Teacher-coaches Katie Roberts and Susan Duquette led Lower School Chapel on Wednesday, January 24, talking to the young students about the importance of showing integrity when they play sports.
Mrs. Duquette is a Lower School Counselor and Assistant Director. She also coaches the Lower School Forensics Team. Mrs. Roberts teaches physical education in addition to coaching the boys crew team and serving as an assistant with the swim program.
Imparting lessons about sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and empathy, they shared two powerful anecdotes. Mrs. Duquette said that while her son, teacher-coach Mike Duquette, was a highly successful tennis player growing up, her most precious memory was when he earned a national sportsmanship award because of the character he demonstrated on the court.
Coach Roberts shared that, while her boys crew team has recorded numerous impressive victories, one of her favorite memories came when the team sought out another victorious team at a competitive race to congratulate them. Give 100 percent but respect your opponents and, win or lose, think about what it's like to be in their shoes, she said.
The values they imparted to the Lower School are hallmarks of Norfolk Academy athletics, which are open to students in grades 7-12. Director of Athletics Chad Byler emphasizes the importance of developing character and growing as teammates even more than winning.
Student-athletes on Norfolk Academy's crew team congratulate a victorious team after a competitive race. Head coach Katie Roberts expects her team to always seek out and congratulate opponents after races.
Middle School Teacher and Tennis Coach Mike Duquette '99 won a national sportsmanship award as a teenager.
Lower School Chapel on January 24, 2024 taught the importance of integrity in sports: Being a good teammate and trying hard, but empathizing with opponents.