Whether it’s Sundays filled with football or winter nights spent watching hockey, Sacred Heart University students are never short on opinions about their favorite teams and the rivalries that come with them.
Based on the majority demographic of SHU students, the battle lines are clear: New York versus Boston.
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“I believe there is a heavier domination of New York teams at Sacred Heart due to its location,” said sophomore Nicholas Bosticco. “With SHU only being about an hour outside New York City, you hear a lot more about those teams compared to Boston.”
Bosticco, who roots for the Yankees, Knicks, Rangers and Giants, said his fandom was shaped by family ties.
“My father and grandfather were both huge Rangers fans,” said Bosticco. “Being a die-hard fan means you stick with your team through the bad years, not just when they’re good.”
Senior Caitlin Greenhall echoed that sentiment, saying her passion for sports started at home as well.
“I come from a very big hockey family,” she said. “I follow the NHL year-round, even when they’re not playing — I just like keeping up with the news.”
Greenhall, a Boston Bruins and New York Yankees fan, said she’s noticed the sports divide on campus.
“There’s definitely a dominant sports culture tied to both New York and Boston,” she said. “I’ve seen rivalries between Yankees and Red Sox fans, and also between Rangers and Devils fans. It’s fun because it gives everyone something to talk about.”
Junior Tyler Johnson said the NFL dominates his attention but added that his interests shift depending on the season.
“In the winter I’m more into hockey, in the summer it’s baseball into football, and fall is football season,” said Johnson. “At SHU, I hear the most about the Yankees, Rangers, Knicks and Giants.”
Johnson said he’s noticed how regional ties shape fan bases.
“Even though you see both Boston and New York fans here, SHU is definitely in the New York region,” he said. “Most of the big rivalries come from baseball — definitely Yankees and Red Sox — and sometimes Yankees and Mets.”
For many, their sports identity is rooted in family and hometown pride. Junior Morgan LiCausi said she’s a die-hard White Sox and Blackhawks fan because of her Chicago roots.
“The teams I love aren’t doing great right now,” said LiCasusi. “But I’ll never be a bandwagon fan. I grew up in a baseball household, and that’s what made me fall in love with the game.”
While Sacred Heart’s own Division I teams bring students together on campus, many agree that SHU athletics don’t necessarily change their professional sports preferences.
“I wouldn’t say SHU sports impact my overall sports preferences,” said Greenhall. “But some games, especially hockey, really do feel like big events.”
Johnson added that the atmosphere around SHU athletics has made him more interested in certain sports.
“I’ve definitely become more into hockey since coming to Sacred Heart,” said Johnson. “It feels like if the team is doing well, everyone’s paying attention.”
When it comes to watching games, students say they often take matters into their own hands.
“I don’t think SHU does a great job at organizing watch parties,” said Bosticco. “They do advertise at Red’s, but that’s only for people over 21. Students usually make their own watch parties with friends — it’s just as fun that way.”
Even so, the shared passion for sports is what connects SHU’s student body.
“It’s like conventions,” said Bosticco. “People go to connect with others who share the same interests. With sports, it’s the same thing, just in a different atmosphere.”
For Greenhall, it all comes back to community.
“Whether it’s the Bruins or the Yankees, everyone here has a team,” said Greenhall. “It’s what keeps campus energy high — no matter who you root for.”
Even so, the shared passion for sports is what connects SHU’s student body.
“It’s like conventions,” said Bosticco. “People go to connect with others who share the same interests. With sports, it’s the same thing, just in a different atmosphere.”
