sponsors interscholastic teams in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, volleyball, bowling, lacrosse and water polo. The following teams have finished in the top four of their IHSA sponsored state tournament or meet: Basketball: 4th place (1989–90, 1993–94); 2nd place (1994–95); State Champions (1990–91); 2nd Place (2018-2019) Cross Country: 4th place (2006–07) Volleyball: 4th place (1991–92); 3rd place (1990–91, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2012-13); 2nd place (1983–84, 1996–97, 2007–08, 2021-22); State Champions (1977–78, 1980–81, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1984–85, 1985–86, 1987–88, 1992–93, 1994–95, 1995–96, 1997–98, 2000–01, 2004–05, 2013–14, 2016–17, 2022-23) Water Polo: 4th place (2004–05, 2005–06, 2010–11); Third place (2012–13); 2nd place (2003–04, 2007–08); State Champions (2001–02, 2002–03, 2006–07) The volleyball team holds the state records for regional, sectional, and state championships, in addition to appearances at the state tournament and top four finishes. As of 2009, the water polo team holds the state record for appearances in the state tournament and top four finishes. Notable alumnae Jenny McCarthy (class of 1990) is a model, actress, and Playboy model. Joanne McCarthy (class of 1992) was a professional basketball player (1998) with the ABL Chicago Condors. Alex Meneses is an actress. Emily McAsey, State Representative Abbey Murphy (class of 2020) is a Team USA Olympic Ice Hockey player. (Beijing 2022) Elizabeth Ann Doody Gorman (class of 1983) was a Cook County Illinois Board Commissioner. Sylvia Reed Curran (class of 1975) is a long-serving American diplomat. Traditions In late September every year, the school hosts Mercy Day, a celebration of the founding of the Sisters of Mercy and of Catherine McAuley. This celebration includes an assembly that highlights the core values of the Mercy Education and the story of Catherine McAuley. The Catherine McAuley award is also presented to one senior student and one faculty member who best represents Catherine McAuley. Many senior students participate in the senior retreat known as Kairos, which is a spiritual retreat. Kairos retreats occur six times a year, and many McAuley girls promote this tradition. "Spirit Week" takes place every spring and includes five days of dressing up and activities to fit the daily theme. The week is often concluded with "Mac Pride Day" with a pep assembly. As many all-girls schools do, at the commencement ceremony, all graduates are required to wear a white dress and white gloves, as opposed to the traditional graduation style of a cap and gown. References External