Athletics
At Las Vegas Day School we believe that athletics are a great way for our students to develop the skills that will help them be successful in life. Our competitive sports program helps build the foundation for teamwork, sacrifice, perseverance, and commitment: all skills that have a positive effect on a child’s growth and development. We believe through competition children can gain skills, bolster self-confidence, and learn to achieve team goals they could not otherwise achieve individually. Competitive sports at LVDS are challenging and often require hard work and sacrifice, both important character traits that serve our students well as they face obstacles later in life.
Developing Well-Rounded Student-Athletes
Through our competitive sports program, students gain more than just athletic prowess; they grow into responsible, confident, and socially aware individuals, prepared for the diverse challenges of life.
- Academic Growth: Participants in our competitive sports program master essential time management skills, balancing rigorous academic schedules with their commitments to competitive sports. This discipline in academics and athletics fosters a strong work ethic.
- Social Skills: Involvement in competitive sports emphasizes teamwork, effective communication, and respect for others. These skills are crucial for successful interactions both on and off the field.
- Personal Development: Competitive sports teach students to set personal goals, embrace challenges, and cultivate resilience. They learn the value of self-discipline and responsibility, shaping them into well-rounded individuals.
- Physical Health: Participation in competitive sports enhances physical fitness and instills an understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, which is essential for long-term well-being.
- Leadership Qualities: The competitive sports program serves as a source for future leaders, as students learn to lead by example, motivate teammates, and show integrity in both victory and defeat.
A Comprehensive Look at LVDS’s Diverse Athletic Programs
Our athletic program consists of a variety of competitive activities for students in grades five through eight. LVDS athletics include the following:
Grades: 5-8
Season: Year-round (September – March)
Tryouts: Annually in May
Our cheerleading team is a vibrant and dynamic group that actively supports our football and basketball teams throughout the fall and winter seasons. In the spring, the team showcases its skills in potential competitions.
Key Aspects:
- Skills: Rhythm, dance, and general athletic ability.
- Spirit: Exemplifying and boosting school spirit.
- Activities: Tumbling, stunting, precision cheer routines, and choreographed dances.
This program offers an opportunity for students to develop athleticism, coordination, and team spirit, representing LVDS across different sporting events and competitions.
Grades: 5-8
Season: Fall (September – October)
Our Cross Country team, open to both boys and girls, competes in races that foster endurance, strength, and speed. Over the course of the season, athletes focus on honing their skills in various aspects of long-distance running.
Key Aspects:
- Endurance Building: Preparing for 1-to-1.5-mile races
- Strength Training: Enhancing overall physical strength.
- Breath Control: Learning efficient breathing techniques.
- Running Form: Perfecting posture and stride for optimal performance.
- Speed Development: Increasing pace and agility.
The program is designed to challenge and develop young runners, encouraging personal bests and team spirit in a supportive and competitive environment.
Grades: Two teams for 5th & 6th and 7th & 8th grades
Season: Fall (September – October)
LVDS’s Flag Football program offers two teams, catering to younger and older middle school students. This sport focuses on skill development and teamwork in a safe, engaging environment.
Key Key Aspects:
- Skill Development: Learning essential football skills, plays, techniques, and terminology.
- Drills: Engaging in safe, low-contact drills to improve blocking, catching, throwing, and defending.
- Teamwork: Enhancing communication and collaboration among team members.
- Physical Skills: Building strength, agility, and coordination.
- Mental Toughness: Cultivating resilience and strategic thinking on the field.
Our flag football program is designed to introduce and refine football skills, promoting physical fitness and teamwork while ensuring a fun and supportive atmosphere for all participants.
Grades: Teams for 5th & 6th and 7th & 8th grades
Season: Fall (September – October)
Our Girls Volleyball program includes three teams, with both competitive and developmental options for 5th and 6th graders, and a competitive team for 7th and 8th graders. This structure allows players of all skill levels to grow and excel in the sport.
Key Key Aspects:
- Fundamental Skills: Mastering passing, setting, spiking, blocking, digging, and overhead serving.
- Communication: Developing clear and effective on-court communication.
- Technique:Focusing on proper form and individual skill enhancement.
Our program is dedicated to nurturing young talent by teaching the essentials of volleyball, fostering a team-oriented environment, and encouraging personal development both on and off the court.
Grades: Teams for 5th & 6th and 7th & 8th grades
Season: Winter (November – February)
LVDS’s Boys Basketball program offers three teams, with both competitive and developmental options for younger students, and a competitive focus for older players. This setup caters to varying skill levels and encourages progressive development.
Key Key Aspects:
- Defensive Tactics: Learning both zone and man-to-man defense strategies.
- Offensive Skills: Enhancing dribbling, passing, and shooting abilities.
- Physical Development: Building physical strength, agility, and endurance.
Our basketball program is committed to providing a comprehensive training experience, where boys can develop their basketball skills, engage in healthy competition, and learn the value of teamwork and sportsmanship.
