CINCINNATI COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
ATHLETIC PLAYBOOK
Welcome Letter FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Dear Cincinnati Country Day School Community,
It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you to another exciting year of athletics at CCDS. Whether you are a returning family or joining us for the first time, I am thrilled to have you as part of a community where athletics are more than just competition, they are living expressions of our mission to create leaders who discover their own abilities and kindle the potential of others.
Since our founding in 1926 as an “all day” school intentionally blending academics, the outdoors, and athletics, CCDS has recognized that physical activity and sport are central to education, not merely complementary. This vision remains at the heart of what we do today. Athletics at CCDS are not add-ons; they are an essential pillar of our commitment to nurture confident, resilient, and compassionate young people who are prepared for college and life.
Our goal is for every student to participate in our athletics program because we know that the lessons learned on the field, court, or track extend far beyond the scoreboard. We want every student-athlete to walk away from their time here not only as a better competitor, but also as a more self-aware and purpose-driven leader. In many ways, the field, the court, the course—these remain our “classrooms” too, where students learn some of life’s most important lessons: teamwork, perseverance, humility in victory, and grace in defeat. It’s a tradition that connects today’s Nighthawks to generations past, fulfilling our founders’ belief that education must engage mind, body, and spirit.
The athletics program at CCDS is designed to be a transformative experience. We challenge our student-athletes physically, mentally, and emotionally so they can discover their strengths, push past their limits, and develop character that will serve them well in every area of life. Because we believe so strongly in the power of
these lessons, CCDS has an athletics participation requirement, which reflects our conviction that physical activity, competition, and teamwork are vital components of a complete education.
As athletic director, I have seen firsthand how the power of sports can change lives. In my view, athletics are more than competition, they are a journey. A journey that transforms students into leaders, teammates, and young adults who are prepared to thrive in college and beyond.
As we continue to grow and enhance our student-athlete experience at CCDS, we have some updates to our athletics department’s structure for the 2025-26 school year:
• Greg Ross will continue to serve as associate athletic director for Upper School, bringing consistency, leadership, and a deep knowledge of our program to our high school student-athletes.
• Brady Brandt has transitioned out of the classroom to become the full-time associate athletic director for lower and middle school athletics, allowing us to provide more focused support and development for our youngest student-athletes in grades K-8.
• Alex Merkel will continue to develop our student-athletes as our director of sport performance, helping them reach their full physical potential safely and effectively.
• We have hired Lauren Tauber as our new athletic trainer (ATC). Lauren has more than twenty years of ATC experience and will be a tremendous asset to the health, safety, and success of our student-athletes.
• We have created a new position – sports information director – and are excited to welcome Madison Conley to the team. Madison will lead our efforts in celebrating our student-athletes and teams and uniting our community around our athletics programs, improving how we share scores, stories, and highlights with the broader CCDS community.
These changes reflect our continued commitment to elevating the experience for all student-athletes across every grade level. With this new structure, we will be able to better support our coaches, increase student engagement, and strengthen our connection with families and alumni.
Thank you for supporting our student-athletes and for being part of a community that values growth, integrity, and excellence. I look forward to seeing all the incredible things our students will accomplish this year, both on and off the field.
Go Nighthawks!
Dennis Coyle Athletic Director
Athletics Philosophy
At Cincinnati Country Day School, our athletics program is an essential component of our commitment to excellence in education and the development of the whole child. We believe that sports serve as a powerful extension of the classroom – “the last class of the day” – where students discover their own abilities and grow through both triumphs and challenges.
Our program is designed to be a transformative experience that prepares students for the demands of college, career, and life. Through meaningful participation, our student-athletes learn to lead with purpose, confidence, and character. They develop essential life skills such as discipline, teamwork, resilience, communication, and sportsmanship, skills that are forged in moments of both success and adversity.
We are committed to providing a safe, educational, and competitive environment where every student is known, nurtured, and inspired throughout their personal and athletics journey. Our coaches are educators first, teaching not just technical skills and strategies, but also our core character virtues: responsibility, respect, integrity, courage, and compassion.
Participation in athletics at CCDS is not only a tradition, but also a responsibility. It reflects our belief in the importance of teamwork, sacrifice, and shared goals in pursuit of individual and collective excellence. Every practice, game, and season presents an opportunity for students to become the best versions of themselves.
