The Harvey G. Foster Award - 2024: Kristin Komyatte Sheehan '90, '93 M.A.
Kristin Komyatte Sheehan '90, '93 M.A.
In recognition of her commitment to elevating the culture of youth sport and enabling access to recreation opportunities for all children, the Notre Dame Alumni Association honors Kristin Komyatte Sheehan ’90, ’93 M.A. with this award.
A devoted Notre Dame alumna, Sheehan’s deep love for the University was inspired by her father, Richard Komyatte ’59. In 1990, she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in theology with minors in gender studies and peace studies, and went on to earn her master’s in psychology in 1993. During her undergraduate years, she was an active member of the Notre Dame cheerleading team, pumping up the crowds during every home game in Notre Dame Stadium, including during the 1988 national championship season.
Since 2006, Sheehan has served as the Program Director for the Play Like a Champion Today Educational Series, a program aimed to enhance the culture of youth sports by focusing on character development and ensuring accessibility for all children. In this role, she manages partner relations, coordinates educational programs, and develops new curricula. Under her leadership, the program has trained over 160,000 coaches and sports parents across 42 states.
Sheehan is particularly proud of the initiative “A Team for Every Child,” which aims to provide sport and recreation opportunities to children, regardless of their financial background or athletic ability. She has co-authored several articles and the publication Play Like a Champion: Following the Vatican’s Lead to Elevate the Culture of American Sport. In September 2022, Sheehan had the honor of meeting Pope Francis while moderating a session at the Vatican’s international sport summit, Sport for All.
Sheehan resides in South Bend with her husband, Dan ’87. They have three children: Shannon ’16; Jack ’19, a former Notre Dame Leprechaun; and Danny, a four-year letter winner in football and baseball and 2023 graduate of DePaul University.