Athletics
The guiding principle of our participation in elementary and junior varsity athletics is our belief in the educational value for our students. Tate’s School values the lessons that can be taught by athletic participation: the pursuit of excellence through personal development and teamwork, responsible behavior on the field or court, embracing self-discipline & leadership, and displaying strength of character and sportsmanship – respect for one’s opponents, acceptance of victory with humility, and acknowledgment of defeat with grace. All these lessons will lead students to better and healthier lives.
Athletics also plays an important role in building community through the engagement of students, faculty, parents, and alumni. Athletic teams generate unique excitement across the campus and the community, build school loyalty in a healthy manner, and give our school community members another reason to be proud to represent Tate’s School.
We want our students to engage fully in athletics. We want them to take a risk, try a new sport, discover their strengths, and experience the highs and lows of competition. One benefit of smaller classes is that our students get to play in lots of competitive games instead of watching from the sidelines. Our programs help athletes improve skill levels and develop the qualities of good sportsmanship, respect, responsibility, and moral integrity as well as develop an appreciation for physical fitness and conditioning.
Team Sports include:
Girls’ Junior Varsity Basketball, Girls’ Varsity Basketball, and Boys’ Varsity Basketball were introduced in 2021. Open to grades 5th – 8th, we focus on the fundamentals of basketball and teamwork. The development in skills and discipline throughout the season is impressive. All of our players are able to hone their technical skills and increase their knowledge. Mentoring relationships with coaches help players focus on building character and learn how to respect an opponent. Basketball is a growing sport for Tate’s. We are small, but mighty! GO TIGERS!
Tate’s Cross Country program is designed to instill a love of running in our students that we hope will last a lifetime. We are blessed with a 54-acre campus with plentiful grassy areas and a variety of surfaces so running routes can vary (out and back, loops, etc.) and training routes can be set up to encourage students with a range of capabilities. Our coaches know the most important areas of training are agility, coordination, strength, sports specific skills, and speed. They are adept at keeping the middle school team engaged by offering running games, drills, and stretches that teach students how to adapt to extended activities. During the season, cross country runners perform many different types of workouts, each of which has its own specific benefits. Using developmentally appropriate training plans, we work with beginner and advanced runners to develop to their maximum potential. Go Tigers!
Tate’s first Flag Football program was started in 2019 because of significant interest from our students who wanted to create a team and compete. Because we understand how important sports are for physical and social development, we do our best to tailor the sports programs we offer based upon the interest from our enrolled students.
Our goal is to educate young players about football, develop sport specific skills and teach them game concepts and rules, all while emphasizing participation and sportsmanship. Players learn skills and lessons that help them succeed both on and off the field. Flag football is a co-ed program and open to all students in 5th – 8th grades. We are a young team but are very excited about what our students and coaches can achieve with more time and experience on the field. Go Tiger Football!
Playing as a team. Making Friends. Having Fun. Competing Together. Tate’s Golf Team is a dynamic place to make your mark. Our goals for the golf teams are to build skills, increase knowledge of the game, and develop self-confidence on the course. Our Junior Varsity team competes in the Tennessee Middle School Golf Association (TMSGA) which includes novice and advanced players in 6th – 8th grade. If your child hasn’t played before, encourage them to try something new. Our boys and girls team is focused on helping each player improve each day. For those students in 4th and 5th grade who are interested in learning, practicing, and eventually joining the golf team, we welcome them to participate in practices, allowing them the opportunity to develop with our teams and coaches for their eventual chance to compete on behalf of Tate’s School.
As the only school in the area with our own on-campus driving range, students and parents enjoy the convenience of simply grabbing their clubs and heading to the backfield range to practice after school. The spring schedule is somewhat flexible because we do make adjustments for weather, course availability, or match opportunities. All players qualify for Districts, and based on scoring, players may qualify for Regionals.
