Many Mount alumni knew Lorraine Santacroce, former athletic director at the college, as Coach.
Santacroce, an honoree in this year’s Athletic Hall of Fame, passed away in September of 2020, leaving behind a long legacy of love and dedication. She began her tenure as athletic director during the college’s early days in 1961. Santacroce taught volleyball, tennis, bowling, and basketball and coached cheerleading, in addition to establishing a basketball team. In 1969, Santacroce’s aid gave that basketball team the edge they needed to earn an important tournament victory.
Although Santacroce left the Mount in 1979, she remained in close contact with her students and the Dominican Sisters. Over the years, she donated the benches at the south end of the Dominican Center, the flagpole at the baseball field, and the jackets the women’s basketball team wears today. She also established a scholarship for Sports Management students. A true Knight for life, she was often at Mount home games, cheering on our teams.
“I want people to know that I loved what I did for the Mount,” Santacroce said in a recent interview with the college. “I was very enthusiastic in all that I did because of love. I worked with excellent administrators, excellent parents, and excellent students. I love Mount Saint Mary.”