Anyone who is part of the Stone Ridge community knows about the Sacred Heart Network – a vast group of Sacred Heart schools that spans the globe. As part of this Network, SR students go on exchange and/or attend leadership conferences at a "sister" school.
The Network connection includes athletics. Over the past couple of years, SR has competed in basketball, field hockey, and swimming with fellow Network schools Stuart Country Day School (SCD) from Princeton, NJ and Convent of the Sacred Heart/91st St. Convent (CSH) from New York, New York. Recently, SR played host to both schools. First up was CSH, who arrived for lunch and tours on Friday, November 17. The students were greeted at historic Hamilton House along with many coaches and swimming student-athletes. They enjoyed lunch in the large parlor and were led on tours by senior swim captains. After a brief practice on campus, they checked into their hotel and enjoyed an evening of sight seeing in Washington, DC. On Saturday, CSH came back to campus to compete in varsity basketball and swimming. (Last year, our SR varsity basketball and swim teams made a trip to New York City and made lasting memories connecting with their sister school. The SR girls toured the 9/11 Memorial museum, Times Square, and the CSH.)
Stuart Country Day (SCD) also arrived on Friday afternoon to compete in junior varsity and varsity basketball. The relationship with SCD has been growing over the past few years with competitions in field hockey and basketball. Both schools have made the trip, and the relationship continues to strengthen. While visiting SCD last year for a basketball tournament, the SR students were able to take in some laser tag, bowling, and team meals. The team also had the chance to watch a women's basketball practice at Princeton as well as tour their athletic facilities.
The Sacred Heart connections reach all areas of Stone Ridge. In October, the varsity cross country team competed in a race in New York and stayed in a hotel just blocks from 91st Convent. The Sacred Heart students always notice the familiar Five Goals banners, and pictures of St Philippine and/or Mater. It is very special to observe the girls excitement upon seeing familiar Sacred Heart traditions. SR Athletics plans to continue to provide Network opportunities for all sports. There's even talk of having a 3-4 team swim and basketball tournament next year as well as adding some spring competitions! #WeAreSacredHeart #GatorStrong
Photo includes Stone Ridge coaches and seniors and coaches from the Convent of the Sacred Heart