After leading the Hatters for more than 30 seasons and reaching 500 career wins last winter, Danbury High School girls’ basketball coach Jackie DiNardo is once again being recognized.  She has been named as the St. Clare Award winner by the Franciscan Life Center in Meriden. 

DiNardo will be recognized at the 35th Annual Franciscan Sports Banquet and Silent Auction on June 2nd.  Retired New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning will be presented with the 2020 St. Francis Award that evening as well. 

DHS Athletics Director Chip Salvestrini says this award represents giving back and helping others, things DiNardo has done all her life. 

DiNardo’s long career of accomplishments include being named a National High School Coaches Association finalist.  In 2005, DiNardo was inducted into the Texas Hall of Fame and into the Connecticut Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.