni Association and the Sachem Education Foundation. “Their dedication, resilience, and passion have set a standard of excellence that inspires future generations.”
These initiatives will not only celebrate achievements but also reinforce the values of leadership, teamwork, and perseverance that sports instill in young women.
“Sachem remains committed to empowering girls and women in sports by providing opportunities for growth, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and supporting initiatives that advance gender equality in athletics,” said Sachem Athletic Director Gary Beutel, ‘87.
Since its inception in 1987, NGWSD has been a powerful platform to advocate for equality in sports, champion female participation, and inspire the next generation of athletes. At Sachem, this annual celebration serves as an opportunity to honor trailblazers who paved the way and highlight today’s student-athletes who continue to excel on and off the field.
“National Girls & Women in Sports Day is a celebration of the dedication, resilience, and achievements of female athletes at every level,” said Sachem Assistant Athletic Director Phil Torregrosa, ‘02. “At Sachem, we take pride in fostering opportunities for our student-athletes to grow, compete, and lead—on and off the field. This day is about recognizing their impact and inspiring the next generation to chase their dreams in sports.”