Athletic Hall of Fame

Ellen Ryan, a three-sport athlete, earned many distinctions at Merion Mercy Academy, including recognition as a three-time World Basketball Athletic Association All-American. Yet, it was her character, goodness, and caring nature that left an indelible mark on all those who knew her in her high school days. In the 1958 “Meriannal” she is described as “a splash of laughter.” 

After her illustrious career at Merion Mercy, Ryan continued to impact the world of women's sports. Embarking on a journey that spanned over 50 years, she became a trailblazer at Saint Joseph's University. Joining in 1973 as the head coach of the school's inaugural intercollegiate women's basketball team, she quickly ascended to the role of Coordinator of Women's Athletics and later became the Assistant Athletic Director in 1981. After an impressive 21-year tenure, she assumed the position of Associate Athletic Director for Women's Varsity Sports, overseeing the expansion of the women's athletics program from three teams in the early 1970s to the current slate of 10 varsity sports teams.

Under Ryan's guidance, Saint Joseph's women's teams clinched six Atlantic 10 Conference titles and amassed a total of 2,091 victories. Described by her brother, Thomas F. Ryan, as someone who knew how to get things done with class, Ellen Ryan played a pivotal role in propelling women's sports to new heights at the university. In 1999, she was rightfully honored as a member of the inaugural class of the Saint Joseph's Athletics Hall of Fame, and she further solidified her legacy with inductions into the Big 5 Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Saint Joseph's Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983.

A testament to her enduring influence, in 2011, the year of her retirement, Saint Joseph's dedicated the field hockey team's new turf-covered playing surface as the Ellen Ryan Field. This tribute reflected her significant contributions and inspired generations of Merion Mercy women, with several graduates going on to play and coach for the SJU field hockey team.

A loyal alumna, Ryan “loved all things ‘Mercy,’” said Alumnae Relations Coordinator Barbara Colantuono Harrison ’82. “She and her sisters (and many nieces and cousins) rarely missed a reunion, and it was always a pleasure to see them together—generations of strong MMA aluma.” Ellen Ryan's legacy stands as a testament to her enduring impact on the world of women's sports and her alma mater.

Barbara Clarke's impact on Merion Mercy Academy's athletic program is nothing short of transformative. Joining the academy in 1975, she embarked on a remarkable 45-year journey that witnessed the school's evolution from a grades K-12 institution with three sports, lacking PIAA affiliation, to a powerhouse with 12 sports and 20 teams, boasting league, district, and state championships across multiple disciplines.

Initially hired to teach health and physical education, Clarke swiftly assumed a multifaceted role as a coach, mentor, and administrator. Her dedication led to her becoming the school's inaugural Athletic Director, a position where she played a pivotal role in shaping the sports landscape at Merion Mercy Academy. Her contributions extended far beyond the confines of a traditional educator, encompassing responsibilities such as hiring coaches, scheduling games, coordinating officials, and managing logistical details.

Clarke’s journey into education and coaching originated at Rosemont School of the Holy Child, where her passion for field hockey and basketball was ignited by the inspirational figure of her phys ed teacher and coach, Faith Bascome. This early admiration served as a catalyst for her pursuit of a career in physical education and health at Lynchburg College, where she excelled as a three-sport athlete in field hockey, basketball, and tennis.

Her arrival at Merion Mercy Academy marked the beginning of a legacy characterized by an unwavering commitment to athletic excellence. Throughout the 1990s and into the 21st century, Clarke spearheaded the expansion of the school's athletic programs, introducing a diverse array of sports, including soccer, freshman basketball, softball, track, cross country, lacrosse, swimming, indoor track, freshman field hockey, crew, golf, and dance. In 1994, under her guidance, the Golden Bears joined the PIAA, marking a significant milestone in the school's athletic journey.

Clarke’s exceptional contributions did not go unnoticed, and in 2014, she received the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association State Award of Merit. This prestigious honor, awarded annually to one individual in each state, recognized Clarke’s meritorious service, leadership, and exceptional contributions to interscholastic athletics at both the local and state levels.

Clarke retired from Merion Mercy Academy in 2020. Her enduring legacy is a testament to her passion, dedication, and transformative leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the school's athletic program and earning her a well-deserved place in the Hall of Fame.

A three-sport Merion Mercy Academy athlete, Bethanne Devine was described as “a constant leader on the field and the court.” 

