Murphy Levesque '22 (L) and Phoebe Schecter '03 (R).
On May 14th, 2025, Ridgefield Academy welcomed back alumna Phoebe Schecter ’03 for a day of inspiration, reflection, and connection. From her conversations with students and faculty during the school day to an evening webinar with the wider RA community, Phoebe’s message was clear: step outside your comfort zone, say yes to new challenges, and trust that sport can shape who you are and who you become.
Phoebe, a trailblazer in professional football and a current NFL analyst and coach, didn’t follow a traditional path to success. But much of her story traces back to Ridgefield Academy, where she attended from Grades 3–8.
“Sports have always been such a huge part of my life,” Phoebe said. “And it really started at RA.” She recalled how the school’s multi-sport approach and inclusive coaching gave her the chance to try new things—like joining the boys’ basketball team and picking up lacrosse for the first time in eighth grade. That same sport would later earn her a college offer.
After college, a twist of fate brought her to a football tryout in Manchester, England—her first time ever playing the sport. What started as curiosity quickly became passion. Phoebe rose through the ranks to become captain of Team Great Britain and eventually a coach in the NFL.
“I think it was the confidence it gave me—the empowerment. All of a sudden, I was walking around with my chest puffed up saying, ‘Yeah, I’m a football player.’"
Joining Phoebe for her presentation was another inspiring alumna: Murphy Levesque ’22, a current junior at St. Luke’s School and a member there of the boys’ tackle football team. Like Phoebe, Murphy is also a dedicated equestrian, and the two connected over their shared experiences—including the challenges and opportunities of competing in traditionally male-dominated arenas.
Phoebe and Murphy engaged with RA's students, faculty, and parents, sharing insights and answering questions about their journeys in sports.
Murphy spoke candidly about balancing academics, athletics, and her passion for animal welfare. In 2024, she officially launched a 501(c)(3) animal rescue organization, which has already saved over 200 animals this year—400 since its inception. Her commitment to service and sport has shaped her perspective and priorities. “One of my goals for next year is to give everything I have to my senior season,” she said.
She also offered thoughtful guidance to RA’s eighth-grade students as they prepare for their upcoming transition to high school: “Don’t change because of your environment; be the change in your environment. Focus on yourself and what it means for you and how you respond. You can’t control the people around you, but you can control your response.”
Today, Phoebe continues to represent Team Great Britain in flag football, works in media and coaching, and serves as a global advocate for female athletes. Murphy, meanwhile, is forging her own path—one marked by courage, compassion, and tenacity.
Together, their visit embodied the spirit of the RA community: a place that fosters confidence, encourages leadership, and champions the belief that no dream is out of reach.
“We are all just a series of the choices we make,” Phoebe reminded our community. “And I’m so thankful RA helped shape those early ones.”