2008 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees - Queen of Peace High School

2008 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
The progress made in women’s sports over the last 35 years has been truly amazing. Just ask Peace
athletic director Darlene Graf, who has witnessed how many opportunities have opened for young women
in athletics.
On Oct. 2, 2008, Ms. Graf shared these thoughts with 25 Peace graduates and coaches as they were
inducted into the first Queen of Peace Athletic Hall of Fame. The Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes
players, coaches, athletic directors and teams who have made significant contributions to the athletic
program at Peace.
“When you read or hear about tonight’s inductees, you will realize the role that their experiences at
Peace – as students and as athletes – contributed to their success not just in high school but in their
future as well,” Ms. Graf told those gathered.
Honorees
1977 Volleyball Team
The 15-member 1977 volleyball team played in the first IHSA (Division AA) state girls volleyball
tournament open to private schools. Those inducted were Cathy DeGiacomo-Abbott, Daralyn Niedospial
Duffy, Debbie Coblentz, Norine McGovern Ferguson, Mary Vonderheide Grogan, Susan Gill Tydd, Donna
Sniegowski Zidek – Class of 1978; Judy McMahon Connelly, Cynthia Nowakowski, Mary Brigid Hurley
Oakes, Therese Herman Smith, June Valentine White – Class of 1979; Danette Coogan LaCour and
Carol Slowinski Palter – Class of 1980; and head coach Glenn Schultz.
Individual Awards for Outstanding Achievement
Jennifer Burns ’92 – volleyball
Lynn Diaz ’00 – tennis
Delilah DiCrescenzo ’01 - cross country and track
Amy Birmingham Fitzgerald ’89 - basketball, softball and volleyball
LaToya Howell ’00 - basketball and soccer
Marianne Keating ’78 - softball and basketball
Heather Mack ’91 - soccer
Mary Pat Fowler Martin ’80 - basketball, softball and volleyball
Dolly Reardon - athletic director and coach from 1975-98
Doris Boyer - extraordinary support of Peace athletics
What they Said ...
Heather Mack ’90, a track star who traveled from El Paso, Texas to attend: “This is a huge
honor. Peace developed strong women and taught us the value of leadership and community and how to
use those values during practice and games and how to make them a part of our lives. Now I lead
America’s sons and daughters in the Army – and it all started here.”

Debbie Coblentz, 1977 volleyball team member, who traveled from Los Altos, California
to attend: “This has been a fantastic opportunity. Playing on the team created some of the best
experiences of my life. Playing sports also has served as a foundation for my own life and for my
teammates’ lives. They did a fantastic job here of developing leadership skills and our sense of
community and service.”
Dolly Reardon (Albarello), athletic director and coach from 1975-98: “I spent 23 years
working here with these Women of Peace. I am proud to say I was part of their lives.”
Donna Sniegowski Zidek, 1977 volleyball team captain: “It’s exciting and an honor to be
inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. I was excited to see my teammates. It’s hard to believe 30 years
have gone by. It’s nice to reconnect.”