What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Saint Francis? For most, it’s sports—with hundreds of league championships, many sectional, regional, and state titles, and a long list of Lancers who have competed in college and even professionally, our school is certainly accomplished in the athletics department. But sports play another, arguably more important, role at Saint Francis: they bring our school community together, fostering lifelong bonds and school pride. For Ms. Sharon Purcell (’90), sports were a central part of her Saint Francis experience and life after.
The Lancer: Why did you choose to attend Saint Francis?
Ms. Sharon Purcell: I chose to attend Saint Francis because I’d always wanted to go here—I grew up around the corner, and I had gone to public schools in the area, but I wanted to be a part of this community that I had always watched from afar.
TL: What were some of your favorite classes and teachers at Saint Francis?
SP: Patty Tennant, who became principal, was my English teacher, and I became an English major because of Mrs. Tennant. I also had Mr. Ivers, and Mr. Tuite too—for US History.
TL: What sports and clubs were you involved in at Saint Francis?
SP: I played tennis, and I played basketball, and I ran track. My 1990 basketball team went to the state semis, and we’re also in the Hall of Fame at Saint Francis. I also did a ton of community service—we had a program called Truck of Love. I was also ASB all four years—I was ASB Secretary my senior year.
TL: What’s your current job, and how did Saint Francis prepare you for your career?
SP: I’m the assistant varsity tennis coach at Saint Francis, but I’ve been coaching for the last twenty years, and prior to that I worked for the Stanford football team; I would coordinate team travel, events, and various football operations. Saint Francis gave me a passion for sports. I do love sports—I’ve worked in it, played in it, went to UCLA for undergrad, and worked in sports there as well, so I think just being a leader and finding something I was passionate about is how Saint Francis helped me.
TL: What is your favorite memory at Saint Francis?
SP: One of my favorite memories is Powderpuff—I don’t know if you still have that—when the seniors take on the juniors. We would all decorate our cars, go to my house (because I lived close by) before going to the game, and come in our cars with the windows down, blaring music, cheering, and chanting. And homecoming, rallies, all that kind of stuff—those were my favorite.
TL: What advice would you give to current students at Saint Francis?
SP: This one’s going to come as me just being a mom, but try not to stress, try not to overdo it, and try to do things that make you happy. Work hard, of course, but high school’s just one step in your life. I know it’s a platform for students to go to college, but it’s also a special time where it’s shaping who you are and how you grow. I think Saint Francis does a really good job of trying to see the whole student, and I think it’s important to embrace all of those different things and not take anything too seriously if possible.
TL: Do you have any final comments?
SP: One of the greatest things about coming back and coaching here is, I see all the students, and I’m just so impressed by everybody I meet at Saint Francis. I think it was great when I came here, but I think it’s even better now.
Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
