Brookfield Academy invests significantly in our athletic programs for a reason. Ask students in grades 5–12 what makes school life most enjoyable, and you will likely hear something about sports. At Brookfield Academy, sports are not just for a few elite athletes; most BA students participate. According to Athletic Director Nick Rechlitz, 208 of our MS students—90%—will play a sport this year. In the Upper School, 281 students, or 87%, will participate in athletics.

One reason is the joy of spending time with friends after school and outside the classroom. But families know sports offer much more than that. “The value in the experiences gained from being part of a team,” says Mr. Rechlitz, “there’s nothing that comes close to it, and it’s something that can’t be taught in the classroom.”

That “something” includes preparation for life beyond school. “Sports intentionally place young people in uncomfortable situations: setbacks, failure, pressure, and uncertainty,” says Geo Peterson, Upper School Varsity Girls Basketball coach and Middle School teacher. “These experiences teach them how to respond with resilience, accountability, and confidence.”

In the crucible of competition, students grow. It’s one thing to sit for exams in a classroom; it’s another to be assessed in front of family and fans. Win or lose, success or failure, the result is visible to all. Helping students mature in this environment is central to BA’s mission-driven approach to sports, and our coaches embrace that responsibility. “One of the greatest joys of coaching is watching students grow over time,” notes Elizabeth Schemm, Upper School Head Track and Field Coach and MS Science teacher. “I often see students for seven years, witnessing their development not only as athletes but as people.”

Chris Mason teaches US English, and to encourage the girls on his varsity softball team to practice attentively, he quotes Shakespeare: “The readiness is all.” “We emphasize being supportive, inclusive, and positive so the team can thrive,” he says. Like the other coaches, he emphasizes teamwork, preparation, and learning from mistakes as the essence of his approach.

Our coaches, like our teachers, care deeply about the young people they serve. Abbie Curran '17, Level A teacher and 7th Grade Girls Basketball coach, says, “It matters to me to truly be there for them and to be someone they can trust and count on.” Being part of a team gives coaches a special opportunity to influence students. Lee Rogers, Lower School/Middle School PE teacher and girls and boys Varsity Soccer coach, points to that opportunity. “Teaching is great, but coaching gives us a chance to know the students, and for them to get to know the coach, in a more in-depth way.” As Ms. Curran puts it, “making connections with students” allows coaches to model the right way to behave and conduct themselves.

Behind the experience our students enjoy on the field are coaches who devote countless hours to supporting our student-athletes. It would be difficult to exaggerate the sacrifice and commitment they show. Many contribute full-time in the classroom, provide outstanding instruction each day, and then take on what amounts to a second job as coaches. Anyone who has not served in that role cannot fully grasp how much these teacher-coaches give. The commitment can “seem endless,” says Mr. Rechlitz. Responsibilities extend well beyond practices and games: communication, recruiting, academic support, and an ongoing commitment to developing the character of the student-athletes in their care. “It surprises me that so many teachers are willing to be leaders of team programs,” he says.

Fortunately, there are coaches who embrace the unique opportunities sports provide to shape young people. As Ms. Schemm says, “It is hard work. And it is absolutely worth it.”

All of us at BA benefit from the service and example of our remarkable coaches.