As the 2023-2024 school year concludes, Princeton Day School bids farewell to Seraphine Hamilton, a distinguished member of the English Department and a pivotal figure in the varsity sports community. Since joining PDS, Ms. Hamilton has significantly impacted as a teacher, Dean for the class of 2024, and coach for the girls’ varsity soccer and basketball teams. Her departure marks the end of an era for many students and colleagues who have been encouraged by her dedication and passion.
Ms. Hamilton’s contributions to PDS have been multifaceted. Beyond her teaching duties, she has fostered a strong sense of community and spirit through her coaching. Reflecting on her time at PDS, she recalls her most cherished memories of being on the basketball court with her team. Ms. Hamilton recalls how she brought her son Keith to some of the basketball games this year and how watching the girls play instilled confidence in him and created a good image of what sports is all about. She shares, “The team was a close-knit one and they welcomed him warmly, truly inspiring his love of the game in a way I’d never be able to.”
Along with being an inspiration as a coach, Ms. Hamilton is also loved by her former advisees. Sophomore Sophia Barber, who had Ms. Hamilton as both an advisor and coach, recalls how “[Ms. Hamilton] always pushed for me to put in my best effort”. Despite only knowing Ms. Hamilton for two years, Barber notes that the PDS community will greatly miss her and has cherished the time spent with her.
Outside of school, Ms. Hamilton leads an active life. An avid reader and writer, she is currently working on a novel that is “coming along slowly but surely.” Her passion for fitness is equally strong; she enjoys lifting weights and running, often competing in both. Additionally, she works as a personal trainer at a local gym. Ms. Hamilton also treasures the time spent with her son, particularly attending sporting events together. They recently enjoyed the women’s basketball Final Four and have several WNBA games planned for the summer.
As Ms. Hamilton prepares to move and settle into a new home with her son, she looks forward to the future but leaves behind a legacy of dedication and mentorship at PDS. Her presence on the field, in the classroom, and within the school community will be sorely missed. We wish Ms. Hamilton all the best in her new adventures and thank her for the indelible mark she has left on Princeton Day School.
