Messages from AD and Head of School

FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR...

Welcome to the 2024 Lacrosse season! We are extremely excited and proud to have Head Coach Jeff Schwartz and his outstanding coaching staff guiding our program (on and off the field) this year. Across the board at PVI, we are blessed to have so many dedicated and decorated coaches leading our studentathletes. These coaches teach accountability, understand, encourage academic success, support each other’s programs, and work hard to build great teams based on faith. Coaches who are “teachers” and Christian leaders with character and integrity make a tremendous difference in our children’s lives. Teaching our student-athletes to be respectful and accountable teaches them to succeed in life. We are also extremely fortunate to have a dedicated support network from our alumni, boosters, parents, school staff, and community. No doubt about it...PVI is truly a special place.

It is critical to recognize athletics’ value as an essential part of the educational process. More importantly, remember that our sports programs at PVI are an extension of our mission and ministry. As a college preparatory school, we strive to run college prep athletic programs so that our studentathletes who can combine the right amounts of ability and desire can move to the next level thanks to the PVI athletic experience. At the same time, a significant focus of our athletic program is to help our student-athletes to develop lasting life skills to use as they move on in college, in a career, as productive members of society, as husbands and wives, and as parents. When you surround your child with the gospel, discipline, integrity, and truth, you can make a difference in their life forever. That is the core of our mission. It is easier to build boys and girls than mend men and women.

Finally, I would like to remind all our spectators to be “good sports.” Be a fan but allow our coaches to coach and let the players play. Let us create a positive environment for all involved: one where studentathletes and parents get the most from their experiences; one where winning is not the only thing; one where opponents and officials are not taunted or humiliated. We want an environment where the emphasis is on positive relationships and learning essential life lessons through hard work, competition, and faith.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as Director of Athletics at PVI. Our community’s sense of togetherness humbles me. We are genuinely ONE TEAM! #TeamPVI

William H. Emerson III, RAA Director of Athletics

PVI BOYS LACROSSE GAME DAY GUIDE 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear PVI Lacrosse Community,

As lacrosse season starts, I am reminded of the years I sat in the stands watching my sisters, brother, and nephew play lacrosse. (I also played for a brief time but could only catch on my left side, which meant that I was better off in the stands!) It is a game of speed, bumps, stick skills, finesse, and mud, and I look forward to being in the stands once again, this time to cheer on our talented boys’ lacrosse team. Under the leadership of our new head coach, Jeff Schwartz, I have no doubt it will be an exciting and rewarding season!

At PVI, the coaches and the Athletic Department staff work tirelessly to create a program that combines the many facets of our Catholic mission — a quality, educational environment that prepares students to face any challenges that come their way. All students at PVI must balance academics and any extracurricular activities, including athletics. We are scholar athletes first and foremost — shining examples of growth and success and of what can be accomplished through discipline, hard work, and teamwork.

Positive support under the responsibility of good sportsmanship is expected of all students, fans, and guests. A good rule of conduct should be to let each participant do the job he or she has been trained to do: players play, coaches coach, referees judge, and fans cheer in a positive manner.

It is my constant prayer that God watches over all who walk the halls, the courts, and the fields of PVI. May the spring lacrosse season bring success and safety for all — and a good amount of sticks and mud! Go Panthers!

Peace and blessings,

Laura Swenson

Head of School