Grades: Teams for 5th & 6th and 7th & 8th grades
Season: Winter (December – March)
LVDS’s Girls Basketball program features three teams, offering both competitive and developmental play for younger students, and a competitive focus for the older group. This structure is designed to cater to a range of abilities and foster growth in the sport.
Key Key Aspects:
- Core Skills: Mastering the fundamentals of dribbling, passing, shooting, defense, and offense..
- Strategic Play: Learning various plays and defensive formations, including man-to-man and zone defense.
- Physical Development: Building physical endurance, agility, and coordination.
Our girls’ basketball program emphasizes skill development, team collaboration, and physical fitness, creating an environment where players can thrive and excel both individually and as part of a team.
Grades: 5-8
Season: Spring (March – May)
Our Golf team, open to both boys and girls in grades 5 through 8, competes in divisions corresponding to their skill levels. This program is designed for students with prior golf experience, focusing on refining their skills and understanding of the game.
Key Key Aspects:
- Skill Level: Suitable for students with previous experience in golf.
- Knowledge: Understanding the rules, protocols, and expectations of golf.
- Competitive: Participating in matches that challenge and develop golfing skills.
- Sportsmanship: Emphasizing respect, etiquette, and fair play on the course.
Our golf program offers an opportunity for young athletes to develop their talent in a competitive yet respectful environment, honing their skills while learning the finer aspects of this classic sport.
Grades: Co-ed teams for 5th & 6th and 7th & 8th grades
Season: Spring (March – May)
LVDS’s Soccer program features two co-ed teams, catering to younger and older middle school students. This program is geared towards players who already possess basic soccer skills and are looking to enhance their play in a team setting.
Key Key Aspects:
- Skill Requirement: Basic soccer skills necessary for participation.
. - Team Synergy: Practices designed to harmonize individual skills for effective team play.
- Communication: Teaching players to communicate efficiently on the field for better coordination.
- Tactical Understanding: Learning strategies and tactics to work together seamlessly during games.
Our soccer program emphasizes not just individual skill development, but also the importance of teamwork, strategy, and communication, providing a comprehensive soccer experience that prepares students for higher-level competition.
Grades: 5-8
Season: Spring (March – May)
Our Tennis Team, welcoming both boys and girls from grades 5 through 8, participates in divisions that match their skill levels. This program is tailored for students who already have a foundational understanding of tennis and are looking to further develop their skills.
Key Key Aspects:
- Skill Level: Prior knowledge of tennis, including basic verbiage, rules, and expectations.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in serving and rallying is expected.
- Competitive Play:: Engaging in matches that test and enhance tennis abilities.
- Skill Development: Focus on improving technical skills, game strategy, and court awareness
The LVDS Tennis program offers an opportunity for young athletes to grow in the sport, emphasizing skill refinement, tactical understanding, and competitive play in a supportive and challenging environment.
Grades: 5-8
Season: Spring (March – May)
LVDS’s Track and Field team is open to both boys and girls from grades 5 through 8, competing in events that align with their age and skill level. The program covers a wide range of athletic disciplines, offering a comprehensive track and field experience.
Key Key Aspects:
- Diverse Events: Participation in running and field events, including long jump, high jump, shot put, and discus.
- Technique Training: Emphasis on learning proper form and technique for all event types.
- Endurance and Strength:: Regular running sessions to build endurance and stamina, along with strength training in the weight room.
- Weekend Meets:Competitions typically held on weekends, offering real-world experience in a competitive setting.
Our track and field program aims to develop versatile athletes, enhancing their physical capabilities while instilling a sense of discipline and commitment to athletics.
Competing in the Red Rock Athletic Conference
Las Vegas Day School is a proud participant in the Red Rock Athletic Conference, a league renowned for its competitive spirit and high standards. This prestigious conference represents the best in private school athletics, offering our students a unique opportunity to compete at a high level. Our involvement in this league showcases our commitment to athletic excellence and provides a platform for our student-athletes to test their skills against top-tier competition.
Building School Spirit and Unity
Pep Assemblies
Our school spirit shines brightly during pep assemblies, where the excitement and enthusiasm of our students and staff come alive. These assemblies are central to building a unified school community, bolstering support for our teams, and energizing our athletes.
Sports Awards Ceremonies
The journey of each sports season culminates in an awards ceremony that honors the commitment and achievements of all participants. These events not only recognize individual and team accomplishments but also reinforce the values of sportsmanship, dedication, and school pride.
Join the LVDS Athletic Community
At Las Vegas Day School, we’re not just building athletes; we’re nurturing future leaders, team players, and lifelong learners. We look forward to welcoming you to our athletic family!
Ready to Take the Leap?
Don’t miss the opportunity for your child to grow, excel, and make lasting memories. Enroll your child in LVDS Athletics and start an exciting journey in competitive sports.