Shearer, Sarah Jane

Sara Jane Shearer attended high school in Pennsylvania where she played forward in the days of six-player teams--just one dribble, then pass or shoot. She continued playing forward at James Madison University. She began officiating in Pennsylvania and continued wherever her travels brought her.

Prior to Shearer’s arrival at Norwich Free Academy, there were no varsity athletics for girls. Within a few years, NFA had a full slate of girls’ varsity sports programs.

Shearer chaired many CIAC committees, volunteered time for the CHSCA, and served as an advisor for the Girls’ Athletic Association and the Girls’ first Varsity ‘N’ Club in Norwich.

Shearer’s greatest contribution to basketball was her role in the organization and administra-tion of Connecticut’s first-ever girls’ state basketball tournament. She continued in that capacity until the CIAC eventually took over sponsorship and administration of the tournament.