Athletic Hall of Fame
The Governor’s Academy Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 2002 to honor those individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the quality and tradition of Governor’s athletics. The first class was inducted in the fall of 2003, and since that time, the Academy has inducted 42 individuals. Honorees are now selected biennially by a committee of alumni, faculty, staff, and administrators, including former and current Academy coaches. The Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the Pescosolido Field House.
Class of 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
steve metz p'07
coach
Since arriving at Governor's in 1978, Steve Metz P'07 dedicated his career to shaping the lives of student-athletes through his roles as a teacher, coach, dorm parent, and department head. As head coach of the Varsity Boys Basketball team for 25 years, his leadership propelled the program to four ISL and four New England championships. His impact extended beyond titles—his coaching helped develop three future NBA players, a testament to his expertise and mentorship. When the team needed him six years out of coaching retirement, he was called to lead them again. Steve compiled an estimated 330 wins over his basketball coaching career. His excellence was widely recognized, earning him multiple honors, including ISL Coach of the Year, three-time Newburyport Daily News Coach of the Year, and the ISL Lifetime Service Recognition. In addition to his basketball coaching, Steve also served as an assistant coach for the Varsity Baseball team for a decade. More than just a tactician, Steve was a role model who instilled the values of hard work, teamwork, inclusion, and commitment in his players—lessons that resonated far beyond the court and field. His legacy as a coach, mentor, and leader endures, making him a truly worthy inductee.
terry golden '64
football, winter track, spring track & field
Terry Golden enrolled as a first-year student in the Class of '64. He was a secondary school phenom, immediately becoming a leading athlete in Varsity Football and Winter and Spring Track. In football, he was the leading scorer, rusher, and receiver in his sophomore year. Track, however, was his best sport. Terry was named by the national magazine, Track+Field News, "Fastest Sophomore Hurdler in the Country.” He was also the second Prep Athlete selected by the Boston Herald to be named “Athlete of the Week.” Terry earned 11 varsity letters. He was Winter Track captain and MVP for two years; Spring Track captain for two years, one year as Co-MVP, and two years as MVP. Terry’s records included Winter Track marks in the 45 Yard Low Hurdles, 45 Yard High Hurdles, the 40, 50, 60, and 300 Yard dashes, and the Mile and 1224 Yard Relays. Terry’s Spring Track records included 120, 180, and 220 Yard Low Hurdles, the 120 Yard High Hurdles, and the 880, Mile, and Two Mile relays. As an indication of his remarkable tenacity and leadership, in his senior year, despite having suffered four major breaks in his cervical spine, Terry Golden led his Winter and Spring track teams to undefeated dual meet seasons as well as continued success at the Exeter Relays and New England Prep School Meet.
bill alfond '67
football, basketball, golf
Bill Alfond was a three-sport varsity athlete, competing in football, basketball, and golf for three years. His leadership on and off the field was evident, as he served as co-captain of the football team, captain of the basketball team, and two-time captain of the golf team. Under the guidance of his esteemed coaches—Coach Anderson in football, Coach Williams in basketball, and Coach Witherspoon in golf—Bill exemplified hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship. A highlight on the Govs football reel would be when he rushed for over 100 yards in their 6-0 win over Belmont Hill.
Bill's contributions to the Academy’s athletic programs were significant, helping to build a legacy of excellence and camaraderie that continues to inspire students today. His time at the Academy was not just about competition but about teamwork, discipline, and a deep passion for the sports he played.
Bill's competitive spirit remains a powerful force that finds expression in his care for our school. He and his wife, Joan, are passionate supporters of athletics and healthy competition as a means of nurturing happiness and well-being among our students. Their generosity and vision extend to every corner of campus, including enhancements to Governor's athletics such as the construction of the Class of 1967 Turf Field, the track renovation in honor of classmate Ben Beach ‘67, and the installation of the Bill Alfond ‘67 Fitness Center.
Bill Batchelder ‘91, P'22,'23,'25
football, basketball, baseball
A true multi-sport standout at The Governor’s Academy, Bill excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. As a senior, he was named Football Team MVP and earned All-League honors, showcasing his leadership and skill on the field. On the diamond, he was a dominant force, earning Team MVP and All-League recognition in both his junior and senior years.
