At Sacred Heart Schools Chicago, athletics are more than just an after-school activity — they’re a core part of the school’s holistic approach to education. With 85% of students actively participating in sports, Sacred Heart’s sports program emphasizes not only physical fitness but also the development of leadership, teamwork and resilience.
“The impact of sports on a child’s growth is immeasurable,” says Margot DiMuzio, Sacred Heart’s athletic director.
What makes the sports program at Sacred Heart Schools Chicago stand out
The Sacred Heart sports program offers an impressive variety, with over 50 teams spanning sports like basketball, volleyball, cross country, track, flag football and even golf.
This year, Sacred Heart is expanding their after school opportunities with new offerings such as e-sports, ultimate frisbee and girls flag football.
“We believe in giving students the chance to explore a wide range of sports, so they can find their passion,” says DiMuzio. “We have a no-cut policy – students can try any and all sports, which really drives up our numbers. We even have kids playing multiple seasons each year.”
The program begins early, allowing even the youngest students to participate. This early introduction helps build a foundation of physical fitness and self-confidence that stays with them as they grow.
“Our goal is to get as many students involved as possible, which means we create an environment where trying something new is celebrated,” DiMuzio adds. The program prioritizes inclusion, encouraging students of all skill levels to participate and work towards their personal bests.
Inspiring leadership
DiMuzio isn’t just the driving force behind the sports program — she’s also one of only two female athletic directors in the league, a distinction that makes her an inspiring role model for Sacred Heart students.
Having worked for the school for 16 years, DiMuzio’s journey from coach to athletic director reflects her deep commitment to the school’s mission of empowering students. “I’ve had the privilege of watching our students grow into confident athletes, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of that,” she says.
Fostering life skills
Participation in Sacred Heart sports isn’t just about winning games. It’s about fostering lifelong skills that help students excel in every area of their lives.
“The skills learned on the field translate into the classroom and beyond. We see how students become more confident, organized and capable of handling challenges,” says DiMuzio.
She highlights teamwork as one of the most critical takeaways from the program. In sports, students learn how to work together towards a common goal, communicate effectively and support one another — skills that serve them well throughout life, she says.
“Some of my favorite stories are about kids trying sports for the first time in third or fourth grade and eventually going on to play in high school or college. We want them to take risks and feel supported. We emphasize that mistakes are not failures.”
Building resilience and character
One of the most impactful lessons students learn through Sacred Heart’s sports program is resilience. Whether it’s bouncing back from a tough loss or pushing through physical and mental barriers, sports provide a unique platform for students to develop a growth mindset.
“Failure is part of the game, but so is perseverance. We teach our students that setbacks are opportunities for growth,” DiMuzio explains.
The sports program at Sacred Heart focuses on resilience and aligns with the school’s broader mission to educate the whole child — mind, body, and spirit. “We teach our students to push beyond their limits and believe in themselves. This attitude becomes second nature for them, which is an incredible asset as they grow and face future challenges,” DiMuzio says.
A legacy of coaching
Many Sacred Heart alumni return to the school to give back to the program that shaped them. Former students are encouraged to come back to coach and share the valuable lessons they learned as athletes at Sacred Heart, continuing the cycle of growth and mentorship.
DiMuzio is proud of the legacy this creates. “It’s special to see our former athletes come back and guide the next generation. They’ve experienced firsthand the benefits of our program, and now they’re helping the current students find their own successes,” she says.
DiMuzio’s connection with her students doesn’t end when they graduate. She often visits former athletes to watch them play in high school and celebrate their achievements.
“It’s an incredible feeling to see how they’ve grown since their time here at Sacred Heart. Watching them compete at a higher level and knowing that we helped lay the foundation for their success is very rewarding,” she says.
Beyond athletics
DiMuzio notes that sports often become a stepping stone to greater achievements, with many Sacred Heart graduates going on to participate in athletics at the high school and collegiate levels. More importantly, students carry the values of discipline, perseverance and teamwork with them, qualities that help them succeed academically and personally.
With a rigorous academic program, some parents might be concerned about athletics practice. Not to worry, says DiMuzio. “We only practice twice a week. We want to allow kids time to study and pursue other interests. Our coaches are in the school and are able to keep an eye on students, making sure they’re excelling in the classroom too.”
Sacred Heart’s “5 Goals” – Faith, Academics, Service, Community and Growth –
are woven into every part of the school’s fabric and athletics are no exception, stays DiMuzio.
“At Sacred Heart, we’re shaping well-rounded individuals. Our sports program is a vital part of that and we’re proud of the positive impact it has on our students’ lives,” says DiMuzio.
For more information about Sacred Heart Schools Chicago, visit their website: shschools.org.