Golf is a life-long pursuit and is the only game in which the student is both the player and the referee. Team members learn to honor and respect the game, each other, and the learning process. The golf swing is a symphony of parts, but each player can learn to develop their game and respect their opponents. By the end of the season, each player will have improved and enjoyed the experience of playing on the golf team.
We are building our team for the future. Come join us!
GO TIGERS! Tennis is a wonderful and fun way for your student to participate in team sports and still discover their individual strengths. Beyond being fun and a great form of exercise, tennis is a competitive, level-based environment that promotes individual growth, social growth, and life skills. Tennis is a sport played by 3rd grade – 8th grade students and divided into three divisions based on skill level.
Orange Ball Division – Coed division for ages 7 – 9
Green Dot Ball Division – Coed division for ages 9-11
Yellow Ball Division – Coed division for ages 11+
Coaches assess skill level and match play is assigned based on level 1 or level 2 play. Players can play singles and doubles in most matches. Practices are held on campus (drills) or at Cedar Bluff Racquet Club or Knoxville Racquet Club. Matches are typically held at the Tyson Family Tennis Center and West Hills Park. The line-up is determined by the coach and is set up in the order of strength so players are equally matched. Beginners and all skill levels are welcome. Players register with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and track their progress each year which is helpful when moving on into high school.
Parent involvement is a big part of the success equation for the Tate’s tennis team. Parent volunteers work in conjunction with opposing team volunteers to serve as timekeepers, record the scores, and check the team in and out of assigned courts.
Tennis is a sport that begins early in P.E., progresses to team play, and lasts a lifetime. We want you to encourage your child to join a team sport and benefit from the coaching, discipline, and all out fun to be had with friends. Goals for our players include developing better balance and coordination, improving serve technique, and enjoying competition. We want our students to learn about unity, sportsmanship, and how to work together to achieve success. Students will learn that success isn’t just about winning; it’s how you play the game and respond to challenges. Tate’s tennis highlights character and skill development, and it is a fantastic way to introduce a lifelong love of the game from the very first play opportunity!
We are very excited about the upcoming season! The goals of the Track & Field Team are for student athletes (3rd – 8th grade) to develop their overall fitness levels, to increase their speed and strength, to try out new disciplines, to set and achieve both individual and Team goals, to race, throw, and jump well, to bond as a team, and to have fun in the process.
Running Track and engaging in Field Events challenges athletes to push themselves to new heights, develop new insights, and reach a deeper understanding of themselves. By the conclusion of the season, we hope that each team member will know they were an important part of something meaningful.
EVENTS: Track & Field encompasses sprinting (100m, 200m, 400m), middle distance (800m), and distance (1600m, 3200m). The potential field event options include long jump, shot put, and discus.
Being a member of the Track & Field Team is a fantastic experience. Your child will make new friends, get more fit, and really feel a part of something great. Running experience is not required to join. Just bring a positive attitude and embrace trying something new. We know this will be a successful season for our athletes
Congratulations to Zoë Hasan and Nadalie Bellinghausen who qualified to compete in the ELITE EAST MEET!
BUMP! SET! ATTACK! Volleyball is one of many team sports that is easy to try out. The kids find it fun to play, and within a few days of playing, the game turns out to be addictive. With the addition of the Athletic & Dining Hall in which to play and practice, girls volleyball has great potential for growth.
Open to grades 5th – 8th, we focus on the fundamentals of volleyball (bumping, setting, attacking, digging, and serving) while developing hand-eye coordination, agility, and overall athletic skills. Volleyball drills increase concentration, timing, speed, movement, anticipation level, communication skills, and skills that are required for working as a team. Progressive drills will have the novice ready for game play in no time. We want practice to be tough, but fun, so the girls develop a love for the game at a young age.
The focus is progress and teamwork, not perfection. This year is a learning year that allows first year players time for skill development. We want you to encourage your child to join a team sport and benefit from the coaching, discipline, and fun you can have with friends. Come join the fun!
Meet Our Coaches
