Charlie Murphy
Four standout individuals who have made lasting contributions to the world of sports in Westchester County will be inducted into the Westchester Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday, Nov. 6, during a special dinner and ceremony at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.
The 2025 inductees are:
Samantha Coffey, Olympic Women’s Soccer Gold Medalist from Sleepy Hollow. She graduated from the Masters School and went on to Penn State to win several athletic and academic honors. In 2022 her professional soccer career took off and has been acclaimed as one of the top players in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Charles D. Murphy, lacrosse pioneer and mentor who helped establish and fund the Yorktown High School Lacrosse program, the first in the Hudson Valley area in 1966. Being honored posthumously, he was a charter member of the Hudson Valley Chapter Lacrosse Hall of Fame, inducted in 1994, received the Krieger Award for his contribution to lacrosse and in 1989, the Charles D. Murphy game was established between Yorktown and Lakeland, held annually in his honor.
Daymon S. Yizar, basketball standout and longtime referee from Rye Neck, who began his career as the only underclassman to be named All County in 1976. He led Rye Neck to their first State Championship after winning Section 1 Class C Championship and won several awards during his high school career, which led to his jersey being the first-ever in Rye Neck to be retired. Yizar earned a scholarship to Wagner College and was inducted into his Athletic Hall of Fame and went on as an IAABO official on basketball courts.
Jimmy Santa, football player turned boxing referee who was an All-Westchester County running back and linebacker in 1969 and 1970 for Rye High School. He was recruited to the University of Maryland where he was a starting linebacker in his freshman year. At the end of his college career, he signed with the New York Giants as a free agent and later became a security bodyguard for Muhammad Ali, which led to his career as a Boxing Referee.
Each honoree will be presented with a Hall of Fame trophy, and their names will be added to a commemorative plaque in the County Center’s first-floor gallery.
County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Our Sports Hall of Fame showcases the excellence and passion for athletics that run deep throughout Westchester. Each inductee has helped shape the identity of athletics in our communities, and we are proud to honor them for their lasting impact.”
Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Kathy O’Connor said: “The County Center hosts many athletic competitions, such as the Westchester Knicks and local basketball tournaments. It’s the ideal venue for the Sports Hall of Fame.”
Since its founding in 1968, the Westchester Sports Hall of Fame has inducted more than 200 people who have made significant contributions to athletics in the county, whether as athletes, coaches, officials, or sports media professionals. Nominations are accepted from the public and reviewed by the Hall of Fame Committee. To qualify, nominees must be at least 25 years old and be recognized for their integrity, character, and outstanding achievements in professional or amateur athletics.
The Sports Hall of Fame is sponsored by Westchester County Parks and Westchester Parks Foundation.
Get tickets to the awards dinner and ceremony here. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/westchester-county-parks-sports-hall-of-fame-2025-tickets-1557243650679?aff=oddtdtcreator
Westchester County Center is located at 198 Central Ave. in White Plains.
