Athletics Overview

THE HUSKY WAY:

ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT WELCOMES STUDENTS BACK TO COMPETITION WITH FALL SEASON

By Diana Parente, Director of Athletics

THE FLINT HILL ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A VITAL PART OF THE

EXPERIENCE AT FLINT HILL, and we are thrilled that we started fall sports on February 22. At the start of the fall season, we were able to mix cohorts, share equipment and have contact practices. We also implemented testing protocols for all our fall athletes to have competitions beginning in March.

The winter season was also a great success! I specifically would like to congratulate our Diving team, which had amazing results at the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association’s virtual state meet. On the boys’ side, Spencer Bloom ’22 placed second and Ryan Griggs ’22 placed fifth. On the girls’ side, Michayla Eisenber ’24 came in first place and Lily Min ’21 placed third. Way to go Huskies! We ended our winter season with a wonderful Senior Night in our Upper School Gym, which brought all winter sports seniors together. We were able to livestream the event, had a wonderful video wishing the seniors well from their families, and our varsity head coaches shared priceless memories from the last four years.

We also believe that recognizing and celebrating our student-athletes is essential, and that belief has been a driver for some of the events we’ve found creative solutions for this year. In February, we hosted our second of three National Signing Days for seniors who announced their plans to play their sports at the next level. The winter ceremony, which was held in the Upper School Gym, with only the students and their families in attendance, cele-

brated Marisa and Lara Geib, who will play tennis at Swarthmore College; David Allen, who will play lacrosse at University of the South-Sewanee; Kinsley Helmer, who will play lacrosse at Colby College; Sarah McCue, who will play softball at Hood College; and Gabby Masiello, who will play volleyball at Hofstra University. The event was recorded for members of the broader community who wanted to watch the ceremony on-demand.

Another example of great Husky spirit has been the dedication and collaboration of our student Athletic Advisory Council (AAC). On February 3, our ACC facilitated a discussion with former professional women’s soccer player Joanna Lohman for National Girls & Women in Sports Day. One highlight from the event was when Joanna spoke on the attributes of great athletes. She said, “I hope it sends a message to you guys; it’s not just about your talent, is it? It’s about being a good teammate; it’s about being a good human being, every single person has an important role on a team, in your school, and whatever community and groups that you belong to. You’re important, and you have such a unique ability to bring your characteristics to the group and to add value. Never question that, because the world needs you on the field, and they need you off the field.”

Since March, the Athletics Department has run a virtual fitness class to ensure that our studentathletes remain in shape and still have an opportunity to earn an athletic credit. We have offered a wide range of classes, from yoga, pilates and Crossfit, to weight training and tabata. For the spring, fall and winter semesters, we had more than 300 students participate and earn credit. Congratulations to all involved!

Thank you to the entire Flint Hill community for making athletics a priority during this time and for being partners in reimagining how students interact within the athletic space. It’s thrilling to see our competitions start back up again and to watch our student-athletes get back to doing what they love!