News Summary

On November 6, the Westchester Sports Hall of Fame will hold its annual induction ceremony at the Westchester County Center in White Plains. This year’s four inductees include Olympic soccer champion Samantha Coffey, the late lacrosse pioneer Charles D. Murphy, celebrated referee Daymon S. Yizar, and athlete turned boxing referee Jimmy Santa. The event will honor their impressive contributions to sports and promote community spirit. Attendees can purchase tickets to celebrate these local legends.

White Plains Gears Up for an Exciting Sports Hall of Fame Induction

White Plains, NY – Get ready for a night of celebration and camaraderie as the Westchester Sports Hall of Fame prepares to welcome four remarkable sports legends on Thursday, November 6. This annual induction ceremony promises to honor exceptional athletes and pioneers who have left an indelible mark on the sports scene in Westchester County.

Meet the 2025 Inductees

This year’s induction ceremony, set to take place at the Westchester County Center, will spotlight a phenomenal group of individuals. Each inductee boasts an impressive legacy in their respective sports, reflecting not only talent but also a passion for athletics that has inspired many.

  • Samantha Coffey: Hailing from Sleepy Hollow, this Olympic Women’s Soccer Gold Medalist is making headlines. Graduating from the Masters School and later attending Penn State, she achieved both athletic and academic honors. Since kicking off her professional career in 2022, Coffey has emerged as one of the standout players in the National Women’s Soccer League, proving that dedication and hard work truly pay off.
  • Charles D. Murphy (honored posthumously): Remembered for his pioneering role in lacrosse, Murphy was instrumental in establishing the Yorktown High School Lacrosse program in 1966, making it the first in the Hudson Valley. A charter member of the Hudson Valley Chapter Lacrosse Hall of Fame, he also received the prestigious Krieger Award for his contributions to the sport. To keep his legacy alive, the annual Charles D. Murphy game began in 1989, celebrating competitive spirit and sportsmanship.
  • Daymon S. Yizar: A basketball sensation and longtime referee, Yizar graduated from Rye Neck High School where he made waves as the only underclassman to be named All County in 1976. Leading his team to its first State Championship, he made such an impact that his jersey was the first to be retired. A scholarship to Wagner College followed, where he continued to shine and was later inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame.
  • Jimmy Santa: An impressive athlete in both football and boxing, Santa’s journey began as an All-Westchester County running back and linebacker at Rye High School. After important college football experiences at the University of Maryland and a stint with the New York Giants, he transitioned to a unique career as a boxing referee, enhanced by working as a security bodyguard for Muhammad Ali. His story exemplifies the multi-faceted nature of athletic achievement.

A Night to Remember

Each inductee will receive a special Hall of Fame trophy recognizing their incredible contributions to sports. Additionally, their names will be honored on a commemorative plaque that will join over 200 previous inductees in the County Center’s first-floor gallery. This is not just a ceremony but a celebration of the love and pursuit of sports that resonates deeply within the community.

Community Celebration

County Executive Ken Jenkins has expressed that the Hall of Fame truly recognizes the excellence and enthusiasm for athletics present in Westchester. Commissioner Kathy O’Connor noted that the County Center is the perfect spot for this cherished event, given its historical significance in hosting athletic gatherings.

Get Involved!

The Hall of Fame has been celebrating outstanding athletes since its founding in 1968. Nominations are welcomed from the public, reflecting the community’s desire to honor those who have made a difference in athletics. Nominees must be at least 25 years old and recognized for their achievements and character.

If you’re interested in being part of this exciting evening, tickets for the awards dinner and ceremony can be purchased online. Don’t miss out on the celebration of local legends this November at the Westchester County Center located at 198 Central Ave. in White Plains!

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