A Winning Formula With a Balanced Approach

King School Athletics offers a journey that nurtures every student's unique interests and potential. From the youngest learners to seasoned athletes, from novice to experienced players, King’s program offers an intentional environment where students can dive into sports, explore their passions, and reap the benefits of a holistic approach to athletics.

The journey begins in Lower School, where Physical Education classes introduce students to fundamental skills, sportsmanship, and teamwork. “Students learn about strength and endurance and are introduced to different sports to prepare them to move up in our programs,” said Dean of Athletics Micah Hauben.

With the proper foundation and new or increased interest in athletics, students advance to Middle School, where they are provided with a range of traditional sports like basketball and soccer, as well as alternatives such as paddle tennis, squash, and yoga. With a growing variety of options, there is surely something for everyone.

“The goal is to help students develop their athletic abilities and gain a stronger appreciation for active and healthy lifestyles while simultaneously fostering a positive and supportive environment,” Hauben said.

By the end of Middle School, students have a clearer idea of whether they would like to pursue athletics competitively or simply enjoy participation, team camaraderie, and staying active and healthy. Upper School offers even more options, with a variety of varsity and junior varsity teams catering to different skill levels and interests.

Those who wish to play at the highest level will not be disappointed. Hauben said, “King's commitment to excellence is evident in the numerous league and New England championships won by our teams and in the outstanding list of college programs our athletes go on to compete and excel at after King.”

Athletics at King combines a lot more than a broad range of individual sports offerings. The program also focuses on the overall well-being of its athletes, offering comprehensive health services, including sports medicine, strength coaching, and counseling.

“Every touchpoint between our athletes and our coaches and trainers is part of a carefully crafted scaffolding that supports strength, speed, mobility, growth, and learning,” Hauben said. “Our team of experts helps students train appropriately for the energy systems they need to excel in any given sport.”

This program ensures a healthy approach to athletics and helps students learn about and embrace the interconnectedness of athletics and wellness.

Students interested in sports as well as in travel or global opportunities don’t have to choose. Through partnerships with King’s Global Education program and King Cares, students have the chance to engage in domestic and international athletic experiences, broadening their perspectives and building global connections.

Upper school students help the younger Vikings explore new interests, creating a supportive network throughout their athletic journey. Cross-divisional opportunities within the program foster a strong sense of community.

Placing importance on character development and inclusion enhances the program's holistic nature. The Captain’s Council, for example, highlights leadership, citizenship, and personal growth. Additionally, King’s partnership with Under Armour's Women of Will initiative underscores the school’s commitment to supporting female athletes and promoting gender equality in sports.

Through a comprehensive program, King School ensures that all students, whether they are exploring sports for the first time or are seasoned athletes, have the opportunity to participate, thrive, and excel.

“This approach, with the program's emphasis on excellence, performance, character development, and community and global engagement, makes King Athletics a premier destination for aspiring and top athletes alike,” Hauben said.

Students build physical skills and nurture personal growth, global awareness, leadership, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for wellness.

Varsity Boys Lacrosse

Charlie Hill ’24 Named All-American

Charlie Hill ’24 led the Varsity Lacrosse team to an undefeated season, becoming the second King Boys Lacrosse player to be named a USA Lacrosse High School All-American. With the guidance of his father and Head Coach Jay Hill, Charlie excelled on the field, and the team captured both the Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA) league title and the program's first New England championship.

Charlie’s leadership, including his role as captain of both the lacrosse and football teams and Student Body President, led to some of King’s most prestigious awards, including the Ware Award and the Outstanding Senior Male Athlete Award.

The Ware Award honors outstanding leadership, sportsmanship, and academic achievement, while the Outstanding Senior Male Athlete Award celebrates the top male athlete of the graduating class. These accolades highlight Charlie’s dedication, discipline, and commitment.

As Charlie steps onto the lacrosse field in college at Wesleyan University, his success at King lives on in his AllAmerican banner and the team’s title banners now hanging in the upper school gym, serving as Viking inspiration for years to come.

Varsity Girls Tennis

Ashlynn Koons ’25 Earns MVP

Girls Tennis Captain Ashlynn Koons ’25 led the Vikings to their first New England championship, culminating in a dramatic 4-3 victory over top-seeded St. Luke’s. Ashlynn’s exceptional performance earned her the NEPSAC Class C Most Valuable Player honor.

Ashlynn, who plays in the top singles spot, was instrumental in the team's success throughout the season. She helped guide a young and talented group to an unprecedented achievement in program history.

The Vikings faced a grueling schedule, competing in the FAA playoffs and then the New England tournament. Each match featured four singles players and three doubles teams, with the first team to win four matches claiming victory.

Despite being seeded seventh in Class C, King advanced to the New England finals after defeating higher seeds Hamden Hall and Pomfret School in closely contested matches. In the championship against St. Luke’s, the Vikings overcame adversity, winning the final two doubles matches to secure the title.

Kenny Dyson Jr. ’19 Chases his NFL Dream

When outside linebacker Kenny Dyson Jr. ’19 graduated from King School, he had a dream: to play Division I football and eventually make it to the NFL. After a successful stint at Bryant University, where he earned an extra year of eligibility because of the pandemic, Dyson is closer to his dream.

The Carolina Panthers signed him as an undrafted free agent in May. Dyson made an impression and was offered a three-year contract with the Panthers' practice squad in August. He is the fourth King graduate in recent history to join an NFL team, following Nate Collins KLHT ’06, Kevin Pierre-Louis KLHT’10, and Silas Redd KLHT’10.

“It’s been a surreal experience,” Dyson said. “Walking into that building for the first time, realizing I was taking the first step on this journey, was incredible. I’m learning from the best in the business and surrounded by guys who have been doing this for years.”

Dyson credits his success to a combination of hard work, dedication, and the values instilled in him at King. “The virtues I learned at King, like treating everyone with kindness and respect, persevering through hardships, and carrying yourself with integrity, have been invaluable,” he said. “They’ve helped me become the person I am today.”

As Dyson continues to chase his NFL dreams, he remains grateful for the opportunities he has had and the support he has received from his family.

“Putting on an NFL jersey is a dream come true, and I owe it all to my parents,” he said. “Their unconditional love, guidance, and sacrifices have been instrumental in my journey to the professional level.”