After Governor’s, Bill continued his athletic journey at the collegiate level, playing baseball at Creighton University before excelling in both football and baseball at the University of New Hampshire. His dedication, versatility, and competitive spirit left a lasting mark on every team he played for. He continued his baseball career with several seasons in the Oakland A’s system.
beth depratto '01
soccer, hockey, lacrosse
From the first time she wore the Cardinal and White, Beth was a prolific scorer and an enthusiastic teammate. The Ontario, Canada native was most impactful on the ice, powering the girls’ hockey team to their first two New England Tournament appearances and their first-ever wins over Brooks and BB&N. Anytime Beth had the puck at the end of her stick, she was a scoring threat. In her first year at Govs, Beth scored 48 goals as a sophomore and was named Team MVP, earning All-League honors. She followed that up in her junior year, when she scored 47 of the team’s 81 goals, was named All-League, and was awarded Co-Team MVP honors with her sister, Cassie Depratto ’00.
During Beth's senior year, she served as captain and led the team to another New England Tournament appearance. Not just a significant contributor in hockey, Beth quickly took to lacrosse. In her first-ever experience playing the sport during her sophomore year, Beth was the Varsity Girls Lacrosse team’s second-highest scorer with 30 goals and five assists. Her multi-sport success earned her the Anne Marie Murphy Athletic Award at Commencement.
After Govs, Beth was a pioneer in one of the first iterations of women’s professional hockey, the Women’s National Hockey League. She scored 143 points in 170 career games for the Axion de Montreal and the Ottawa Raiders, and was named a league all-star in the 2005-06 season. Since her playing days, Beth has been active in the Ontario communities of Glengarry, Peterborough, and Norwood, serving as a coach, board member, and 4-H leader. In addition, she organizes opportunities to keep adults active, founding both a learn-to-play women’s sports program for five years and an adult pickleball league.
brian morrissey '05
football, hockey, lacrosse
Class of 2005 Brian Morrissey was a standout 12-season varsity letter winner, playing football, hockey, and lacrosse, and he was All-ISL and captained all three in his senior year. Brian’s list of accolades is numerous. In football, he was named his team MVP and All-ISL three times and was a two-time All-New England selection. Brian led the league in rushing and scoring twice. In his senior year, Brian was named ISL MVP, was the New England Prep School Player of the Year, was The Boston Globe’s All-Scholastic NEPSAC Class B Player of the Year, played in the Shriner’s All-Star Football Game, and won the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete Award. In lacrosse, Brian was a two-time All-ISL and All-New England selection. In his senior year, Brian was recognized as team MVP, ISL MVP, and Boston Globe All-Scholastic team.
At Governors, Brian was recognized with the Pescosolido Award in his junior year and the Goodwin Athletic Prize in his senior year. Brian was also named New England Prep School Athlete of the Year.
Brian continued playing and excelling in both football and lacrosse at Williams College, where he captained both teams his senior year. In both sports, he was a three-time All-NESCAC selection, two-time All-ECAC selection, and team MVP. Brian is the all-time leading rusher for Williams College in football, and led his team in rushing and scoring for two seasons. He was also the Boston Globe Gold Helmet Award winner in football and was an All-American in lacrosse. Williams College recognized Brian with the Purple Key, honoring his leadership, team spirit, ability, and character.
Class of 2023
The Governor's Academy is pleased to induct an all-female class into the Athletic Hall of Fame in honor of 50 Years of Women at Govs.
linda miller '79
soccer, nordic skiing, lacrosse
Linda Miller grew up on the campus of Governor Dummer Academy, never thinking she would be able to attend. Once girls were admitted to GDA, Linda distinguished herself as a student and an athlete in Byfield. She competed and excelled in soccer, Nordic skiing, and lacrosse. Linda was on the first-ever girls soccer team at GDA, which began her sophomore year. She was MVP of the girls soccer team for three years, and she was the captain her senior year. She was also awarded the most improved on the Nordic ski team in her sophomore year on the boys Nordic skiing team; the girls team did not yet exist. In her final year, she was awarded the Anne Marie Murphy Athletic Award. Her accomplishments continued in both soccer and lacrosse at Amherst College, where she captained both teams. She was MVP of the soccer team and received the Coaches’ Award for the lacrosse team in her senior year at Amherst. Linda continues to be involved in sports as a soccer and lacrosse coach.
