Longtime Rye Girls Varsity Soccer Head Coach Rich Savage was inducted into the New York State Girls Soccer Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Savage, who has been the head coach for 35 years, as well as a long tenure as a teacher in the Rye Schools, was joined by his current team, alums, his family, and others for the ceremony over the weekend in Niskayuna, New York.
“It was definitely an overwhelming experience,” Savage told MyRye.com after the celebration concluded. “Total shock, total surprise.”
Savage and his team participated in the Hall of Fame tournament in Suffolk County on Friday and Saturday before the ceremony on Saturday afternoon. There was a very large crowd of supporters in attendance as the veteran coach became one of the first to ever enter the Hall while still active. The minimum years of service requirement is 30, which Savage has surpassed, all with the Garnets.
“It is a true honor to celebrate Coach Savage who has dedicated his life to shaping not only talented athletes, but remarkable young women,” Rye Athletic Director Susan Reid Dullea told MyRye.com. “His passion and commitment have left a lasting legacy on our program and our community. Being inducted into the New York State Girls Soccer Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of a career defined by impact, leadership, and heart.”
Several proud spectators watched in delight as Savage accepted his induction and gave his brief acceptance speech. Tatiana Saunders, Rye Girls Soccer ’20, travelled from London, England to attend the ceremony. Kim Nardo, a former player and coach with Savage, also made it. Jared Small, the Rye Boys Soccer head coach, rescheduled his Saturday game to make sure he could attend the proceedings. And of course, Savage’s immediate family and plenty of extended relatives all came to support him.
“My entire family was there, so it was definitely a special moment,” Savage told MyRye.com. “And to celebrate with all my current team members, that was pretty special too.”
