Celebrating Our 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

On June 4, 2026, Merion Mercy Academy inducted its second class of alumnae into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame, honoring four individuals and one championship team whose accomplishments have left a lasting mark on the school's athletic tradition. The newest inductees were Colleen Barrett '89, Colleen Quinn Fink '96, Maisha Tyler Lambiase '99, Nicole McCreight '07, and the 2010 Volleyball Team.

The evening began with remarks from MMA President Marianne Grace, P'04, who reflected on the significance of the honor and the enduring impact of the inductees' achievements.

"These athletes' accomplishments extend far beyond wins and championships," she said. "They reflect the values at the heart of a Merion Mercy education: perseverance, teamwork, humility, courage, and commitment to something greater than oneself. Through their example, they have inspired generations of young women to believe in their abilities, support one another, and strive for excellence both on and off the field, the court, and the track."

Mrs. Grace also recognized the Hall of Fame Committee—Charles and Marian Grimley, Janice Duffield, Barbara Clarke, Kristina Stanton Cawley, Barbara Colantuono Harrison, and Maggie Hepp Oliver—before introducing the evening's emcee, Moira Vaughn '22. A recent graduate of Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Vaughn is beginning her journalism career with Buffalo's NBC affiliate.

Colleen Barrett '89

Former teacher and coach Frannie Wood introduced Colleen Barrett '89, whom she coached in basketball and softball.

"Every coach should be lucky enough to have a Colleen Barrett on his or her team," Wood said.

One of only five players in Merion Mercy basketball history to surpass 1,000 career points, Barrett finished her career with 1,062 points and became the first player in program history to reach that milestone in February 1989. She also amassed a remarkable 980 rebounds and established herself as one of the finest free-throw shooters in school history.

Yet Wood emphasized that Barrett's legacy extends beyond statistics.

"She played with a voracious appetite for winning and wasn't satisfied with anything less," she said.

 

 

 

Colleen Quinn Fink '96

Siobhan Leavy '95, a teammate of Colleen Quinn Fink at both Merion Mercy and Saint Joseph's University, described Fink as possessing the rare combination of talent, leadership, and selflessness that every coach hopes to find.

"She was an all-star player, a captain, and the teammate who made everyone around her better simply by the way she showed up—competitive, encouraging, and completely committed to her team," Leavy said.

A standout field hockey and track athlete at Merion Mercy, Fink went on to captain Saint Joseph's field hockey team before launching an accomplished coaching career. She spent more than 15 seasons as head field hockey coach at the University of Pennsylvania, helping transform the program into one of the Ivy League's most successful. She later founded CQ Sports, where she mentored and developed countless young athletes pursuing collegiate opportunities.

Today, Fink serves as Athletic Director and Dean of Co-Curricular Programs at The Frederick Gunn School.

 

 

Maisha Tyler Lambiase '99

Amber Tyler '02 introduced her sister, Maisha Tyler Lambiase '99, recalling the privilege of watching her compete throughout her athletic career.

A four-year basketball and track athlete, Lambiase excelled in both sports, though, as Tyler noted, "track had her heart." She described her sister's running style as both fierce and graceful.

Lambiase made history as the first Merion Mercy athlete to earn All-State honors and the first to capture a PIAA state gold medal in track and field, winning the long jump. She qualified for three consecutive PIAA Championships and helped lead the Golden Bears to a team state championship in 1998.

Her success continued at Saint Joseph's University, where she became one of the program's premier jumpers and remains second on the school's all-time indoor and outdoor long jump lists. In recognition of her collegiate achievements, she was inducted into the Saint Joseph's University Track & Cross Country Hall of Fame in 2016.

Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Tyler praised Lambiase for her commitment to service, leadership, and community-building.

Nicole McCreight '07

Mattie Siegfried '06 had the honor of presenting her longtime friend Nicole McCreight '07.

A three-sport athlete who competed in field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse beginning her freshman year, McCreight ultimately focused her talents on field hockey, where she emerged as one of the most accomplished players in school history. A senior captain, Main Line Times All-Star, and AACA All-Star, she continued her career at Saint Joseph's University.

At Saint Joseph's, McCreight distinguished herself as one of the top players in the Atlantic 10 Conference. She led the team in goals, ranked second in assists, earned the university's 2010 Most Outstanding Player award, and became the first player in program history to be named Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Year. Her collegiate honors also included First Team All-Conference, All-Region, and NFHCA Division I Mid-Atlantic All-Region recognition.

 

 

 

2010 Volleyball Team

The evening concluded with the induction of the legendary 2010 Volleyball Team, presented by Barbara Clarke, whose 45 years of service helped shape Merion Mercy's athletic program. Clarke was herself a member of the inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame class.

Having witnessed generations of outstanding athletes and teams, Clarke noted that few could rival the accomplishments of Merion Mercy volleyball.

The 2010 team completed one of the most dominant seasons in Pennsylvania history, finishing with an undefeated 32-0 record while capturing a twelfth consecutive AACA championship, a sixth straight PIAA District 1 title, and a fourth consecutive PIAA AA State Championship. Merion Mercy remains the only school in Pennsylvania to win four consecutive AA state volleyball championships.

"Beyond the accolades, this team was simply a joy to watch," Clarke said. "Their talent was undeniable, but it was their chemistry, their discipline, and their love of the game that set them apart. They played not only to win, but to elevate one another."

Four members of the team—Emma Aldaya, Kalen Backe, Shelby Manthorpe, and Stacey Manthorpe—were named to the All-State Tournament Team. Shelby and Stacey Manthorpe went on to play Division I volleyball at Seton Hall University, with Shelby earning Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year honors and back-to-back state championship MVP awards. Aldaya made an immediate impact as a freshman, earning Defensive MVP honors.

The team roster included Marissa Abbonizio, Emma Aldaya, Kalen Backe, Liz Backe, Colleen Downey, Katie Kavanaugh, Shelby Manthorpe, Stacey Manthorpe, Bridget Kelly Merenda, Erin Mitton, Alexis Victoria Needles, Sarah Poplawski, Michele Schulmeister, Gabrielle Squilla, Meghan Stranick, Emily Toal, Amanda Urgo, Katie Welliver, and Courtney Whelan.

Also recognized were coaches Jolen Aldaya and Rich Johnson.

Established to honor athletes, coaches, and teams whose achievements have helped shape Merion Mercy's proud athletic tradition, the Athletic Hall of Fame serves as a reminder that excellence is measured not only by victories, records, and championships, but also by leadership, perseverance, sportsmanship, and service. The accomplishments celebrated throughout the evening continue to inspire current and future Golden Bears to pursue their goals with determination, integrity, and heart.

Photos from the event can be found here.