kk (scharfe) richardson '00
field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse
KK Scharfe arrived at Governor Dummer Academy in her ninth-grade year and immediately made an impact on the field hockey and lacrosse teams. In field hockey, she was a three-time All-League recipient and a two-time team MVP recipient, as well as captain her senior year. Similarly, in lacrosse, KK was a three-time All-League recipient and was the team MVP and captain in her senior year. Most impressively, KK was recognized five times as an All-American; twice for field hockey and three times for lacrosse. In her senior year, KK was awarded the Anne Marie Murphy Athletic Award. In 1999, she was on the U19 national team for lacrosse where she helped the US team win gold by being the only player to play every minute of every game in Perth, Australia. Recognized as the second-highest D1 college prospect by Lacrosse magazine, following GDA, KK was recruited to play lacrosse at the University of Virginia.
keara (thomas) mcguire '07
cross country, track and field
Keara Thomas arrived as a freshman and instantly began rewriting the history of girls cross country at the Academy. Keara was undefeated in both regular and championship cross country meets, 55 total victories, resulting in four ISL and four NEPSTA Championships, four ISL Team and four NEPSTA Team selections, four ISL MVP awards, as well as being the course record holder at multiple schools. As a junior, Keara broke the 17-year-old home course record, only to break it again as a senior. She was the only Govs runner ever to break 19:00. She was the cross country team MVP for four years. In her senior year, she earned a role as captain and was awarded the Abusamra Coaches’ Award. In addition, Keara also received the Gilbert Distance Running Award and the Anne Marie Murphy Award. In outdoor track, Keara’s superlative career continued: 2005 ISL MVP, a four-time ISL champion in four different events, and ruling the 1500 and 3000 meter races in both regular and championship meets all four years. At University of North Carolina, Charlotte, Keara was an A-10 All-Conference choice, cross-country captain, ranked 9th in the country in the 3K steeplechase, won three straight A-10 steeplechase championships, still owns the school record in the steeplechase, was the Outdoor Track MVP, and qualified for the USA National Track Championships.
becca block '09
soccer, basketball, lacrosse
Becca Block arrived at The Governor’s Academy in ninth grade and made an immediate impact on the girls athletic program, earning ten varsity letters in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. On the field, Becca was a force in all three sports due to her speed, agility, and tenacity. Becca was a team captain at Govs and an All-American for lacrosse. After Govs, Becca went on to be a team captain at Syracuse University, where she was one of the strongest defenders in the country. Becca was named Division 1 Defender of the Year in 2013. She was also a NCAA D1 finalist, Big East Champions 2012, 2013, Big East Regular Season Champions 2013, NCAA D1 Final Four 2010, 2013, and NCAA All-Tournament Team 2012 and 2013. At the national level, Becca has been a National Team member since 2012. She won the 2017 and 2022 FIL Women's World Cup 2017 International World Games Champion. In addition, Becca won Athletes Unlimited Defender of the Year in 2021 and 2022. Becca is one of the finest lacrosse players ever to graduate from the Academy.
elizabeth "betsy" clark
teacher, coach
Hired in 1975, Betsy Clark quickly established herself as an integral member of the athletic department. Not only a pioneer as the first head coach of both girls soccer and volleyball, she soon became a three-season varsity head coach, leading the field hockey, volleyball, and lacrosse teams for a total of 27 seasons. Her coaching accomplishments include several league titles in volleyball and the first-ever Independent School League Championship for a Governor Dummer Academy female team in 1979 when her lacrosse team took home the title. As one of her prominent players said of her as a coach, she “recognized my potential before I did. She encouraged me to work hard, speak up on the field and lead by example, and, have fun doing it.” Betsy continued to be actively involved in sports after Governor Dummer as a long-time and decorated official in both field hockey and lacrosse.
