When freshman Abby Gehre steps onto the blocks for Alcuin, she’s bringing more than talent, she’s bringing years of disciplined training, the kind that happens long before the whistle blows. She’s a high-level club swimmer who logs serious hours outside of school, enough to earn off-campus PE credit, and still chooses to add the Alcuin season on top of it. This year, as a ninth grader, she qualified for the state meet as an individual in two events: the 200 Individual Medley (all four strokes, no hiding) and the 500 Freestyle (pure endurance). And she didn’t just qualify, she delivered, finishing 7th overall at state, one of Alcuin’s strongest individual placements and a reminder of what’s possible when a student’s commitment meets the right environment.

What makes that environment different isn’t a single banner or a single season, it’s the work behind it. Culture doesn’t “just happen.” It has to be modeled, reinforced, and protected. Coaches are onboarded into what it means to represent Alcuin, and the definition of success is made explicit from the start: expertise matters, but the priority is always the student. As Andy Silverman, Director of Athletics & Physical Education, puts it, “The most important thing is putting the kids in a position to be successful.” That shows up in the way students are coached across a wide spectrum of ability, the way high-level athletes are challenged to lead, and the way teams compete with skill and character. It’s also why so many students are raising their hand this spring, not because it’s easy, but because it feels like a place where you can belong, try, grow, and do something real.

Families who would like to learn more about Alcuin athletics, including how our teams are built and supported across seasons, are welcome to reach out to Andy Silverman, Director of Athletics & Physical Education, at Andy.Silverman@AlcuinSchool.org