ATHLETICS
Emerson Waldorf School places great importance on interscholastic athletic activities for students in grades six through twelve. These activities play a vital role in their overall development, fostering both social and skill growth. Importantly, EWS teams are inclusive, welcoming all students regardless of their ability or skill level. Every participant has a meaningful role on the team, and our coaches work diligently to ensure everyone has the chance to learn and progress during practices and games, aligning with both individual and team objectives.
To be part of a sports team, student-athletes are required to honor their commitment by attending practices and competitions while also maintaining their academic responsibilities.
In middle school, athletics at Emerson emphasize participation, teamwork, sportsmanship, skill enhancement, and discipline within a fun and safe environment. As students progress to high school, competition takes on a more serious tone, serving as a true test of skills against worthy opponents.
Our aim is to provide a high-quality athletic experience where players can anticipate personal improvement and success. Through our athletic program, we aim to instill discipline, promote health and fitness, offer leadership opportunities, and create a sense of belonging within a team.
Athletic Director
Katie Mentz, is an EWS parent, active volunteer, current member of our Board of Directors, and now serves as EWS Athletic Director. Katie has a lifelong history as an athlete participating in soccer, gymnastics, baseball, basketball and diving throughout her childhood and competed as a Division 1 Athlete at the University of Richmond. She graduated with a BSBA in Business Administration with a concentration in Operations Management. She is mom to three EWS students giving her both the parent and administrative perspective with respect to developing the whole child in sports.
She is committed to working with our faculty, students, parents, and coaches to coordinate our sports program and further enhance athletics in our community.
Our school does not belong to an athletic conference, rather we compete against local schools/organizations with similar athletic teams who have similarly sized programs. Season dependant, some of the schools/organizations we compete with include: Carolina Friends School, The Duke School, Triangle Day School, Bradford Academy, The Hawbridge School, Durham Charter, The Fletcher Academy, Montessori School of Raleigh, The Expedition School, Durham Nativity, Iron Academy, Discovery Charter, Durham Flight, Carolina Mustangs, Triangle Ultimate League, Immaculata School, Maureen Joy.
Depending on the number of students we have interested in each sports team each season, we may be able to offer the following teams to our student athletes. A minimum number of participants are needed in order for a team to form.
Fall Season
Volleyball
-High School (8-12)
Co-Ed Cross Country
-High School
-Middle School
Soccer (co-ed, men’s season)
-High School
-Middle School
Winter Season
Basketball
-High School Women
-High School Men
-Middle School Girls
-Middle School Boys
Co-Ed Ultimate Frisbee
-Middle School
Spring Season
Girls Soccer
-Middle School
Co-Ed Ultimate Frisbee Club
-High School
-Middle School
In order to be eligible for athletic participation all student-athletes must have a current physical examination, concussion form, and athletic participation form on file.
If you have any questions regarding EWS athletics, please let me know
Thank you and Go Gnomes!
Katie Mentz (Athletic Director)
athletics@emersonwaldorf.org