Athletics
Athletic Philosophy
The purpose of Rectory's athletics is to inspire a lifelong commitment to physical fitness and health and to promote risk-taking and self-confidence. Although inter-school competition is a large part of our program, the emphasis is on individual success, enjoyment, skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Varsity teams are extremely competitive and successful, while other levels help students develop basic skills.
Participation in the sports program is mandatory for all students during each of the three seasons. Every student has a chance to participate on a team at the level that suits his or her skill level so that each can experience success and growth.
Courtney Callanan, Athletic Director
Tell us about yourself and get in touch with a coach
Beyond the Field: Fostering Lifelong Health and Fitness through Athletics
Teams, Facilities, & Coaches
NEPSAC
Everyone takes part in sports on levels that test the skilled athlete and encourage the beginner. Through athletics, we inspire individual success, enjoyment, skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Rectory School is a member of the New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC).
Spring
- Varsity Baseball
- Junior Varsity Baseball
- Varsity Golf
- Junior Varsity Golf
- Boys Varsity Lacrosse
- Junior Varsity Boys Lacrosse
- Girls Lacrosse
- Softball
- Varsity Tennis
- Junior Varsity Tennis
- Recreational Tennis
- Track & Field
- Spring Adventures
Varsity Baseball
Junior Varsity Baseball
The junior varsity boys' baseball team builds on the fundamentals of the game. We will focus on basics - fielding our positions, throwing to the correct base, understanding both offensive and defensive strategy, and proper work ethic and preparedness, all while maintaining a high level of fun. Success will be measured by improvement--both individually and as a team--rather than on the final score.
Varsity Golf
Junior Varsity Golf
Junior varsity golf practices the fundamentals of the game and practices on improving players' swings. Golfers will also learn the many rules of golf etiquette. Most importantly, golfers will have fun getting to know their teammates while walking the course together and enjoy the afternoon on the course regardless of what the scorecard says at the end of the day.
Boys Varsity Lacrosse
Varsity lacrosse focuses on preparing players for competition at the secondary school level. As Rectory's highest team, players possess a solid skill set of lacrosse fundamentals, including catching, shooting, passing, and body contact, as well as a firm understanding of offense and defense of combinations. These skills will be further developed and refined throughout the season, emphasizing building a team culture that models Rectory's Creed of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, and Compassion.
Junior Varsity Boys Lacrosse
The junior varsity lacrosse team primarily focuses on skill development and understanding the concepts associated with the lacrosse game. The first few weeks of practice focus on throwing, catching, picking up groundballs, and rules. We face numerous teams throughout the year to showcase our development and growth in lacrosse. Ultimately, our goal is to develop athletes into lacrosse players and help them understand the idea of team sports, sportsmanship, and respect for the game and their opponents.
Girls Lacrosse
The Rectory girls lacrosse team learns the sport of lacrosse by emphasizing sportsmanship, positive play, the benefits of handwork, and teamwork. Several girls are new to the sport, so we work diligently to master catching and throwing and the intricacies of offense and defense. They can showcase their skills and level of play in several games throughout the season.
Softball
Varsity Tennis
The varsity tennis team focuses on preparing players for high-level match play and the transition to secondary school tennis. Players are expected to possess the fundamentals of tennis, with drill-based practices geared toward match strategy and further developed skills. With a full slate of matches, daily practice on the courts, and an end-of-year team tournament, players get maximum experience during the season.
Junior Varsity Tennis
The Junior Varsity Tennis team focuses on skill development and understanding the concepts associated with the game of tennis. We diligently practice the proper form of forehands, backhands, and volleys and how to serve correctly. The game of tennis begins with a serve, so the emphasis is on a successful stroke! In tennis, there are no referees. So we work very hard on saying the proper score and honestly calling our lines in or out. We also concentrate on conditioning.
Recreational Tennis
Track & Field
The Rectory track team works with students of all running abilities. The events we compete in are 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m, 4x1 Relay, Long Jump, and Shot Put. We use this opportunity to introduce the athletes to different strategies for running in the races and the correct techniques to master during their events. The players participate in meets and invitationals, which prepare students for track at the secondary school level.
Spring Adventures
Spring adventures encompass activities like ropes courses and hiking, providing an exhilarating blend of physical challenge and natural exploration. On the ropes course, students navigate suspended obstacles, building confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a safe and supervised environment—meanwhile, the group's hiking adventures immerse participants in the beauty of nature. Spring adventures offer opportunities for discovery, exercise, and bonding with peers.
Fall
- Cross Country
- Equestrian
- Fall Adventures
- Flag Football
- Karate
- Boys Varsity A Soccer
- Boys JV Soccer
- Coed Recreational Soccer
- Girls Varsity Soccer
- Girls Varsity Volleyball
- Girls JV Volleyball
Cross Country
Being on the Rectory cross-country team is more than just learning how to put one foot in front of the other; it's learning to be a better runner, to have a sense of pride, and most importantly, self-worth. The main goal for each runner is to improve their times on our home course throughout the season and to feel joy in accomplishing this goal. Running is not easy, but the more you run, the more you improve your time, the more mentally you become, and the greater sense of pride you begin to walk around with. to be a better runner, to have a sense of pride, and most importantly, self-worth. The main goal for each runner is to improve their times on our home course throughout the season and to feel joy in accomplishing this goal. Running is not easy, but the more you run, the more you improve your time, the more mentally prepared you become, and the greater sense of pride you begin to walk around with.
