Upper School Fall Athletic Information Letter 2009 (click here)

Middle School Fall Athletic Information Letter 2009 (click here)

Philosophy & Mission

As an extension of and complement to our total learning program, we believe that participation on an athletic team provides the opportunity to learn about hard work, teamwork, and commitment through an environment that stresses self-awareness, self-confidence, and balancing priorities. While the immediate objective of the athletic competition is to win; our challenge as educators and coaches is to prepare students for winning and losing gracefully with the full understanding of the broader purpose of sports.

The goal of the each team is to win the contest without sacrificing the positive educational development of each student as she pursues her potential as an athlete, sportswoman, and team member. Our program strives to develop student athletes within a coherent system that is developed with same philosophy from middle school to junior varsity to varsity. Participation in an appropriate educationally sound athletic program allows students to engage their whole mind, body and spirit.

Athletic participation in each of our sports offers the student an opportunity to develop a myriad of skills; some of these key learning outcomes are listed below. Sports participation will:

• Increase communication skills necessary for learning and implementing strategy

• Increase the general fitness of each athlete by requiring physical work in aerobic endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and sport specific techniques.

• Increase collaboration skills and qualities of a positive team member through commitment to common expectations.

• Increase athlete's self-confidence and self-awareness as a result of daily challenges and risk taking associated with public performance.

• Teach athletes honesty, discipline, and self-restraint through the rules of the game.

• Teach humility and grace through both winning and losing experiences.

• Teach resiliency through risk taking and perseverance.

• Teach the importance of consistent preparation as a component of successful performance.