ATHLETICS SPOTLIGHT

Reaching new heights… Madeira adds rock climbing team

While the sport of rock climbing is not new, high school girls’ rock climbing is seeing impressive growth across the country. Madeira introduced rock climbing as a team sport during the 2017–2018 winter season, guided by Dr. Lee Walker, math teacher and lifelong climber.

Consistent with the popularity of the sport, Madeira had nearly double the number of student-athletes express interest for the 2018–2019 climbing season, so a junior varsity team was added.

Viv Gillman ’19 was a member of the original 14-person rock climbing team and had the firsthand opportunity to see the program expand. “It was cool to see a group of people who climb become a team of climbers,” said Viv. “Gaining trust within our teammates was huge.”

Madeira is a member of the Washington Area Interscholastic Climbing League (WAICL), which is comprised of 11 high schools in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. The Snails competed in six competitions and secured close wins over Bullis, Episcopal, and Flint Hill.

Senior Laura Simpson said, “It was fun to watch my teammates challenge themselves. In this sport, falling happens 99% of the time, but to have that encouragement and support from your team helps you get back up and keep climbing.”

The varsity team participated in contests comprised of top rope and bouldering competitions. Top roping means climbers are clipped to a rope on their harness and belayed by a partner from a fixed anchor point above the climb—protected from falling by passing a rope through a mechanical device that creates friction by placing bends in the rope. Bouldering is a style of climbing where the athlete stays closer to the ground. Bouldering “problems,” or routes, are generally shorter climbs than top rope routes. The climber does not use a harness, rope, or belay for protection, but instead utilizes a crash pad and/or spotter.

The JV Team worked on climbing terminology, reading boulder problems, and reviewing climbing videos about techniques, famous climbs, and competitions. The coaches introduced the girls to some of the world’s leading climbers, including Akiyo Noguchi, Janja Garnbret, Sasha Digiulian, and Jain Kim.

“These girls literally and figuratively stretched themselves,” said assistant coach, Sarah Yarborough ’09. “Serving as their coach was one of the most rewarding parts of my Madeira experience this year!”