Athletics Philosophy

"In an independent school, the athletic program should function as an integral part of the total curriculum." The Independent School fall 1996

The interscholastic athletic program is an integral component of the student athlete's overall experience at the Academy of the Sacred Heart. The opportunities for personal growth and achievement are abundant in the athletic arena. The athletic department strives to provide a wide variety of athletic experiences to all individual athletes while also offering opportunities for each young woman and each team to make positive progress and reach a high level of success.

Participation on an athletic team at the Academy of the Sacred Heart is a privilege and not a right; high standards are set for the Academy of the Sacred Heart athletes. Being an Academy of the Sacred Heart athlete also carries with it responsibilities to the school, to the sport, to the student body, to the community, and to the student athlete. Through athletics at the Academy of the Sacred Heart, student athletes will be given the opportunity to develop their self management and leadership skills, self esteem, cooperation and team work, personal values, coping skills, sportsmanship, and fitness while being instructed and motivated to strive for excellence in sport.

The Academy of the Sacred Heart challenges its students to pursue personal excellence. Pursuit of excellence means scholarship, leadership, citizenship, sportsmanship, and service to others valuing tradition and diversity. By balancing academics and athletics, the Academy of the Sacred Heart provides an opportunity for young women to learn both inside and outside of the classroom.

Objectives

• To strive for excellence in a manner that will produce winning teams while staying true to the "Goals and Criteria of a Sacred Heart Education".
• To create an environment that enables students to develop the desire to succeed and excel.
• To project a positive image of the Academy of the Sacred Heart to the outside community.
• To promote responsible actions by our student athletes in all phases of their lives.
• To develop and foster healthy lifetime attitudes towards teamwork, sportsmanship, honesty, and respect for self and others.
• To provide all interested student athletes with opportunities to acquire knowledge, skills, and physical fitness through sports.
• To foster good sportsmanship and an appropriate attitude towards winning and losing.
• To develop leadership skills.
• To foster a cooperative spirit and an attitude of good sportsmanship within the school community.
• To foster school spirit and school pride within the school community.
• To uphold the standards and requirements of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA).
• To ensure that all personnel function in accordance with the statement of philosophy and objectives of the Academy of the Sacred Heart Athletic Department and the "Goals and Criteria of a Sacred Heart education".

"Everyone Can Enjoy the Game!"

Good sportsmanship is an important aspect of Middle School and Upper School athletics. Coaches, students, parents and spectators are expected to behave in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. "Everyone can enjoy the game" if everyone allows others to do their jobs.

Let the Coaches Coach...
Let the Players Play...
Let the Officials Officiate...
and then
"Everyone Can Enjoy the Game!"