Athletics - Sacramento School Sports Program

Upcoming Athletic Events

The mission of the Country Day athletic program is to foster the growth of well-rounded, confident young adults in an age-appropriate manner. Country Day has a no-cut policy for 5th grade to junior varsity teams to encourage all students to participate in athletics. Some varsity sports, at the discretion of the coach, will hold tryouts to select appropriate players.

The athletic program begins in fifth grade and offers student-athletes the opportunity to explore competitive sports in a safe way. Trained coaches, most of whom played at the collegiate level in their respective sports, emphasize sportsmanship, teamwork, integrity and self-discipline, and they commend individual effort and commitment.

Country Day offers the most comprehensive athletic program in our division of the Sac-Joaquin Section. In most years, the school organizes close to 40 teams in 14 different sports, and usually almost 80% of high school and middle school students participate in athletics. Many of our recent graduates play college athletics at colleges and universities throughout the country.

“Our student athletes develop skills in leadership, teamwork, goal setting, mental toughness, sportsmanship, and confidence.” -Matt Vargo, Athletic Director

Country Day supports student exploration of new interests across all areas, and athletics is an important part of this tradition. College-bound athletes not only compete in their strongest sport, they have the ability to play on other teams, as well as participate in the many co-curricular activities offered by Country Day. We encourage all of our athletes not to limit themselves to the “one sport” mentality that is prevalent in high school athletics at other schools.

Matt Vargo

Director of Athletics

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Q & A with Country Day Coaches

How do student-athletes thrive at Country Day?

Participation in Athletics starts in 5th grade, and a dynamic physical education program begins in Kindergarten. 80% of students participate on athletic teams and many play more than one sport- sometimes in the same season! We offer the most comprehensive range of athletic offerings for a small school in the CIF Sac Joaquin Section of over 200 schools, and our coaching staff is exceptional, with most having played in college and some professionally.

What are some recent notable accomplishments?

Country Day recently earned CIF Section titles in boys’ soccer, girls’ swimming, boys’ golf, and individual CIF Section Championships in cross-country and tennis, in addition to four CIF State titles in girls’ swimming. League championships include girls’ volleyball, boys’ soccer, co-ed tennis and boys’ skiing. Across all size schools, we have the most awards for Academic Team Sac-Joaquin Section Championships, with recent State Championships in track and field.

How do you respond to students who question attending a relatively small school?

Students enjoy meaningful participation in academic, social and athletic programs of outstanding breadth and depth. Recent graduates have gone on to play at Harvard, Stanford, Cornell, Brown, Yale, Indiana, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer College, and Linfield University. Faculty and staff collaborate to create a flexible environment where beginning level athletes experience growth and enjoyment, and highly talented competitors enjoy recognition as a Country Day Cavalier while also playing for local clubs. This supportive environment fosters personal development and exceptionally well-rounded student-athletes.