Left to right, Trevor Purcell, Head Baseball Coach; Dylan DeMeo ’18; Matt Garcia ’15; Bridget McKeever ’18; Claire Duffy ’16; Shannon Sommer ’17; Cindy Connoly ’18; and Fr. Gregoire Fluet, Interim President of Mount Saint Mary College.
Mount Saint Mary College’s Athletics department inducted six exceptional athletes into the Hall of Fame Class of 2023 during a ceremony on Saturday, December 2.
These outstanding individuals have left an indelible mark on their respective sports and have exemplified the highest standards of athletic achievement, sportsmanship, and academic excellence during their time at the Mount.
Cindy Connoly ’18, Softball
Connoly’s softball prowess is reflected in her impressive list of accolades. She was named the Skyline Conference Pitcher of the Year for three consecutive years (2015-2017) and secured the Most Outstanding Player title in the Skyline Conference Championship from 2016 to 2018. Connoly’s remarkable achievements include holding multiple school records, such as career wins, single-season strikeout record, and career RBIs.
Beyond her on-field accomplishments, Connoly excelled academically, earning recognition as the Scholar Athlete of the Year and Student Athlete of the Year. Currently serving as a registered nurse in the ICU at Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Connoly attributes much of her success to the valuable skills she developed as a student-athlete at the Mount.
Reflecting on her time at the Mount, Connoly expresses gratitude for the memories made with teammates and the unwavering support of her family. Her proudest moment as a Knight was winning the Skyline Championship in 2016, marking a historic achievement for the softball program.
Dylan DeMeo ’18, Men’s Lacrosse
The second lacrosse player to join the Mount’s Hall of Fame, DeMeo’s impact on the Mount’s lacrosse program is undeniable. Notably, he was the first in program history to receive USILA Honorable Mention All-American in 2017, a testament to his exceptional skills on the field.
DeMeo’s achievements include being a three-time First Team All-Skyline Conference selection and earning the title of Skyline Offensive Player of the Year in 2017. His contributions to the team led to their historic appearance in the Skyline Conference Championship Final in 2018. DeMeo holds several records, including points, assists, and goals, showcasing his versatility and leadership.
After completing his Bachelor of Arts in history, he became a Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Officer, serving in various counties. His memories as a Knight are filled with camaraderie and shared victories, emphasizing the lasting impact of his time as a student-athlete.
Claire Duffy ’16, Women’s Lacrosse
A vital contributor to the Knights’ success during her time as a student, Duffy was an easy choice for the Hall of Fame. Her impact is evident in her program records for ground balls, caused turnovers, and draw controls.
Her accolades include being a four-time First Team All-Skyline Conference selection and earning the title of Skyline Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2016. Academically, she was recognized as the Skyline Conference Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year and was part of the IWLCA Division III Academic Honor Roll in 2016.
Now a full-time physical therapist at Blythedale Children’s Hospital, Duffy looks back on her lacrosse career with a mix of nostalgia and pride. Her memories as a Knight are filled with cherished moments, from team dinners to intense games, and she acknowledges the impact of her student-athlete experience on her personal and professional growth.
Matt Garcia ’15, Men’s Soccer
Garcia, a Men’s Soccer standout, was honored for his exceptional contributions to the program. His impact was immediate, helping to lead the team to its first Skyline Conference Championship title in program history.
Garcia’s impressive scoring record includes 28 goals and 68 points in just two seasons as a Knight. As the Skyline Conference Player of the Year and a First Team All-Region selection during his senior season, Garcia left an enduring legacy on the soccer program.
His proudest moment as a Knight was winning the Skyline Conference title in his junior year, a historic achievement for the team. Garcia’s experiences as a student-athlete shaped his commitment to teamwork and hard work, qualities he continues to apply in his role as a first-grade special education teacher.
Bridget McKeever ’18, Women’s Soccer
McKeever earned her place in the Hall of Fame for her outstanding achievements on and off the field. Her soccer career at the Mount was marked by her consistent presence on the All-Skyline Conference teams and recognition as the Skyline Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2018.
McKeever’s commitment to excellence extended to her academic pursuits, earning her a spot on the Skyline Conference Academic Honor Roll for four consecutive years. Her success continued post-graduation, playing with the premier league Kingston Capitals in 2022 and later returning to coach the Mount's soccer team.
Now a physician’s assistant, McKeever reflects on her time as a student-athlete with gratitude, acknowledging the influence of her teammates and coaches in shaping her into the person she is today.
Shannon Sommer ’17, Women’s Softball
Sommer was celebrated for her remarkable achievements on the diamond. She played a pivotal role in leading the Knights to their first regular-season title and Skyline Conference win since 2001, along with the program’s first NCAA tournament game win.
Her records include being the Career Record holder in hits and runs scored, as well as holding the Single Season record for hits. Recognized with multiple First Team All-Skyline Conference honors, Sommer’s impact was not only felt on the field but also in the classroom, where she earned the title of scholar-athlete.
Currently a dedicated third-grade teacher, Sommer attributes her growth mindset and perseverance to her experiences as a student-athlete. Her proudest moment as a Knight was winning the Skyline Conference Championship, a testament to the talent and chemistry of her team.