maryellen karin
teacher, associate athletic director, coach
MaryEllen Karin worked 41 years at Govs, serving in various capacities. For five years, she was the head coach of three varsity sports: field hockey, volleyball, and outdoor track and field. She won two league titles as a volleyball coach, though she made her strongest impact as a track and field coach. Her girls’ teams won four New England titles in a row from 1983-1986 and three more from 1988-1990. Those teams were also ISTA Champions from 1988-90. As one of the first females to be a boys varsity head coach, her boys track and field teams were also New England Champions in 1993 and 1998. Over the last 22 years of her career, she served as an assistant track and field coach, coaching the sprints, hurdles, and javelin. In her time coaching the Govs track and field teams, her athletes broke over 50 school records. Throughout New England track and field coaching circles, she was recognized for her knowledge of the sport, and in particular, she was the go-to expert for javelin coaching. Beyond her knowledge and accomplishments, she was a constant and ardent proponent of doing things the right way for coaches and athletes. MaryEllen always demanded sportsmanship from everyone around her. Early in her career, Peter Bragdon recognized her as one of the finest coaches at the Academy, and that remained true throughout her entire career.
Class of 2021
charles randolph light '59
Football, Basketball, Baseball
Charles Randolph Light '59 was a three-sport letter winner in football, basketball, and baseball during his sophomore, junior, and senior years at the Academy. He captained both the football and basketball teams during his senior year. "Randy" was awarded both the Goodwin Athletic Award and the Morse Flag at Commencement. After graduating, he attended Harvard College. A shoulder injury during his senior year at Governor Dummer Academy ended his pitching career, so Randy decided to take up lacrosse, playing left-handed. He played on the Harvard varsity lacrosse team for three years, then went on to earn his J.D. degree from Northwestern University School of Law and practiced law for 50 years in Toledo, Ohio.
James Cavanaugh ’94
Football, Hockey, Baseball
James Cavanaugh '94 made a significant impact as an athlete when he arrived in Byfield as a sophomore. He exuded excellence as a player in all three sports he played, earning four MVP honors in football, hockey, and baseball. A three-time all-league player in football, he was also named All-Scholastic his senior year and earned the National Football Foundation Award. He also garnered all-league honors in both hockey and baseball. A noteworthy example of a multi-sport athlete, he continued to play football and hockey at Bowdoin College, was named captain in both sports, and earned First Team All-League honors in football and the Coaches Award in hockey. He continues to be involved in sports as a volunteer youth football and hockey coach. When awarded the Goodwin Athletic Prize at the Academy, then Head of School Peter Bragdon referred to him as “a competitor and a sportsman” and “an honest, hard-working athlete who leads by example.”
Vanessa Russell Tripp ’02
Cross Country, Soccer, Basketball, Lacrosse, Track and Field
Vanessa Russell Tripp '02 earned eleven varsity letters in five sports during her time at Governor’s; one in cross country, two in soccer, four in basketball, two in track and field, and two in lacrosse. She was elected captain of the soccer and basketball teams in her senior year. Vanessa was a three-time MVP: Cross country in her ninth-grade year, and basketball and track in her senior year. She received All-ISL honors twice for basketball. During her senior year, Vanessa broke five school records: High jump, 200M, 400M, 800M, and the 4 x 400 meter relay. After Governor’s, Vanessa played basketball at Bowdoin College, where she was a four-time NESCAC champion and had three Elite Eight appearances. Vanessa was the captain during her senior year when her team was the runner-up for the national championship.
Robert J. Francois '04
Football, Basketball, Track and Field
Arriving from Highlands, Texas as a tenth grader, Robert J. Francois '04 made a long-lasting impact on Governor’s athletics. Robert earned three varsity letters in football and All-ISL honors twice. As a senior, he was team captain and MVP, leading the team to an undefeated season, a league championship, and a New England Championship. A multi-sport athlete, Robert earned two varsity letters in basketball, and he was a standout in track and field. As a sprinter, he was All-ISL for two seasons, and as a senior, he was team captain, team MVP, and MVP at the New England Championship meet. Robert was also a member of the school record-holding 4 x 400 relay team. He was awarded the Goodwin Award as the best male athlete in his class. After graduation, Robert went on to play linebacker for the Boston College Eagles. Following his college career, Robert spent 4 seasons in the National Football League with the Green Bay Packers, and he was a linebacker and special teams player when the Packers won Super Bowl XLV.
