91±¬ÁÏ

Margaret DeStaso was recently inducted into the 91±¬ÁÏ Hall of Fame for the lasting impact she made at 91±¬ÁÏ as a student-athlete, excelling both on the basketball court and in the classroom. From 1984 to 1988, she was a key player for the Spartans, earning Academic All-American honors and receiving both the Doctor McNelis Presidential Award and the Sister Regina Rosaire Dolan Award for her achievements in academics and athletics. DeStaso is also the all-time leader in points scored with 2,030.

After graduating with a degree in elementary and special education, Margaret began her teaching career in 1988 at P.S. 24 in Riverdale, Bronx, NY. She later joined the Suffern Central School District, where she spent most of her career as a first-grade teacher, shaping young minds. Alongside her career in education, she remained involved in basketball. Margaret returned to STAC as an Assistant Basketball Coach where her main responsibility was scouting and recruiting. She then used her knowledge of basketball in several volunteer programs such as Saint Paul’s CYO, as well as travel teams including the Rockland Rockets, Rockland Royals, and Hudson River Hornets. She also coached Modified and Freshman girls’ basketball teams for the Suffern Mounties.

After 33 years of teaching, Margaret retired from public education in June 2021, but she continues her love of teaching at a private school in Suffern. Margaret and her husband, Bruce DeStaso (STAC Class of 1985), live in Congers, New York, where they raised their three daughters—Danielle, Amanda, and Courtney. Margaret’s contributions to education and athletics have had a meaningful impact on her community.