STUDENT-ATHLETE EXPECTATIONS
“ACE PRINCIPLES”
STUDENT-ATHLETE EXPECTATIONS POLICY
Student-athletes are expected to represent themselves, their teams, and their school with class, integrity, and excellence at all times. Participation in athletics is a privilege that comes with high expectations, both on and off the field.
Our athletics culture is built on the foundation of Attitude, Commitment, and Effort (ACE). Every student-athlete, regardless of age or ability, is expected to:
ATTITUDE
Bring a positive, team-first attitude to every practice and competition.
COMMITMENT
Commit fully to their team by being present, prepared, and on time.
EFFORT
Give their best effort consistently, whether on the field or supporting teammates from the sidelines.
Great teammates are selfless, hardworking, and positive. Every player should strive to be an asset to their team by putting team goals above individual desires.
Commitment and Attendance
At each level – Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School – commitment increases with the level of competition. Student-athletes are expected to:
• Attend all scheduled practices and games.
• Communicate directly with coaches in advance if a conflict arises.
• Follow through and finish what they start. Quitting a team mid-season is strongly discouraged and must involve direct communication with the coach and athletic director.
Note: Repeated or unexcused absences may result in additional conditioning, reduced playing time, or removal from the team, at the discretion of the coach and athletic director.
Academic and Behavioral Standards
All student-athletes must:
• Meet or exceed all academic and behavioral expectations outlined in the CCDS Student Handbook.
• Remain in good standing with the school’s academic and disciplinary policies to maintain athletics eligibility.
Sportsmanship and Conduct
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of sportsmanship and teamwork. All student-athletes are expected to:
• Treat opponents, officials, coaches, teammates, and fans with respect. Period.
• Model grace in victory and dignity in defeat.
• Represent CCDS with pride, humility, and the five character virtues in every athletics setting.
Everyone in our athletics community plays a role in upholding these values. Together, we create a culture that not only develops winners on the scoreboard, but leaders for life.
Parent Expectations Policy
We take great pride in being an institution of excellence, integrity, and class – on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. As a parent, you are an integral part of our culture, and your support plays a vital role in shaping a positive experience for our student-athletes.
We recognize that watching your children compete can bring strong emotions. Athletics can be thrilling, challenging, and deeply personal. However, just as we hold our student-athletes to the highest standards of behavior, we also expect the adults in our community to lead by example and uphold the values of respect, dignity, and sportsmanship at all times.
As a parent in our athletics community, you are expected to:
• Support all student-athletes, not just your own child.
• Trust and support our coaching staff, allowing them to coach without interference.
• Respect the decisions of officials, recognizing their authority and role in the game.
• Show respect for opposing teams and coaches, regardless of the outcome.
• Demonstrate class and composure, even in the face of poor behavior from others.
• Support the journey of your student-athlete by focusing on long-term growth and character development, not just maximizing playing time or immediate on-field success.
We ask you to model the same sportsmanship and class we expect from our student-athletes. Your words and actions from the stands reflect not only on your family but on our entire school. All members of the CCDS community represent our school at every event.
Cincinnati Country Day School and game officials reserve the right to remove any parent or spectator from an event for unsportsmanlike conduct. If a parent or fan is removed, the school administration will schedule a meeting with the parent/fan before they may attend another athletics contest.
We are an exceptional institution, and we hold ourselves to a higher standard. Together, we can ensure that our athletic events are a celebration of growth, teamwork, and competition built on a foundation of class, integrity, and mutual respect.
Thank you for being a valued part of the Nighthawk family and for helping us create a first-class experience for all involved.
Sports Programs BY SEASON
& GRADE LEVEL
Our athletics philosophy is rooted in the development of the whole child. Our goal is for each sport to begin with a foundation in Lower School or Middle School, where students are introduced to basic skills, teamwork, and a love for the game. As students progress, programs become increasingly competitive, and playing time is earned through commitment, effort, performance, and a team-first mentality.
We are proud to offer a broad range of sports opportunities to help students grow as athletes and leaders.
“Athletics at CCDS are not just about competition. They are about connection, growth, and preparing our students to lead with purpose in college and life.”
