Athletics

The Norfolk Academy Athletic Program is an integral part of the school’s overall educational experience. It contributes to the physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being of every student-athlete in a manner consistent with Norfolk Academy’s overall Philosophy and Objectives.

Athletics is powerful because it can bridge gaps, bring people together who otherwise might not interact, and provide opportunities not available elsewhere. The culture of Norfolk Academy Athletics enhances each student’s overall educational experience and character formation.

We have strived to continue to offer athletics even amid COVID-19. During the summer, student-athletes from a variety of teams took part in socially distanced workouts at Wynne-Darden Stadium. From September through early November, we offered after-school team training camps that included fall, winter, and spring sports. Several hundred student-athletes across Middle School and Upper School participated in these socially distanced activities, which improved their conditioning and skills.

Wearing masks, student-athletes in grades 9-12 began varsity and JV winter team practices on November 10. We began practices for grades 7-8 on November 23. Basketball teams began intramural competitions in December, as swimming and diving began virtual competitions against other schools. 

The Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools, in which NA competes, met early this school year to finalize details for athletics. All schools in the TCIS have agreed, per a joint statement, “to adhere to risk mitigation protocols, to prioritize participation over competitive standings, and to maintain mutual trust and communication among our schools in the interest of serving the health and safety of our student-athletes.”

Fall teams began January 25, with a mix of interscholastic and intramural competition. Spring teams began practices in late March. We anticipate interscholastic competition for all teams in most of these sports.