Sacred Heart University is a vibrant, mid-sized private Catholic university located in Fairfield, Connecticut, offering students a comprehensive academic experience in an intimate, supportive setting. With approximately 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the university provides a close-knit community feel with robust academic and athletic opportunities.
Location & Setting Situated in suburban Fairfield, the campus is located approximately 60 miles from New York City, offering students a peaceful college environment with easy access to metropolitan amenities. The suburban setting provides a safe, spacious campus with proximity to both coastal Connecticut towns and major urban centers.
Campus Life Sacred Heart offers an engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community. On-campus housing is available for a significant portion of students, with a mix of traditional residence halls and apartment-style living. While not heavily Greek-life focused, the university provides numerous clubs, activities, and social events that foster student connections and engagement.
Student Body The student population is diverse, drawing students from across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and increasingly from national and international backgrounds. Students tend to be academically motivated, with a practical orientation toward career preparation and community service, reflecting the university's Catholic mission.
Academics Sacred Heart is particularly known for strong programs in business, nursing, health professions, and communications. The university emphasizes personalized education with relatively small class sizes, undergraduate research opportunities, and a commitment to experiential learning. Academic rigor is moderate, with an emphasis on practical skills and professional development.
Athletics & Sports Competing in NCAA Division I, Sacred Heart has a competitive athletic program with particular strength in men's and women's ice hockey. The Pioneers compete in the Northeast Conference, with a passionate campus community supporting various athletic teams. While not a major Division I powerhouse, the athletics program provides meaningful opportunities for student-athletes.
Lifestyle & Weather Fairfield experiences typical Northeast seasonal variations, with warm summers, colorful autumns, cold winters, and mild springs. A car can be helpful but is not absolutely necessary, as campus is relatively compact and local public transportation exists. Proximity to Long Island Sound offers recreational opportunities like beach activities, while nearby hiking and outdoor spaces provide additional lifestyle options.
| High | Low | |
|---|---|---|
| January | 38° | 24° |
| April | 58° | 42° |
| July | 83° | 68° |
| October | 64° | 48° |
| Name | Position | Contact | Bio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney Van Der Merwe | Head Coach | vandermerwes@sacredheart.edu | View Bio |
| Tess Csejka | Assistant Coach | csejkat@sacredheart.edu | View Bio |
| Charlie Tortorici | Associate AD / Field Hockey Sport Administrator | — | |
| Bridget Delaney | Assistant Director of Athletic Communications | — | |
| Alyson Kornberg | Strength & Conditioning Coach | — | |
| Bailey Shaffer | Athletic Trainer | — |
| # | Name | Position | Year | Height | Hometown | High School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Brianna Cooper | GK | Jr. | - | Watertown, Mass. | Watertown |
| 1 | Eva Stones | B | So. | - | Stamford, United Kingdom | Stamford Endowed |
| 2 | Bell Mazza | M | Fy. | - | Westminster, Md. | Garrison Forest School |
| 3 | Bridget McLaughlin | F | So. | - | Shrewsbury, Mass. | Shrewsbury |
| 4 | Jaden Ray | B | Sr. | - | Shrub Oak, N.Y. | Lakeland |
| 5 | Jocelyn Webber | B | Sr. | - | Bow, N.H. | Bow |
| 6 | Ines Braithwaite | F | Sr. | - | Oxford, England | Millfield Senior School |
| 7 | Emma-Rose Phillips | F | Fy. | - | Sewell, N.J. | Washington Township |
| 8 | Erin Lynch | M/B | Fy. | - | Dover, N.H. | Dover |
| 9 | Sophia DePrima | M | Fy. | - | Williamsville, N.Y. | Williamsville North |
| 10 | Celia Benson | M | So. | - | Scituate, Mass. | Thayer Academy |
| 11 | Cate McConaghy | M | Jr. | - | Newtown Square, Pa. | Archbishop John Carroll |
| 13 | Hailey Vogt | B | So. | - | Hillsborough, N.J. | Hillsborough |
| 14 | Ruby Butler | GK | Fy. | - | Cardiff, Wales | Ysgol Gyfun Glantaf |
| 15 | Holly DeAngelo | M/F | So. | - | Harrisburg, Pa. | Central Dauphin |
| 16 | Jenna Baxter | M/F | So. | - | Lebanon, Maine | Noble |
| 17 | Lizzie Mendrzycki | B | Sr. | - | Hanover Township, Pa. | Holy Redeemer |
| 18 | Hanna Hasso | M | Sr. | - | White Plains, N.Y. | Ossining |
| 20 | Amelia Pellegrini | M | Sr. | - | Wallingford, Pa. | Strath Haven |
| 21 | Lizzie Day | F | Fy. | - | Harrisburg, Pa. | Lower Dauphin |
| 22 | Blaire Sparks | M | Jr. | - | Medford, N.J. | Bishop Eustace Prep |
| 23 | Cassie Chapjian | F | Sr. | - | Medford, N.J. | Bishop Eustace Preparatory |
| 27 | Ella Barrett | F | Jr. | - | Amherst, N.H. | Souhegan |
| 28 | Emma Brayford | B | Sr. | - | Breiningsville, Pa. | Parkland High School |
| 29 | Raena Crandall | F | Fy. | - | / | - |