In the realm of field hockey, Devine played a pivotal role in the 1987 team’s third place finish in the Catholic Academies League. During the playoffs against Sacred Heart Academy she scored both of the team’s goals, including one with five seconds left in the game. Recognizing her prowess, Devine was honored with a well-deserved spot on the All-Star team in the prestigious Philadelphia Classic.

Devine’s skills extended to the softball diamond, where she not only captained the team but also earned accolades as a League All-Star for two consecutive years and the coveted title of Philadelphia Inquirer Athlete of the Week.

Her talent on the basketball court was equally remarkable. As a varsity starter since her sophomore year, Devine ascended to the role of team captain, receiving recognition as a League All-Star for two years, Philadelphia Inquirer Athlete of the Week, The Main Line Times Athlete of the Week, and MVP of the Rosemont Tournament. Her athletic journey continued at Lafayette College, where she played Division I basketball and earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Subsequently, Devine pursued a master's in Clinical Counseling Psychology from LaSalle University.

Committed to community and empowering young women through sports, in 2010, Devine founded Philly Girls in Motion to develop self-awareness, build confidence, and drive personal growth in a positive environment. Today, she dedicates her professional life to bringing high-quality sports-based programs to youth across Philadelphia as the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Sports Youth Collaborative. 

Devine’s dedication to Merion Mercy Academy remains steadfast, as demonstrated by her recent role as class lead for her 35th reunion. Her impact echoes not only through her athletic achievements but also through her tireless efforts to enrich the lives of Philadelphia's youth, making her a deserving inductee into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

Merion Mercy Academy’s 1995 basketball team will always be remembered for its PIAA State championship and its incredible impact on school spirit. The 1995 school yearbook "Meriannal” lauded the team’s achievements and wrote, “Along the way, the Golden Bears showed their fans and opponents that they meant business. Sometimes that involved last-minute buckets to take the win, going into overtime before allowing the spectators to breathe freely or fighting back from a 7 to 9 point deficit.” 

The team was comprised of: 

Jamie Porter Bechtold ’98

Kathleen Fry Campbell ’96

Meredith McMahon Caprio ’97

Megan McGoldrick Collins ’96

Diane Johnson DiCicco ’97

Michelle Bucci Frey ’97

Kathryn Dougherty Hanson ’95

Anne Fitzpatrick Havinear ’97

Jennifer Hawley ’95

Jennifer Mahoney Hoffman ’95

Colleen Kearns ’96

Sarah Weston Johnston ’98

Shanette Lee ’95

Courtney Discher McLaughlin ’97

Maureen McNesby Evans ’98

Alicia Keenan Melinson ’95

Pamela Canfield Myer ’96

Leslie Papada ’96

Tyl DiJulia Sadoff ’95

Ayeshia Smith ’97

Carolyn Tascione ’97

Ashley Brown ’97, Manager

Sadiqa Lucas ’95, Manager

Elizabeth Hughes McDermott ’97, Manager

Christine Brisbin Schuck ’95, Manager

Coach Joseph D’Antonio, a.k.a. Coach “Joe D” had also led the 1990 team, which won the school’s first AACA championship. Assistant coaches were Ed Babiarz, Coach “Bo,” and Cathy Johnson.

After graduation, multiple players from the 1995 team moved on to successful college careers at schools including Villanova University, Ursinus College, University of Scranton, and University of Hartford.

In 2011, Merion Mercy Academy’s junior four with coxswain stunned the rowing community by taking home gold in the international Henley Women’s Regatta in England. There, the team of Amanda Lorei '11, Sara Romano '11, Emily Buongiorno '12, Elissa Jensen '12, and Maddie Ratfield '12 (coxswain) bested schools from Scotland, Ireland, and England, becoming the first American team to win since 2003. Under the leadership of coach Mike Brown with Tom French, the girls were also 2011 United States National Champions and Philadelphia City Champions and medaled at Stotesbury and the Head of the Charles. No school in America has since matched their accomplishment.

The entire team went on to row in college with four of its graduates being selected to D1 schools: Amanda Lorei ‘11, Stanford University; Sara Romano ‘11, Columbia University; Emily Buongiorno ‘12, Georgetown University; and Elissa Jensen ‘12, UCLA. Lorei also won a Henley while at Stanford. 

As a result of its many accomplishments, Coach Brown—who had helped form the team six years earlier—was named “Coach of the Year” by the Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia, the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the United States.