Athletics
Teamwork, Competition, and Sportsmanship
Physical education and athletics are an integral part of each student’s experience at Stanley Clark. Our dynamic athletics program not only lays the foundation for lifelong physical health but also develops teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship, and skills for competition.
Middle School Athletics
Beginning in the 5th grade, all students pursue athletics through interscholastic or lifetime sports. Athletics, one of our four pillars, is an extension of our academic classes—with a focus on an aggressive approach to a growth mindset, time management, and dedication. We integrate athletic practices into the school day, and every student is welcome to compete on a team or may select a non-competitive option. Aspects of our school-wide core values, such as collaboration, integrity, and curiosity, are encouraged as students engage both on and off the field or court.
What Sets Our Middle School Athletics Program Apart
- Students develop a breadth of athletic experiences with the opportunity to compete in a sport of their choosing each season.
- Faculty and staff serve as our coaches, enabling them to cultivate further character development and individual strengths across disciplines, while also mirroring similar values and expectations to those in the classroom.
Lower School Physical Education
Ahead of middle school, our 1st-4th grade students are developing gross motor skills, sportsmanship, and cooperation. Our physical education program introduces students to team sports, laying the foundation for skill development and competition in middle school. In 4th grade, students prepare for the transition to athletics by changing in the locker rooms for PE and have the opportunity to compete in our annual home cross-country meet.
In addition, lower school students can participate in our after-school intramural soccer and basketball programs. This fun and engaging opportunity helps students further develop skills and understanding of the game, and is an excellent opportunity to learn from some of our middle school student-athletes who volunteer to assist our PE teacher.
Early Childhood Movement
Movement and large gross motor skills are an essential part of our early childhood program. Taught by our athletic director, our youngest students engage core muscles and a left-to-right coordination that sets the stage for early literacy skills. The Minds-In-Motion curriculum used with our preschool students, “stimulates visual processing, auditory processing, and motor skills to help children fully integrate their vestibular system.”
Summer Athletic Opportunities
Students can keep their skills sharp in the summer with our athletic camps offered through Summer at Clark. These one-week camps, taught by our athletic faculty or local experts, provide an engaging and focused week on skill development in basketball, soccer, or volleyball.
Meet Our Faculty
Emily Voltz
Athletic Director, Boys Soccer Coach (Grades 5-6)
Bachelor of Arts in Classics from Vanderbilt University. Master of Arts in Sports Leadership from Northeastern University.
Coach Voltz coached collegiate soccer for 10 years prior to coming to Stanley Clark. She played professional soccer for the Philadelphia Fever and is a U.S Soccer Scout. In her free time, she loves spending time outdoors with her family, exercising, and reading.
Caryn MacKenzie
Physical Education Teacher (Grades K-1), Athletic Teacher (Girls Grades 4-8)
Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Quincy University
Coach MacKenzie has been serving The Stanley Clark School for 40 years! In addition to teaching and coaching at Clark, she's also served locally throughout the years as Head Soccer Coach at Adams High School, Riley High School, and Saint Mary's College. She's also coached soccer for Junior Irish and is currently the Co-Owner and Camp Director for World Cup Soccer Day Camp. In addition, Coach MacKenzie enjoys working out, biking, and traveling.
Nick Clyne
Physical Education Teacher (Grades 2-3), Athletics Teacher (Boys Grades 4-8)
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a Minor in Mathematics, Science, and Physical Education from Western Michigan University
Coach Clyne has coached both soccer and volleyball during his time here at Clark. He also coached for the Northern Indiana Volleyball Association for 3 years and played competitive volleyball locally for six years, traveling to games all across the U.S.