Oxford Academy’s growing love for sports is undeniable, but its current athletic offerings need to meet the evolving interests of its student body. As it ushers in new sports like Esports and revives the golf team, OA must continue expanding its range of athletic programs, especially with the recent influx of new students.
Oxford can build upon its exceptional swim team by offering water polo as an opportunity for swimmers to channel their athletic prowess. While swimming encourages individual skill, water polo combines teamwork and strategy, appealing to students looking for a unique yet rigorous experience. Given California’s strong water polo culture, introducing this sport could position Oxford as a competitive force, opening doors to regional competitions.
Cheerleading, like water polo, combines physical rigor with coordination. Sideline cheer involves stunts, chants, and dance that require the same dedication and athleticism as other sports. In a survey of 115 OA students, 25% of respondents indicated an interest in joining a cheer team, hinting this sport could further unify the student body, both in practice and on the sidelines at games. Revamping Oxford’s previous cheer team could strengthen student engagement while enhancing the atmosphere around school events.
“[Oxford’s past cheerleading team] went and they cheered on the team from the stands at games, and they would go to all different types of sporting events,” Oxford’s former spirit coach, Mrs. Vosskuhler, said.
Badminton, a common high school and Olympiad sport, combines rigorous exercise with agility and appeals to students interested in solo and team sports. The same survey found that 35% of respondents expressed interest in badminton, highlighting its potential popularity. Badminton could serve as an affordable and straightforward solo sport addition to our school’s program.
Oxford’s gym is already equipped to handle various sports, but the real challenge is the lack of space between the junior high and high school teams. Unlike other high schools, OA does not have a second gym. However, the gym’s current flooring and bleacher system are suitable for badminton, especially since there are no other indoor sports during badminton season in the spring. The school could also use the MPR or choir rooms for sports like cheer as an additional practice space, especially for performance-based aspects of cheer.
Encouraging the school community to support these facility upgrades will ensure that Oxford creates a well-rounded athletic program that meets the diverse needs and interests of the student body. Principal Houston emphasizes the need for a well-rounded education in academics, extracurriculars, and athletics. By listening to student feedback, Oxford can build an athletic program that complements its academic achievements while supporting student growth on and off the field.
