Salve inducts five new members into Athletic Hall of Fame

Salve Regina celebrated its longstanding tradition of honoring standout athletes, coaches and contributors at the Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony Sept. 27. Since its inception in 1998, the Hall of Fame has recognized the achievements and lasting impact of Salve’s athletic community. Inducted during the University’s Fall Festival and Homecoming Weekend, this year’s class includes Matt Kestler ’99, Lindsay Shorey ’12, Rachel Porter ’13, Abby Tepper ’16 and Steve Cirella.

The ceremony brought together former athletes and coaches from across generations, reinforcing the strong sense of community and shared history that continue to define Salve’s athletic program. With over 100 attendees, including family members, alumni, current students and coaches, the ceremony was a heartwarming celebration of Salve’s athletic history and the future of its ever-growing Seahawk family.

“A key word that comes to mind is ‘family.’ There is a culture of family and connectiveness here,” said Ed Habershaw, director of athletics communications. “It is magical when the class comes together for the induction because it really shows that these connections will last a lifetime.”

The Class of 2024 Hall of Fame inductees

Matt Kestler ’99

Kestler ’99 with family.

Kestler was a core member of the Salve Regina football team across the 1995-98 seasons, achieving accolades such as four-year starter, three-time conference champion and three-year all-conference selection.

Now the head coach of Middletown High School’s football team, Kestler credits his time at Salve with shaping him into the person and coach he is today. “Salve football is part of my DNA,” said Kestler. “Not only did it turn me around academically, but it also taught me better time management, mental toughness and how to overcome adversity.” Initially a baseball player at Salve, Kestler switched to football in 1995, becoming a key member of the team and the 1998 team captain.

Kestler, known for his humility, was deeply moved by the honor. “Linemen don’t really get recognition too much,” he said. “When I got the call from Sean Sullivan, I got welled up –I’m super grateful. I was a part of something much bigger than myself.”

At Middletown High, where his own son plays, Kestler continues to pass on the lessons he learned at Salve to the next generation – where his leadership is already making a lasting impact. “My son wanted to wear my number 73, which was really cool,” Kestler shared.

Lindsay Shorey ’12

Shorey ’12 (right), with director of athletics Sean Sullivan (left).

Shorey credits her college experience to the supportive culture of the women’s basketball team and the broader Salve community. One of her fondest memories was when both the men’s and women’s basketball teams won their respective conference titles on the same day. “Being able to celebrate with both basketball teams was really awesome,” said Shorey.

During her impressive career, Shorey scored 1,329 career points, even after missing half of her junior year with a broken collarbone. She set a new Salve record for the most blocked shots in a single game (14) and in a season (117) to top the Seahawk record books with 313 career blocks. Her senior year, she finished ninth in the nation with 4.3 blocks per game. Despite numerous individual accolades, Shorey emphasized the importance of teamwork.

“Being a college athlete taught me the importance of being part of a team and finding people you can rely on,” she shared. “I wouldn’t be able to be a part of the Hall of Fame without having played with them.”

Now a fifth-grade teacher, she continues to value the sense of community instilled during her time at Salve.

Rachel Porter ’13

Porter ’13 with family.

Despite spending much of her college career as a defenseman, Porter is still the women’s ice hockey program’s all-time leading scorer, a testament to her flexibility and team-first mentality. “Coach Cox asked me to play defense full time, and I was like, ‘yeah, whatever the team needs,'” Porter recalled. Her ability to see the whole ice from the defense position led to numerous assists, highlighting her vision and selflessness as a player.

Porter’s hockey career, which began in childhood, shaped her life far beyond the rink. The sport instilled discipline, perseverance and teamwork, qualities she has carried into her professional life.

Now a nurse, she credits her success to the support of her teammates, coaches and most importantly, her mother, Roberta, who was her biggest motivator throughout her journey.

“She raised me to believe if I want to do something, I can,” Porter said. “She believes in me and my sisters, and she dragged me all over the place to play hockey. Even in my post-grad life, she’s still my biggest supporter. I wouldn’t be here without her, that’s for sure.”

Reflecting on her Hall of Fame honor, Porter feels immense gratitude. “I was so shocked. I never thought I would be nominated… You work so hard for four years, and it pays off,” said Porter. “I’ve been playing since I was four years old – to do something for such a long time of your life and be rewarded for it is crazy. I’m still super grateful and shocked.”

Abby Tepper ’16

Tepper ’16 with family.

Tepper, a dual-sport athlete in field hockey and lacrosse, was initially drawn to Salve for the opportunity to play both sports at the Division III level. “I couldn’t decide which sport I wanted,” Tepper recalled. “Coach Jennifer Foster was willing to let me play both, and being able to double major in elementary and special education made Salve the perfect fit.” Her experiences as a student-athlete not only shaped her college years but also laid the foundation for her coaching career.

After graduating, Tepper pursued her passion for coaching, starting with field hockey at Stonehill College and lacrosse at Roger Williams University. She later coached a DII national championship team at West Chester University and currently serves as the assistant women’s lacrosse coach at Merrimack College. Throughout her athletic and coaching journey, Tepper’s relentless work ethic has been a defining characteristic. “I never wanted to miss anything,” she said. “I was driven by the fear of not making the team and always pushed myself to be the best version of me.”

Now a Hall of Fame inductee, Tepper reflects on the relationships and memories that made her time at Salve so special. “I met my best friends at Salve, and being a part of the University and both programs was an honor,” she shared. Her induction is a full-circle moment, as her legacy continues through the athletes she now coaches, passing on the values of teamwork, dedication and building lifelong connections.

Steve Cirella, former head baseball coach

Cirella (right), with director of athletics Sean Sullivan (left).

As Salve’s all-time winningest baseball coach, Cirella had a 318-win career spanning 14 seasons (2000-2013). During his tenure, Cirella led the team to two conference championships and multiple NCAA appearances, earning three conference “Coach of the Year” honors. However, Cirella’s proudest achievement wasn’t the victories – it was the relationships he built with his players. “It’s not about the wins and losses,” he said. “It’s about the relationships … that’s the biggest thing I can take away from coaching.”

Cirella’s coaching philosophy centered around recruiting hardworking players and fostering a strong team bond. His former athletes still reflect on the lessons learned under his leadership, with 10 of his players even paying his way to attend the 2024 DIII College World Series to witness Salve’s historic run. “I had tears in my eyes,” Cirella said. “Seeing what the baseball team achieved and watching my son, Eric, accomplish so much was remarkable.”

The father-son duo, Steve and Eric Cirella, have guided Salve to 614 wins combined, with Eric taking over the program in 2013. Now, both are members of the Hall of Fame, making the honor especially meaningful for the family.

“This is a rewarding experience for me to be joined by my father in the Salve Athletic Hall of Fame,” said Eric Cirella. “But also gratifying for the rest of my family, knowing how much time and effort he put into the baseball program during his tenure as head coach. And to see where the program is today on a national level; this entire experience is surreal seeing it all go full circle. I think it is especially fitting that he gets inducted a few months after we finish up our best season ever.”

For Steve Cirella, creating a legacy with Salve baseball along with joining his son in the Hall of Fame makes his honor even more meaningful. “This experience will stay with me for the rest of my life,” he said.