Jason Shea ’97, P’28
Jason Shea '97 has been a cornerstone of the Notre Dame High School community since 2003. Following his graduation from Connecticut College, where he majored in history and played on the men's basketball team that reached the NCAA Division III Final Four with a No. 1 national ranking, Jason was recruited back by athletic director Joe Tonelli and coach Gary Palladino. He began as a substitute teacher and freshman basketball coach before joining the faculty full-time.
Over two decades, Jason has served in multiple roles: social studies and business teacher, department chair, and basketball coach at all levels. Since taking over varsity basketball in 2013–14, he has built one of the region's most successful programs with a 238–51 record, four consecutive SCC Championships, back-to-back Division I State Championships, and a No. 65 national ranking last season.
Under Jason's leadership, Notre Dame Basketball competes nationally in elite events like the Kingdom of the Sun, City of Palms, and Beach Ball Classic. In 2024, the team traveled to Poland, competing against top European clubs and winning the EuroCup Championship. Jason has earned Coach of the Year honors seven times and helped over 40 student-athletes advance to collegiate basketball.
As Athletic Director, Jason has transformed Notre Dame's athletic department. He established the Athletics Hall of Fame, created the ND Varsity Club, elevated the annual Athletics Awards Night, and founded the Green Knights Sports Camps. His strategic vision has positioned Notre Dame's athletics social media presence among the region's most dynamic.
Jason has expanded athletic offerings significantly, launching the Notre Dame Crew program, which has become one of New England's strongest young rowing programs in just four years. He also introduced fencing and has worked tirelessly to provide athletic opportunities for the school's first female class beginning fall 2025.
Jason lives in Orange with his wife, Melissa, and their children—Bobby (Class of 2028) and Annelise (Class of 2030). He proudly carries on the legacy of his grandfather, Bob Greenwood, who raised him and was inducted into the Knights of Honor in 1993.
