Athletics

 

At Columbia Prep education is more than the acquisition of skills and knowledge. The highly diverse and vigorous intellectual climate challenges students to open their minds, to examine conflicting values, and to debate differing viewpoints. Columbia's interactive environment teaches students to question ideas critically as they develop interests and values for a lifetime 

 

In recognition of the important role that athletics can play in a student's high school experience, Columbia Prep offers a wide range of opportunities for participation. Twenty-one Varsity teams and Junior Varsity teams make use of some of the finest facilities to be found on any campus in New York City. Columbia Prep students in turn recognize and appreciate the opportunities presented by athletics as nearly 63% of the student population participate in varsity, junior varsity, and freshman team sports. 

 

In addition to enthusiastic participation, we also have a strong record of success on the playing fields, courts, track, and in the pool. The quality of our program is measured in part by the honors our athletes, their coaches, and our teams have received. In recent years, ten of our varsity teams have clinched at least one league championship. Columbia Prep is a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools Athletic Association. We compete in the Independent Schools Athletic League, Girls Independent Schools Athletic League, Private Schools Athletic Association, and the Athletic Association of Independent Schools. 

 

At Columbia Prep, athletics is recognized as a commitment that offers unique learning experiences and plays a complementary role to a student's intellectual growth. While the determination of coaches and players to achieve success on the field is exemplary; the lasting success of Columbia athletics is best measured by the kind of person, not just the kind of athlete, that it produces. Character, leadership, responsibility, and teamwork are among the most important lessons developed by Columbia athletes. These qualities make up the foundation upon which athletic success is achieved and, more importantly, the qualities that are crucial to success beyond high school. Our students are challenged both academically and athletically to stretch their individual expectations for themselves and the world around them. The coaches at Columbia guide the process by which they teach students to think critically, using skills that are as useful on the field as they are in the classroom. 

 

Columbia's coaches come from some of the finest collegiate programs in the country, and each brings to his or her sport a unique experience and expertise. All bring a high level of dedication to their athletes and a deep commitment to their personal growth.

 

Facilities

Columbia Prep provides a wide range of high-quality athletics facilities intended for use by the entire student population. The north gymnasium houses both the volleyball and basketball courts. Our south gymnasium houses volleyball and basketball courts, as well as a modern weight room with both cardiovascular and weight training machines. Across the street from the main gym is Columbia's own swimming pool in addition to a smaller gymnasium. 

 

Apart from on campus facilities, the Columbia Prep lions utilize many other athletic facilities in the New York metropolitan area. Randall's Island, Riverbank State Park, Roosevelt Island, Van Cortlandt Park, Central Park, The Columbus Tennis Center, Seawane Country Club and Tam O'Shanter Country Club are among the many complexes where our soccer, baseball, track, X country, and golf teams practice and compete.

 

The 7th and 8th Grade Athletic Program

One of the reasons Columbia Prep has been so successful in its athletic endeavors is the strength of the 7th and 8th grade athletic programs that feed into the J.V. and Varsity level programs. While there are seven competitive teams on the 7th and 8th grade level, many of Columbia's outstanding young athletes go on to compete either on the J.V. or Varsity level. In addition, several of the 7th and 8th grade teams, such as track and field, and ice hockey, practice with the higher level squads in an environment where the athletes may work on improving their skills while receiving quality individual attention from coaches. 

 

At the 7th and 8th Grade levels, Columbia's athletic program is diverse and competitive, with a high level of participation. The young Lions compete in boys and girls soccer, girls volleyball, boys and girls basketball, ice hockey, girls swimming, and track and field. Emphasis at this level is placed on encouraging a love for sports, having fun, building character, fitness, and learning to compete by hard work and practice. In the 2004-2005 boys' basketball season, the 7th and 8th grade team captured the I.S.A.L. Championship. 

 

Sports Teams

  • Boys Varsity Soccer
  • Girls Varsity Soccer
  • Girls Varsity Volleyball
  • Girls J.V. Volleyball
  • Boys And Girls X Country
  • Girls Varsity Swimming
  • Girls Varsity Basketball
  • Girls J.V. Basketball
  • Boys Freshman Basketball
  • Boys J.V. Basketball
  • Boys J.V. Soccer
  • Boys J.V. Baseball
  • Boys Varsity Basketball
  • Varsity Ice Hockey
  • Girls Varsity Softball
  • Boys Varsity Baseball
  • Boys Varsity Tennis
  • Girls Varsity Tennis
  • Boys And Girls Varsity Spring Track
  • Varsity Golf