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Athletics History |
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Athletics History |
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| In September 1996, San Dieguito Academy opened, a school of choice that was developed based on results of input by staff, parents and students. A sense of ownership, pride and responsibility permeates this school of choice, which produced a strong academic program, more personal attention, more electives and opportunities to explore careers. The 704 students were a happy, wholesome group. There were no organized sports programs opening year and students had the option to tryout for teams at the brand new high school La Costa Canyon. At the desires and needs of the student body, in the spring of ’97, plans were begun to establish an athletic program at SDA. At no time in planning were athletics going to drive the school culture (i.e. special privileges, cliques, missing class for games). The sports program would reflect the Academy’s philosophy of choice, academic support and positive experiences. |
| A year later, due to the student voice, athletic teams were added. Tami Gohsler (Austin) was recruited to take on field hockey, Tom Lockhart boys soccer, Joe Tomasi on the tennis court, along with a host of other sports. We fielded teams at a Varsity level, and JV if there was enough interest. At the beginning of this school year, a second assistant principal was added who also assumed the role of athletic director. The Athletic Council was formed at this time, as an arm of the Foundation, to financially support the Varsity and JV level teams and to open communication between parents, staff and coaches.The school culture and small population gave way for opportunities for less athletically talented athletes to be on a team and to play. |
| Between 1997-2000, the SDA population grew. Soccer goals were purchased for winter 98-99 season, wrestling mats for the ‘99-00 season.Track and field was added, as well as boys golf. In this period girls volleyball, boys/girls basketball, cross-country, baseball, softball were in existence as well. ‘99-00 was also the first year a lottery was held. In 1998 we were instrumental in founding the Coastal Conference. Prior to the new Coastal Conference, teams were part of the southern section/coastal league. With growth and traffic, it made sense to align by geography and form a new conference diverse with prep schools, a boarding school, charter schools, and church schools. San Dieguito Academy is a Division III high school and competes in CIF playoffs in this division due to our enrollment size. |
| 2001-02 was the first school year that lacrosse was part of the CIF line up. SDA had successful club teams so it was an easy transition to Varsity and JV competition. Boys volleyball joined the ranks at this time as well. In 2002-03 girls golf fielded its first Varsity team and we have achieved gender equity! These 18 Varsity and 12 JV level sports are in place today.The Athletic council created an award beginning in the fall of 2001 for all Mustang Scholar Athletes. A cumulative GPA of 3.5 is required for Varsity players, beginning with their sophomore years, if athletes maintained this GPA throughout their season of sport. |
| Although our enrollment has an established cap, we find that 43% of our 1450 students participate in the athletics program, some as dual or tri-athletes in one school year. The vision of the staff and athletic department has always been that academics come before athletics, and all SDA coaches prepare their team to put forth the best game possible and the best product possible. |
| SDA boasts 17 credential teachers/staff members on its coaching line up, 14 “walk on coaches”, one NCAA Hall-of-Fame coach and two professional coaches (golf and tennis). Due in part to limitations in facilities and the need to maintain a safe environment for the student athletes, there are limits to the number of students on some teams. With coaches seeing an increased number of students interested in participating, more teams are filled to capacity and not everyone can make the team. Our coaches are part of the SDA culture and have established a community of experienced role models for our students. They have established healthy and positive relationships with one another and with our students. They understand their clientele, support total school involvement, and have a well-rounded viewpoint. They keep the student-athletes moving in a forward direction and are happy and comfortable working for the best interest of Academy students. |
| The students at SDA like being different, and being in a place where they can be free to express themselves. They don’t want to be like their football-playing peers at their home school (s). The philosophy of “if kids want it and teachers support it” builds a community of understanding and student connectedness |
| In 2004, Mustang athletic teams had rosters full students
who have experience in playing particular sports by the time they reach the 9th grade.
With the exception of lacrosse, which is a fast growing sport in Southern California in
which students are still learning to play the game, the athletic program at SDA assists
students to progress from JV to the Varsity level. We also see students participate from
one to three years, but not necessarily for all four years of their high school experience
unless they have a true love of the game.
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