Equestrian
During the season, The equestrian team focuses on learning and improving control, balance, and effective communication with the horse through hands and seat with daily lessons. Ground lessons to teach safe horse handling, behavior, anatomy, and care also help create well-rounded riders in all aspects of horse care. The benefits of the program are patience, attention to detail, responsibility, coordination, increased confidence, and enjoyment in handling and riding horses, while the physical benefits of horseback riding are well documented; the act of riding works for all the major muscle groups and requires fine motor skills and mental focus. Teamwork is the key to success between horse and rider and reinforces the sense of a job well done.
Fall Adventures
Flag Football
Karate
The fall martial arts team will explore the basics of Tang Soo Do ( Korean Karate). The format will include traditional etiquette and protocol. Students will learn the basic techniques taught to beginners for decades but will consist of modern applications and understanding. Coaches will discuss respecting, doing your best, acting as a team, and setting individual goals. Traditional forms, combinations, and movements will be the foundation of the class. They will teach self-defense from a "street-smart "perspective. Students will be challenged physically and mentally while working to earn their first belt rank. Push-ups, Situps, punching, and kicking are only part of the warrior's path. To be a complete martial artist, we want them to develop integrity, courage, compassion, and respect. This class aims to help build life skills to help students understand their potential, confront challenges, and celebrate reaching goals. The course will be taught by the masters and instructors from Quest Martial Arts, a local martial arts school that has transformed lives for over 35 years.
Boys Varsity A Soccer
The Boy's Varsity Soccer team competes at a high level. Practices balance tactical development, advanced skill building, fitness, and team chemistry. An additional focus is placed on attitude and behavior during practice and matches. Athletes must be committed to the team and learn to compete as a unit. The players are always expected to be exemplary models to the other teams. The goal is to apply this on-field discipline to all aspects of Rectory life.
Boys JV Soccer
The Rectory School JV soccer team is dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of its young athletes. We emphasize a growth-positive attitude, ball-handling prowess, strategic understanding, and the value of teamwork. Our JV soccer program equips players with comprehensive skills that extend far beyond the soccer field. Through the lessons of cooperation and the importance of clear communication amongst teammates, our players not only enhance their performance on the pitch but also acquire essential life skills. In addition, they will also learn how to elevate their game from a technical and mental standpoint. As they continue to learn and grow through games and practice, these young athletes are poised to assume influential roles within our community, well-prepared for future challenges.
Coed Recreational Soccer
Recreational soccer is a program primarily devoted to the enjoyment and development of soccer players without emphasizing travel or "high-level" competition. The purpose of recreational soccer is to provide an opportunity for the participants to have fun, learn the sport, and develop life skills, including a lifelong love of the game. Recreational soccer increases participants' understanding of the game and their foundational skills.
Girls Varsity Soccer
The varsity level for girls soccer focuses on player development in all aspects of the game. Keep-away games, passing drills, shooting, and fitness are emphasized throughout the season. Through these drills, the girls will better understand movement off the ball and field awareness. Along with these technical skills, we work to build the self-confidence in the players and create a strong foundation of team support for one another.
Girls Varsity Volleyball
Varsity volleyball works hard in practices, focusing on skill development. Among the skills we work on are serving, serve-receiving, setting, bumping, digging, hitting, position play, position responsibility, and communication. Most of the schedule is played against high school teams so that they may face physically stronger opponents. Teamwork, fast footwork, and consistency are essential for our team's success.
Girls JV Volleyball
Junior Varsity Girls Volleyball focuses on all aspects of the sport. These girls learn the basics of volleyball while preparing them for Varsity level play. We work on developing the whole player and game by starting them off with basic skills and drills that include bumping, setting, passing, and underhand serving. After these skills have been adequately developed, we delve into more complex drills and overhand serving when and where appropriate. Finally, we work on positioning and gameplay through scrimmages and gameplay drills. Through this setup, the players better understand the sport and rules of volleyball and how their movement and participation are imperative on the court. Along with their technical skills, we work on building self-confidence and creating a supportive environment for one another.
Winter
- Varsity A Basketball
- Varsity B Basketball
- JV Boys Basketball
- Girls Varsity Basketball
- JV Girls Basketball
- Recreational Basketball
- Fencing
- Fitness
- Varsity Hockey
- Squash
- Swimming
- Winter Warriors
Varsity A Basketball
The Rectory Varsity A basketball team adheres to two core principles: tenacious defense and selfless offense. Emphasizing skill refinement and a commitment to playing the game with integrity, we aim to equip players for elite-level competition. Our robust schedule pits players against formidable opponents, providing valuable exposure to premier secondary schools across the Northeast.
