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Athletics


A legacy of Strength, a future in motion

Baseball

For more than 140 years, generations of student athletes have been shaped by the athletic program at Shady Side—instilling resilience, teamwork, and the drive to excel. From the earliest days of the Academy, when competition was central to an all-boys education, to the pivotal introduction of girls’ sports with coeducation in the 1970s, our program has continually evolved—expanding opportunities and strengthening our community.

Barking dog

Through every era, athletics at Shady Side has meant more than just competition—it's been a proving ground for character, leadership, and lifelong well-being. Rivalries have been fierce and championships hard-fought. Today, with over 60 teams across three seasons and three divisions, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedicated coaches, our program remains one of the most robust in the region.



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WhyAthletics MatterinToday's World.

Lacrosse helmet

Athletics at Shady Side are integral to preparing students for life beyond our campuses, fostering adaptability and leadership. Through sports, students develop confidence, critical thinking under pressure, and teamwork skills essential for achieving shared goals.

Shady Side’s athletic teams compete in facilities that are almost as impressive as they are. What does that look like? Immaculately maintained turf fields that set the stage for every game. A state-of-the-art ice rink, an expansive field house with pool and squash courts, and top-tier fitness spaces. More than 130 acres, 10 tennis courts, and access to some of the region’s best competition. Having home-field advantage at SSA means competing in an environment built for champions.

Girl on field

Beginning in Middle School and continuing through Senior School, athletics are embedded in the curriculum and school day, ensuring all students benefit from physical activity, structured competition, and camaraderie. This approach cultivates school spirit while reinforcing lifelong habits of health and personal growth.


Bulldogs in the News

Setting Records: Girls 4x800 Relay Team Runs Fastest WPIAL Time

The Shady Side Academy girls 4x800 relay team is making history. At the SPIRE Scholastic Showcase, juniors Rhyley B., Sarah K. and Ella V. N., along with sophomore Charlotte B., shattered the indoor school record with a remarkable time of 9:45.56—good for a second-place finish at the meet. Their time is currently the fastest in the WPIAL across all classifications and ranks seventh in Pennsylvania, marking them as one of the top relay squads in the state.

Read More about Setting Records: Girls 4x800 Relay Team Runs Fastest WPIAL Time
Winning Tradition Continues: Shady Side Academy Captures 2024 WPIAL Class 1A Field Hockey Championship

Shady Side Academy’s Field Hockey team has once again claimed victory, winning the WPIAL Class 1A championship on Saturday, November 2, at Washington & Jefferson College. This marks the Bulldogs’ 21st WPIAL title, bringing them just one championship shy of the all-time league record.

Read More about Winning Tradition Continues: Shady Side Academy Captures 2024 WPIAL Class 1A Field Hockey Championship
Shady Side Academy’s Lower Schools Cross Country: Growing, Learning, and Running Strong

Shady Side Academy’s Lower Schools cross country program continues to thrive, offering students in grades 2-5 from both the Junior School and Country Day School the chance to develop physical and mental strength. With over 76 runners participating this season, the program has become a key part of Shady Side’s athletic offerings for younger students.

Read More about Shady Side Academy’s Lower Schools Cross Country: Growing, Learning, and Running Strong
Shady Side Academy Girls Golf Team

Shady Side Academy’s Girls Golf team triumphed at the 2024 WPIAL Girls Golf Team Championships, claiming their fourth WPIAL title in school history and first since 2011. The Bulldogs ended Greensburg Central Catholic’s nine-year reign in Class 2A with an impressive team score of 387 (+103), securing victory by 12 strokes at the Cedarbrook Red Golf Course on October 10.

Read More about Girls Golf Team Wins 2024 WPIAL Championship
Alyssa Z.

Shady Side Academy freshman Alyssa Z. delivered a remarkable performance at the 2024 WPIAL Girls Golf Individual Championships, making up an eight-stroke deficit to claim the Class 2A title. Alyssa’s victory, which took place at Butler Country Club on October 1, marks her as the second WPIAL Girls' Golf individual champion in Shady Side Academy history.

Read More about Ninth-Grade Student Alyssa Z. Wins 2024 WPIAL Girls Golf Individual Championship
Optimizing On-Campus Athletic Performance Training

Shady Side Academy is thrilled to announce a transformative partnership with LEG1ON Training & Performance to offer on-campus training and performance services beginning in the fall 2024 athletics season. This collaboration is set to significantly enhance our athletic programs, providing student-athletes with top-tier resources to achieve their individual and team goals.

Read More about Optimizing On-Campus Athletic Performance Training
WSSA livestream

We recognize that movement and teamwork take many forms, extending beyond traditional athletics. At the Senior School, students can fulfill their athletics requirement by participating in the winter musical, where physical expression and ensemble work mirror the discipline of sport, or by joining the WSSA sports broadcast team, where collaboration and performance under pressure cultivate the same skills honed on the field. By embracing a broad definition of athletic engagement, we ensure that every student finds a meaningful way to develop resilience and a spirit of teamwork.

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Lower school cross country

Lower Schools

Students build confidence and coordination through movement and play, laying the foundation for lifelong physical activity.

Boys lacrosse

Middle School

Student-athletes develop resilience, teamwork, and leadership as they sharpen their skills and embrace new challenges.

Girls soccer

Senior School

Athletes push their limits, balancing high-level competition with personal growth. They refine their skills, embrace discipline, and lead with character.

 


The Team Behind the Teams

Sean Simmons

Sean Simmons

Director of Athletics
Dave Vadnais P'27,'34

Dave Vadnais P'27,'34

Assistant Athletic Director
Andrew Geisler

Andrew Geisler

Assistant Athletic Director
Erika Cooper P'25,'28

Erika Cooper P'25,'28

Athletics Administrative Assistant
Joel DeBaldo

Joel DeBaldo

Athletics Equipment Manager

Lauren Germanowski

Athletic Trainer (AHN)

Brynn Mahoney

Assistant Athletic Trainer

Vale Woodard

Athletic Trainer (AHN)

Quick Facts

60+

60+

teams
17

17

sports
100+

100+

coaches
3

3

trainers