Athletic Philosophy
Through athletic competition, students can develop greater knowledge of their physical potential, the self-confidence that comes from exceeding personal limits, and a deeper understanding of the joys and responsibilities of being part of a team. A strong collaboration among coaches, players, parents, and staff results in the best experience for all students. Through competition, athletes learn goal setting, unselfishness, personal sacrifice, self-discipline, and winning and losing with grace.
In support of USN’s mission “to foster each student’s intellectual, artistic and athletic potential,” the goal in athletics, as in all other endeavors at the school, is excellence.
The school is committed to offering a broad range of programs, each responsive to the developmental needs of the children it serves and dedicated to success at all levels. Through athletic competition, students can develop greater knowledge of their physical potential, the self-confidence that comes from exceeding personal limits, and a deeper understanding of the joys and responsibilities of being part of a team.
More About USN Athletics
List of 3 items.
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Instruction
Like quality teaching in a classroom setting, quality coaching is crucial to a player’s athletic experience. Coaches should be responsive to the unique developmental needs of their players and should consistently model the personal qualities USN wishes to see in its players. In furtherance of the goal of excellence, the school is committed to hiring and retaining coaches who possess as keen an interest in young people as in their sport, who value continued growth in their own knowledge of best coaching practices, and who are teachers at heart. -
Participation and Competition
USN seeks to foster in its students a love of a wide range of sports, encouraging exercise and regular participation. A strong collaboration among coaches, players, parents, and staff results in the best experience for all students. Through competition, athletes learn goal setting, unselfishness, personal sacrifice, self-discipline, and winning and losing with grace.
In Lower School, a spirit of cooperation takes precedence over competition. USN provides parents with information about league play opportunities for their children and may, where possible, help bring parent coaches and interested children together.
In Middle School, USN participates in the Harpeth Valley Athletic Conference (HVAC), and fields teams for boys and/or girls in a number of sports, currently including: baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, track and field, soccer, swimming, tennis, and volleyball. Students from USN are welcome to play on the Harding Academy football team. Beginning in sixth grade, as students make the transition to interscholastic competition, coaches look to build competitive teams. Where interest exceeds roster space, the school makes every effort to identify other options for students, with the goal of providing the appropriate level of competition and/or skill development for each child.
In High School, most USN teams belong to Division II-A of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA), with varsity and junior varsity teams for boys and/or girls in baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball. Cheerleading is also offered, without interscholastic competition. -
Support of the School Community
Athletics at USN serves as a source of school pride. Recognizing that athletics, like other co-curricular activities, is an integral part of many students’ experience, the USN faculty supports broad participation, enthusiastic fan attendance, and success in athletic endeavors. Membership in the Tiger Club gives families an opportunity to support athletics beyond attendance at games and provides a source of additional funding and recognition for those programs.
An Overview of USN Athletics
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Athletics at USN
USN Sports
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