Varsity B Basketball
Rectory's Varsity B Basketball Program is a competitive level focused on discipline and preparing athletes for the next level. Foundational basketball skills are perfected, and ball handlers and shooters learn to play in high-pressure situations. We prioritize skill development and sportsmanship, equipping our players with the necessary tools to succeed on and off the court. Throughout the year, our players learn their roles on the court and what it means to compete as a team.
JV Boys Basketball
JV boys' basketball focuses on building solid fundamentals, including dribbling, passing, shooting, and defensive footwork. Students bring and maintain a positive attitude and a strong work ethic, show good sportsmanship, and embody Rectory's Creed of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, and Compassion as they learn to compete and cooperate as members of a cohesive team.
Girls Varsity Basketball
The Girls' Varsity Basketball focuses on skill building, developing our players' understanding of the game, sportsmanship, the team, leadership, commitment, hard work, and putting forth our best effort. Our approach to the season is characterized by poise, intensity, and an up-tempo style of play with a court awareness to create plays on the offense while utilizing a challenging and active defense. Finally, while continually developing their (individual) skills, players are expected to learn and execute different offensive and defensive sets.
JV Girls Basketball
The JV Girls Basketball program remains committed to honing foundational skills, including dribbling, passing, shooting, and defensive techniques. Our dedicated and dynamic coaching staff is enthusiastic about imparting knowledge and enhancing players' abilities. The program is dedicated to fostering the holistic development of participants, promoting success both on and off the court.
Recreational Basketball
Recreational Basketball offers a non-competitive learning environment where the emphasis is on mastering basic basketball skills. Players develop skills like dribbling, passing, and shooting and cultivate teamwork, physical activity, and fundamental skill development. In our intramural games, every player gets substantial playing time, ensuring a nearly equal distribution of opportunities, with the scoreboard used solely for timekeeping. As coaches, we aspire to instill lifelong values in players, including respect for the game, encouragement of others, and, most importantly, having fun on the court.
Fencing
The Rectory School fencing team provides a safe and supportive space for fencers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Here, athletes learn the nuances of the sport and experience the essence of teamwork. Beginners are introduced to fencing, while experienced fencers refine their skills through daily practice and formal matches. Emphasizing overall fitness, sportsmanship, and decorum throughout the season, our team takes pride in offering a unique and enriching experience in the world of fencing at Rectory.
Fitness
Fitness aims to teach students the benefits of building and maintaining a fitness routine. We teach students how to use exercise equipment and the proper form for essential bodyweight movements. As we progress, we add complexity and difficulty to our routines. Through this course, students will build confidence, strength, and endurance as they learn the value of sticking to a program and also add to their knowledge base. Students will be engaged and challenged throughout the term, whether it's a HIIT workout, CrossFit exercises, or active recovery.
Varsity Hockey
Varsity Ice Hockey focuses on preparing players for competition at the secondary school level through playing a competitive prep school schedule.
As Rectory's highest team, players should already possess a solid skill set of hockey fundamentals including skating, shooting, passing, and position awareness and a firm understanding of team systems. These skills will be further developed and refined throughout the season, emphasizing building a team culture that models Rectory's Creed of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, and Compassion. Typically, Varsity Hockey will conduct four on-ice practices per week and one off-ice session where we work in a classroom to review team concepts and build strength and conditioning.
Squash
This year, we are excited to share that Squash will expand its roster to include a varsity and a developmental team.
Playing out of the Pomfret School Squash Center, Rectory's squash program provides appropriate levels of challenge to a range of athletes. Our top players usually carry US Squash rankings and compete in national tournaments in addition to our Rectory matches. Rectory squash also serves as an introduction to the sport for many athletes.
Across this spectrum of players, our squash program seeks to develop ever-improving skills, an awareness of the game and sound strategy, exceptional sportsmanship, and a love of the game.
Swimming
The swim team is a competitive swimming team focusing on both instructional and competitive swimming. We spend our practices at the local YMCA swimming, conditioning, and fine-tuning our competition skills. Some students come to us with a good swimming background, and we teach them how to compete.
We focus on improving the swimmers from dive starts, flip turns, and strong finishes. We strive to build strength, confidence, and skills.
Winter Warriors
Winter Warriors is action-packed with many versions of classic games, flash workouts, hiking, winter survival, imaginative play, challenges in the snow, and sledding.
Despite Old Man Winter, we aim to enjoy the great outdoors as much as possible. On days we need to be inside, students will engage in calisthenics, strength building, and stamina training to engage their athleticism and bring awareness of the importance of active and healthy living to new heights. Beyond physical challenges, we also focus on positive mental attitude and building teamwork.
Athletic Training
The primary role of the Athletic Training Department is service to the athletic community.
The sports medicine staff provides quality health care to all students at Rectory School.
We are devoted to the care, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries with our primary objective being the safety and welfare of all students.