Campus Overview

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.

Field Hockey (2025)

Level
D1 Low
RPI Rank
#70
2025 Record
Overall: 7-11
Conference
Northeast Conference
Coach
Sydney Van Der Merwe

School

Type
Private (Roman Catholic)
Classification
Doctoral/Professional
Common Majors:
Health Professions (30%)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (52%)
• Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (48%)
Business (24%)
Marketing (28%)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (27%)
• Accounting and Related Services (21%)
• Finance and Financial Management Services (21%)
• Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations (2%)
• Hospitality Administration/Management (1%)
Biology (14%)
Psychology (7%)
Communication (5%)

Student Body

Total
11,123
Undergrad
62%
Demographics
64% women
Student:Faculty
16:1

Programs of Interest

Environmental Science
Psychology (7.3%)
Biology (13.6%)
Sports Med / Kinesiology (30.2%)
French (0.1%)

Academics

Admission Rate
68%
Retention
85%
Graduation
74%

Costs

In-State
$48,460
Out-of-State
$48,460
Room & Board
$18,450
Avg Net Price
$45,459
Net price = average after financial aid

Weather

Winter
Moderate
HighLow
January38°24°
April58°42°
July83°68°
October64°48°
Oct/Apr = field hockey season

Location

Setting
Suburban (Suburb: Large)
Nearest City
New York, NY
Distance
53 miles

Coaching Staff

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

Roster Breakdown

25 players

Geographic Recruiting

US Out-of-State: 84% (21 players)
International: 12% (3 players)
Pennsylvania: 24% (6 players)
New Jersey: 16% (4 players)

Position Breakdown

Forward: 7 (28.0%)
Forward/Midfielder: 2 (8.0%)
Midfielder: 8 (32.0%)
Defender: 6 (24.0%)
Goalkeeper: 2 (8.0%)

Class Year Distribution

Freshman: 7 (28.0%)
Sophomore: 6 (24.0%)
Junior: 4 (16.0%)
Senior: 8 (32.0%)

Full Roster (25 players)

# 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. - / -