About Nueva Athletics
In concurrence with The Nueva School’s mission, the Nueva Athletics Department offers a robust athletics program that aims to help student athletes build character, community, and resilience through healthy competition. Nueva's athletics program is inclusive across experience levels while remaining highly competitive.
Nueva Athletics Mission
Nueva athletics reemphasizes our core values and serves as an extension of the classroom. Programs are designed to promote and support social, emotional, and physical benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through sport. These ideals and beliefs are intended to be reflected in self, team and throughout the school community.
Nueva is committed to athletic excellence and to the physical, social, and emotional well-being of all student-athletes. Nueva recognizes and understands the numerous demands placed on the 21st century student athlete. The athletics department is committed to supporting the needs and development of all students throughout their upper school experience.
Statement of Philosophy
Through participation in interscholastic athletics, student athletes will have a positive, growth-filled experience where they have the opportunity to mature mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially. Participation and commitment to a Nueva team will create opportunities for students to grow, learn, and build skills that will last well beyond their time at Nueva. Results of student commitment and participation include but are not limited to; building lifelong relationships, habits and skills. Healthy participation can lead to a boost in self confidence and ultimately team pride, those two combined will continue to help grow the Nueva spirit, community wide.
Nueva Upper School (US) Athletics
In just a handful of years Nueva’s US athletic programs have reached some unprecedented heights. Over 50% of Nueva US students participate in interscholastic athletics. The goal of the program is to create a positive, growth filled experience, that equips students to reap the many benefits of being a student athlete. All the while finding a role for everyone regardless of experience or talent level. Nueva student athletes have the opportunity to master important life skills, including commitment, responsibility, self-advocacy, and time management. Nueva offers eight girls’ programs and eight boys’ programs, with a total of 24 teams, made up of both varsity and junior varsity team options. Nueva is a full member of Private School Athletic League (Cross country, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and track and field) and a supplemental member of the West Bay Athletic League (Tennis, golf, and swimming).
Nueva Middle School (MS) Athletics
Similar to the US, the Nueva MS athletics program continues to grow and blossom, with over 65 percent of MS students participating in athletics offerings across four different seasons. MS programs also focus on the student experience: emphasizing commitment, communication, student growth, teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy competition. Nueva MS teams place all interested students on teams. Teams are created with considerations for both grade and experience level. There is always a spot for any student who wants to participate—from beginners to experienced players—and there is a great fit for everyone.
The MS athletics program aims to offer practices and/or games three times per week. Seventh and eighth graders who participate in interscholastic athletics practice during the last block of the day two days a week and then practices one day a week after school. Student athletes in fourth through sixth grades practice after school three days per week. To help facilitate after-school participation, there are late bus opportunities for students. Nueva MS teams participate in the West Bay Athletic Middle School League. The following sports options are offered: cross country, flag football, swimming, golf, basketball, soccer, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
Seventh and eighth graders who do not participate in interscholastic athletics have the opportunity to enroll in dynamic elective options that include: dance, yoga, rock climbing, hiking, strength and conditioning, pickleball and racquet sports, squash, and more!
Stephanie Shields '20
“Being a part of the Nueva girls soccer team has been one of the best experiences of my life. Our group dynamic was incredible—we were a mix of students from all four grades, and our starting line-up was evenly split between freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, which was super unique. I've never felt more included by a group of girls—we support each other on and off the field!”