As the final words to our school song proclaim, "Play up! Play up! And play the game!" we put a strong premium on athletic participation, and find that everyone, both the sports-inclined and those not so, relishes being a member of a PCD team. Playing the game requires knowing the rules and learning the skills; playing the game at PCD also requires respecting teammates, opponents, and oneself. We treasure athletic competition because sports teach us unique lessons about our heads and our hearts, not to mention our hands and our feet. As we learn about ourselves and others, on the field and off, respect becomes an inextricable part of play, and of an everyday, ethical life.
Participation in organized sports or physical education is required throughout a student's career at PCD. The choices each season are broad, enabling students to pursue their current interests, develop new interests, and compete at their highest level of ability.
The Athletic Department provides students with the opportunity to develop their physical, mental, and competitive skills to their fullest potential. Under the direction of coaches, the student will increase not only technical knowledge of a particular sport, but also their communicative, interpersonal and people-oriented skills. By developing the student's mental and physical well being, the Athletic Department contributes to the mission of the school to develop well-rounded, engaged members of the community.
Participation in athletics at PCD benefits the community in three important ways:
- Creating a common bond and community identity that brings together the different grades, faculty, staff, parents and the community as a whole.
- Contributing to the maturity and growth of the individual student-athlete in terms of self-confidence, self-esteem and self-discipline.
- Teaching students how to work together and how individual skills and contributions can help meet team goals.
As individuals, all students benefit from their participation in athletics, as they develop a life long appreciation for physical fitness, learn first hand the value of good sportsmanship and teamwork, and experience how hard work and determination result in very tangible and discernible results.
PCD participates in athletic contests both independently as well as under the jurisdiction of three main governing bodies: SENEISAA, NEPSAC and the RIIL
SENEISAA is the South Eastern New England Independent Schools Athletic Association.
NEPSAC is the New England Prep School Athletic Conference.
RIIL is the Rhode Island Interscholastic League.
Click here for Middle School Athletics Program
Click here for Upper School Athletics Program