Student/Parent Athletic Handbook 2017-2018 ATHLETIC HANDBOOK VERSION 2017 2018 | Page 6

Dear Student Athletes and Parents, Welcome to the 2017-2018 school year. Saint Ursula Academy strives to provide opportunities and experiences, whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, in the theater, or through service programs, that continue the growth of each student individually and as a member of a larger, nurturing, faith-filled community. For many of our students, participation on an athletic team is an essential piece in their development as a woman of faith, integrity and courage. For some, the success of a high school athletic program is minimized to headlines of news stories seen in local papers. Winning competitions is exciting for the entire community and should be celebrated. But what is often unrecognized, except perhaps to the individual athlete, teams and coaches, are the graces gained from the perseverance of daily practice, the understanding of each person's role on the team, the relationships formed among athletes and coaches, and the display of genuine sportsmanship toward teammates and the opposing players. These graces, which can be the response that an athlete has to an injury or the reaction of a team to a last second defeat, can be different from what the players, coaches and fans have envisioned. But each experience, whether a win, loss, personal best, good practice, or failure to finish a race is an opportunity for the athlete to grow. Her development as an athlete will require faith, faith that God has provided her with the skills, both physical and mental, to compete. She will need integrity. She will not only adhere to the rules of competition, but she will honestly examine her abilities and accept her role on her team. She will graciously accept the triumphs of success and courageously demonstrate gratitude for all experiences. The purpose of Saint Ursula Academy athletics is to provide each athlete with opportunities to grow in these ways. Sincerely, Craig A. Maliborski Principal Mike Sipes Athletic Director 6