Aim and Philosophy
An athletics department is the foundation, and an equal part, of the educational experience within the Catholic school education. There are 3 equal components of the educational process, which include the development of the Spirit, the Mind, and the Body, all of which balance one another. The ability to create an atmosphere of balance, within the student-athlete, depends solely on the influence of the educator, the mentor, and the coach.
It is the role of the administration, to create an atmosphere within these three educational components, that will foster an environment of opportunity and an arena in which one can thrive. The athletic administration must maintain the vision of the institution in terms of Catholic faith, competition, and excellence. The athletic department, and the directors, are given the opportunity to outline the goals of the institution, relay those goals to the student body and community, and devise a plan or “blue print” in which the student body will follow.
Not all Catholic school students are directly affected by athletics, however, ALL Catholic school students are indirectly affected by the overall spirit of their peers and their surroundings. Spirits are lifted and there is a sense of pride within your school when the third corner of the Spirit, Mind, and Body triangle is excelling. Accomplishments within the athletic arena are put on display for all to see and are used as a catalyst for learning within their academic and artistic arenas. There is no better feeling than to have pride in the place that you call home.
A successful athletic department is one that has identified quality coaches and mentors who understand that athletics is a vehicle that can be used to educate the student-athlete in various ways. The goal of the athletic coach should be to create an atmosphere that allows each individual to be successful. Not all athletes and teams are going to win championships; however, all athletes should be given the opportunity to have a great experience. Student-athletes need to learn from their coaches what “work effort” and “communication” mean as well as learn that what they may have thought to be their absolute limit, was actually the beginning of their physical and mental potential.
The athletic department is responsible for strengthening the lines of communication between the institution and the parent. Working closely with the parents and bringing the community in to the daily lives and expectations of the student-athlete will foster a sense of togetherness as well as a singular goal and vision that the entire community will want to be a part of.
Finally, in an effort to educate and develop the minds of young people, the values and wisdom will come from the success or failures that the student-athlete will experience. Having the opportunity to structure our lives through a strong Catholic faith, the balance of a rigorous academic work load, and the opportunity to compete in the athletic arena, is truly what creates the whole person; a true combination of the Spirit, the Mind, and the Body.