This September, after Colorado Academy introduced its after-school athletics program for Lower School students in Kindergarten through Grade Five, herds of little Mustangs could be seen galloping to the “big kid” playing fields every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to learn the basics of field hockey and baseball and maybe, one day, be a part of CA’s top-rated Upper School sports program.
According to Athletic Director Jon Hill, the new initiative is “dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where every child can develop essential skills, embrace teamwork, and embody sportsmanship regardless of their skill level or experience.” Just like the CA Athletics program as a whole, Hill adds, the Lower School offering aims to cultivate a love for physical activity while instilling values of respect, fair play, and collaboration and nurturing well-rounded athletes, students, and individuals.
In addition to the early fall options of field hockey and tee ball, late fall introduces soccer and flag football; winter focuses on basketball; and spring brings climbing, lacrosse, racquet sports, ultimate Frisbee, and volleyball. All sports are coached by experienced CA faculty and staff or parent volunteers. Fees for each session cover most equipment needed, and financial aid is available to ensure as many CA students as possible may participate. The reasonable cost and easy accessibility right on CA’s campus make Lower School Athletics a viable alternative alongside the area’s popular club teams.
“The program has been a tremendous success so far,” says Lower School Athletics Coordinator and Boys Golf and Basketball Assistant Coach Kaili Purviance. “Right from the start, we have had great attendance and wonderful feedback from both parents and students! The fun and engaging way our coaches help young players develop skills and teamwork has many Lower School Mustangs wanting to stay out on the field as long as they can; they literally don’t want to go home! The coaches are having a great time, too, and we are all excited to see this program continue to inspire our students to stay active and enjoy healthy competition throughout the year.”
In addition to the obvious benefits of skill development, teamwork, and physical fitness, sports in the elementary years offer a host of additional bonuses. Plenty of research has shown that sports can improve mental health and emotional regulation; build social skills; and boost critical executive functions such as time management and resilience.
These benefits put the Lower School Athletics program right in line with the broader goals of CA’s Lower School, which emphasizes “The Formative Five” skills: empathy, self-control, integrity, embracing diversity, and grit. Together, the Lower School’s social emotional roadmap and the new sports offerings provide robust support for character development and children’s well-being, even after the school day ends.
