Pass, Run, Swing, Serve: Middle School Fall Sports Roundup

Head Coach Holly Stephens, Assistant Coach Mira Willson, Parent Volunteer Coaches: Ben Walker, Andrew Marder, and Sam McCormally

Team Name: SPICY (inspired by the Quaker SPICES - Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equity/Equality, Stewardship)

Since fall 2018, FCS has grown a strong and cherished ultimate frisbee program led by 5/6 Language Arts teacher, Holly Stephens. Many in our community know the ultimate program well, but fewer may realize just how closely the rules and spirit of ultimate align with Quaker values. Known as Spirit of the Game, integrity is at the center of ultimate frisbee. The players share a commitment to playing with honesty and good sportsmanship, putting respect and fair play above competition. In ultimate, games are not monitored by referees; teams/players make their own calls based on their honest judgment and trust that their opponents do the same. Players treat each other with care and respect, honor each other’s decisions, and keep each other’s humanity at the heart of the game. Coach Holly shared, “People familiar with other sports cultures find ultimate to be a refreshing change from "hate the ref," "bitter rivals," and "win at all costs" mentalities.” 

This fall, they participated in two tournaments and hosted the UMD men’s and womxn’s teams for round robin at FCS. There were many new 5th grade players this season, giving the older players an opportunity to mentor younger players. 

 

“We’re really together as a team. Our team really represents the community of FCS. We worked on team chemistry and developing the skills of younger players for future years.” - FCS 7th Grader

“We definitely improved this year! We had a lot of different things we wanted to work on. Catching was a big thing. We wanted to be able to catch consistently so we could complete passes in games.” - FCS 6th Grader

“I wanted to get better as the year went on. My coaches and teammates helped me learn the defense, catching, and throwing drills. Practices were fun, games were fun, tournaments were fun!” - FCS 5th Grader

Head Coach Julie Do, Parent Volunteer Course Play Coaches: Tony Miles, Marcus Hill, Malcolm Reid

In their inaugural season, the golf team welcomed 12 teammates from 5th, 6th, and 8th grade. This season, they utilized Paint Branch Golf Complex for practices, taking advantage of their driving range, putting greens, and course. The middle school golfers came in with varying levels of experience, and each student had the opportunity to grow at their own pace while celebrating one another’s progress. The team’s newer golfers learned how to consistently hit the ball, and the older, more experienced golfers enhanced their skills by competing in range games and course play. Even late into the season, the golfers were dedicated to their Friday afternoon practices despite the cold and early sunsets!

“I'm really looking forward to the spring season when we hope to be ready and able to participate in local school matches.” - Julie Do, Coach and Head of Middle School

“I wanted to spend time with my friends while getting better at a sport. I would do golf again because it’s a fun hobby to do after school.” - FCS 8th Grader

“I liked seeing myself improve. The first day I was kind of bad but then the last day I was hitting them pretty far.” - FCS 8th Grader 

Head Coach Julie Do, Partnered with JTCC Tennis Pros

With the help of the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC), FCS’s new tennis team spent their season learning the rules and foundational skills of tennis. Seven middle schoolers in grades 5, 6, and 7, worked with tennis professionals at JTCC to develop their serves, forehand and backhand returns, and volleys. Most practices would begin with warm-ups and drills, then move into practice games. At times, they would participate in practice sessions that included students from other area schools. Every player worked hard to improve their skills and exhibited great participation and coachability. 

“We are looking forward to working with JTCC again in the spring to continue working on skills and increased participation.” - Julie Do, Coach and Head of Middle School 

“The coaches from JTCC were really friendly and I definitely learned a lot about tennis. They instructed us on what would help us get better.” - FCS 6th Grader

“I liked when we got to play games. In the beginning we’d start with warm-ups and then we’d do special drills, and I liked playing the games after.” - FCS 6th Grader

Head Coach Caroline deKieffer 

Exploring the vast trails of Greenbelt National Park directly next to FCS, the cross country team had a fun and fast season! Through a combination of trail runs, sprinting and agility games, and pacing practice, the runners worked to build not only their speed and endurance, but their team culture of camaraderie and joy. The team of 15 5th-8th graders runners arrived every Monday afternoon, ready to take on their run for their day with good humor and team spirit.

They finished their season with a simulated “race” around the FCS campus, complete with course markings, a water stop, finish line, and—most importantly—a cheering crowd of parents, peers, and community members. 

“I really liked going on the trails. I’ve only run on roads during 5ks, so it was really fun and different to go on trails and different terrain. I would definitely do it again next year!” - FCS 6th Grader