Head of School Letter: Shorecrest Chargers Athletics

Chargers Athletics at Shorecrest plays an essential role in the school's education program, providing experiences that help our student-athletes develop -- physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Our athletics program embodies the core pillars of our school mission: the pursuit of excellence, physical well-being, creative achievement and the importance of social responsibility. Through athletics, students find opportunities to accept responsibility for their actions, express ideas and solutions to problems, and learn the value of fair play, honesty, and teamwork. Student-athletes develop the skills to use good time management, maintain a good academic record and set a positive example for younger students in the student body. 

Starting in sixth grade, the School’s interscholastic athletic program provides the opportunity to put our Core Values of responsibility, respect, integrity, knowledge and compassion into motion. 

This fall 162 Middle and Upper School students are participating in seven different sports including: cheerleading, cross-country, football, golf, sailing, swimming & diving, and volleyball. 

Our student-athletes practice for hours on campus and at nearby sites such as the North Shore Aquatics Complex, the Vinoy Country Club golf course and the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Shorecrest student-athletes represent their school in competitions across Pinellas and Hillsborough counties and compete against schools from around the state. Shorecrest has rivalries with public and private schools; we also play against religious-based schools and charter schools, often finding success against schools who have much larger student populations than ours.   

Although student-athletes are encouraged and inspired to excel and win, good sportsmanship is our primary goal. Shorecrest expects everyone within our school community to demonstrate good sportsmanship and a sense of fair play during all athletics events. Good sportsmanship embodies a commitment to fair play, ethical behavior, and integrity. The responsibility of good sportsmanship should be embraced by all Shorecrest student-athletes.

The School’s key objectives through athletics are:

1. To develop and maintain the highest level of sportsmanship.
2. To develop appropriate attitudes toward winning and losing.
3. To promote self-discipline and emotional maturity.
4. To enhance the student-athlete's ability to think and work, both as an individual and as a member of a team.
5. To encourage and develop respect for fellow students throughout Shorecrest and members of opposing teams.

In middle and high school athletics, winning must not be the main motivator. Handling a loss is just as important in the educational process. It's imperative that students (and parents!) keep perspective on the importance of athletics. We have partnered with the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) to reinforce these themes. Oftentimes the impact of an athletic experience is not dependent upon the outcome of games, but upon the good sportsmanship that is both demonstrated and received. 

Looking ahead, there is still an opportunity for all community members to demonstrate their own  athletic skills and join in the Shore to Shorecrest 5K Run/Walk! 

All community members are invited to celebrate Shorecrest's history and participate in the inaugural Shore to Shorecrest 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, October 21 at 8am! The route starts at the site of the School's original location at 1200 North Shore Drive NE and follows a closed, flat course to our current campus on First Street. Volunteers are also needed for the day.

Get all the 5k details here.

All the best, 

Nancy

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