As one of six girls growing up in Trumbull, Beryl Piper often entertained herself by playing neighborhood basketball. Her older sister Bonnie was the only other family member who played the sport, but she was playing when games for girls were 6 v. 6 and she wasn’t allowed to shoot the ball.

As a young girl growing up in the 1950’s, Elaine Biercevicz was baffled by the fact that she and her friends weren’t allowed to play sports like the boys. Her interest in basketball blossomed in her physical education classes, yet in her freshman and sophomore years of high school, Elaine was only allowed to participate in basketball playdays when the boys’ basketball teams were away.

As a three-sport athlete at Dedham High School in Massachusetts, Linda Dirga was destined for success. After excelling in field hockey, basketball and tennis at the high school level, Linda went on to play field hockey and basketball at the University of Bridgeport’s Arnold College in Connecticut.

After being introduced to the sport of basketball in the 7th grade, Jackie DiNardo’s athletic career blossomed. As a center on her high school team at Azle High School in Azle, Texas, Jackie earned All-League, All-State and All-District Honors. In her senior year, she was named as the Most Valuable High School Player in her region.

A naturally competitive person, Kim Belliveau learned how to play basketball in her own backyard. Her basketball skills were developed with her dad’s support and coaching, and refined with the help of Putnam High School coach Pam Childs. Kim went on to a very successful basketball career at William Penn University where she played for Coach Bob Spencer.

As a young girl, Heather Liberman was introduced to basketball through her father, who coached her recreation team. By the time she entered Amity High School in Woodbridge, she was clearly one of the most talented players on the court and she helped lead her team to many great winning moments.

Sports careers may commence in local gyms or community centers, as was the case for Don Perelli, but often the support of a parent or authority figure is what pushes them to greatness. In Perelli’s case, his mother did more than drive him to practices and games and cheer from the sidelines; she made him practice in the kitchen with a book of matches. Matches?

Donna Vavrinec may be a retired high school Science teacher, but she hasn’t quite retired from the world of officiating. Her love for officiating started at a young age and her strong skills in the field have led her to the highest levels in several sports.