Middle School Athletics

Sun Valley Community School students are encouraged to explore a variety of athletic opportunities in their Middle School years to learn what they love.

As they participate alongside classmates and learn from coaches—who are often also their classroom teachers—they develop authentic relationships and trust as well as athletic skills and fitness.

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM SPORTS

At the Middle School level, participation and skill building are prioritized. Coaches encourage sixth, seventh, and eighth graders to dive in and give their best effort in a four-day-a-week competitive training environment. Middle School teams travel to compete with schools in the Wood River and Magic Valleys.

MS Fall Team Sports

Boys + Girls Soccer
Girls Volleyball
Mountain Bike Team

MS Winter Team Sports

Boys + Girls Basketball

MS Spring Team Sports

Track and Field
Tennis (Intramural)

INDIVIDUAL SPORTS

Many Middle School students participate in individual and team sports outside of school, including skiing, snowboarding, hockey, martial arts, dance, climbing, and horseback riding.

Meet the Director of Athletics

Richard Whitelaw

Richard Whitelaw initially joined Sun Valley Community School in 1992 as boys' varsity soccer coach and currently serves as Director of Athletics, boys' varsity soccer coach, and Middle School P.E. assistant.

Richard is grateful for the opportunity to pass along his love for sport to students, and he comes to work each day inspired by the Community School family. "Being surrounded by young, talented, intelligent students, and empowering, caring, positive faculty is a joy," he says. "I have the greatest job in the world."

In his many years coaching boys' varsity soccer, Richard has been committed to sharing a love for the game and a spirit of sportsmanship among his players. "I strive to instill in these young men that it's not about the wins or championships, it's about making the most of your short high school career, experiencing all the emotions associated with a successful team, playing to the best of your ability, and exuding good sportsmanship every step of the way."

Richard's love for the game of soccer doesn't end when he steps off the field. His favorite way to spend his time away from school: "Watching soccer, reading about soccer, writing about soccer, thinking about soccer . . . soccer never sleeps."

Contact the Director of Athletics

MS Track + Field 2024

MS Athletics Philosophy

The primary objective of our Middle School athletics program is to facilitate student relationships while promoting health and well-being in our school community. These relationships form a critical foundation for social, emotional, and academic success in our classrooms.

We are a participation-based program where inclusion of all athletes of all skill levels is celebrated in practice sessions and in our games, meets, and matches.

We believe that the greatest number of athletes competing in any given middle school offering is ultimately what serves our upper school athletic offerings best.

We acknowledge and honor the diverse experience students bring to our programs and make our best effort to differentiate our practices and if appropriate, our rosters, to ensure all our athletes grow and improve as young men and women.

We are not a substitute or an extension of competitive travel programs that exist in our Valley. We operate and make program decisions based on goals and objectives that serve our greater school community.

We believe that overall student health and well-being is enriched by participating in a diverse set of athletic activities, including those activities and sports that are not familiar to them. As such, we strive to create athletic environments that supports students in this endeavor.