Alex carpenter '11
Hockey, softball
Alex Carpenter '11 arrived at The Governor’s Academy as a ninth-grader and made an immediate impact on the girls’ athletic program as a four-year stand-out on the ice hockey and softball teams. A tireless competitor, every time Alex stepped on the ice, she was a scoring threat. She led her ice hockey teams to four straight New England Division II Championships. During this time, she was named N.E. Tournament MVP four years in a row, team MVP four years, ISL League MVP two years, and All-League recognition four years. Alex was not only an outstanding scorer but an equally outstanding playmaker scoring 237 goals and 181 assists in 100 games during her time at the Academy. During her senior year, she captained both the ice hockey and softball teams. Alex was awarded the Boston Bruins Carlton Award given to an outstanding student-athlete in an Eastern Massachusetts high school or Jr. Hockey team. She was also a three-year member of the U.S. Under-18 Women’s Select Team, winning a Gold medal in 2011 and Silver Medal in 2012 at the World Jr. Championships. Alex was a four-year letter winner in softball earning team MVP honors twice and All-League recognition four times. She attended Boston College, where she was the highest scoring hockey player, man or woman in the school’s history, with 278 career points, including 133 goals and 145 assists. Alex won the Patty Kazmaier Award given to the top female college ice hockey player in the United States and the Cammi Granato Player of the Year award twice. She is the Hockey East career assists leader and ranks #2 in Career Points with 76 goals and 84 assists. As a U.S. Women’s National Team member, she played in six World Championships, winning five gold medals. Alex also played in two Winter Olympics, winning silver medals in 2014 and 2022.
Jay Cooke, III '64
friend of governor's athletics
Jay Cooke, III '64 arrived at Governor Dummer Academy in the Fall of 1961 and became a dedicated athlete in soccer, wrestling, and track. After graduation, he continued his love for sports in both skiing and sailing. Jay used the life lessons of dedicated hard work he learned on the playing fields in Byfield to carry on throughout his life. An extremely successful businessman, Jay transformed the Academy’s athletics program by generously supporting the girls’ athletic programs in particular — his generosity touched every student in the Academy.
Past Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
CLASS OF 2019
- Colleen Christopher Farias ‘97
- Daniel F. Hanley ‘35
- Kate Manzella Mayhook ‘96
- C. Thomas Tenney, Jr. ‘69
- Antonio T. Thomas ‘80
CLASS OF 2017
- James Waugh '44
- Wallace Rodman "Rod" Jennings '49
- Claire Shearman Joyce '98
- Daniel Gadzuric '98
- Delia Cox '02
CLASS OF 2015
- Shannon Davenport ‘90
- James Morrissey ‘02
- Damian Prescott ‘94
- Lisa Sweeney Ryan ‘88
- Stevenson Bucknall ‘85
- David Abusamra (faculty)
CLASS OF 2012
- Robert E. Anderson (faculty)
- Brandy S. Fisher ’94
- Isaiah Suggs ’78
CLASS OF 2009
- Jonathan N. Pingree '81
- Marc K. Tucker '68
- David M. Hicks '54
- Donald N. Rice '52
- Bennet “Bots” Young Jr. '45
CLASS OF 2007
- Edward Ashley “Ash” Eames II ’48
- Jeffrey B. Ellis ’63
- Anna Hill Gerry ’85
- Amy Russell Bonnerot ’89
- A. MacDonald Murphy (faculty)
- William H. Sperry (faculty)
CLASS OF 2005
- Howard J. “Buster” Navins ’31
- C. Nelson “Nels” Corey ’35
- Franklin “Fritz” Freeman ’48
- Michael K. Mulligan ’71
- Julia L. Duff ’80
CLASS OF 2003
- Joe Hoague ’37
- Bob Rex ’53
- Carl “Skip” Pescosolido ’55
- Ray Huard ’67
- Susan Perry ’81
- André La Fleur ’83
- Heb Evans (faculty)