– Dennis Coyle, athletic director
Fall Sports
Cheerleading (grades 1-4 & 9-12)
Cross Country (grades 7-12)
Football (grades 7-12)
Boys Golf (grades 7-12)
Girls Golf (grades 7-12)
Boys Soccer (grades 1-12)
Girls Soccer (grades 1-12)
Girls Tennis (grades 7-12)
Volleyball (grades 7-12)
WINTER Sports
Boys Basketball (grades 2-12)
Girls Basketball (grades 2-12)
Cheerleading (grades 1-4 & 9-12)
Gymnastics (grades 7-12)
Indoor Track (grades 7-12) offered based on interest
Swimming (grades 7-12)
Wrestling (grades 7–12) offered based on interest
SPRING Sports
Baseball (grades 7-12)
Flag Football (grades 1-6)
Boys Lacrosse (grades 7-12)
Girls Lacrosse (grades 7-12)
Softball (grades 7-12)
Boys Tennis (grades 7-12)
Track & Field (grades 7-12)
Volleyball (grades 3-6)
The CCDS Athletics Program Journey
A TRANSFORMATIVE DEVELOPMENTAL MODEL
At Cincinnati Country Day School, athletics are more than a game; they are a transformative journey that begins in a student’s earliest years and continues through graduation. Each of our sport programs are built on a clear developmental pathway, designed by our athletics department and head coaches, with the goal of helping every student become the best version of themselves, both on and off the field.
“Country Day is truly a special place that values academics, character development, and athletic achievement. The true trifecta of the high school experience as far as I’m concerned.”
– Tim Dunn, retired teacher, coach, and member of the Class of 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame
The Developmental Model: A Journey Through Sports at CCDS
YOUTH SPORTS:
Setting a Foundation for Skills, Character, and Community
Our youth sports program lays the foundation for a lifelong love of athletics. Designed for our Lower School and Middle School students, this program introduces young athletes to the fundamentals of sport in a fun, engaging, and inclusive environment.
We believe that early exposure to sports not only enhances physical development but also plays a vital role in shaping character and strengthening community. Through organized practices and games, students learn more than just how to play; they begin to understand the value of effort, the power of teamwork, and the joy of growth through participation.
Our goals for the youth sports program are simple yet powerful:
• Develop Athletics Skills: Introduce students to age-appropriate skills and techniques across a variety of sports.
• Encourage Active Fun: Make physical activity an enjoyable part of everyday life while building coordination and fitness.
• Promote Core Values: Reinforce the school’s five character virtues - compassion, courage, integrity, respect, and responsibility - through team play and competition.
• Build Community: Strengthen relationships among students, families, and coaches, fostering school spirit and pride from an early age.
In the Youth Sports Program:
• All student-athletes will receive meaningful playing time.
• Coaches focus on building confidence, skill development, and a positive team experience.
• Sportsmanship, passion, and fun are prioritized over wins and losses.
• Students are encouraged to try new sports, take risks, and discover what they love.
Whether it’s their first time on the field or they’ve been playing for years, every child is welcomed, supported, and challenged in a way that nurtures growth and excitement for athletics. At CCDS, we know that the lessons learned through early sports experiences help shape our students into resilient, motivated, and confident individuals who are ready to take on any challenge.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS:
Where Growth Meets Commitment
In grades 7 and 8, students take their next step in the CCDS athletics journey, transitioning from skill-building to structured team competition. At this level, participation in athletics fulfills the physical education requirement, underscoring the importance we place on sports as a vital part of the educational experience.
Each season, students choose one sport to commit to for its full duration. With more than 20 sports offered throughout the year, our Middle School student-athletes have the opportunity to explore their interests, develop new skills, and experience the rewards of dedication and teamwork.
The emphasis of the program is still on participation and growth, and all team members are given the chance to compete in interscholastic contests. While playing time is not expected to be equal, coaches are intentional about providing meaningful opportunities for all players to contribute and develop.
“My time at Country Day taught me how to drive, how to march forward. It gave me a confidence that carries into every part of my life—into business, into raising a family.”
– Burke Byer ’97, member of the Class of 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame
At this stage, our program begins to introduce:
• Team strategy and technical coaching.
• A shift toward earned playing time, based on effort, improvement, and team-first mentality.
• A competitive team culture where accountability and commitment matter.
• Preparation for high school athletics and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a student-athlete.
Being a member of a CCDS athletics team is considered a privilege, one that comes with responsibilities and expectations. Our athletics code reflects the school’s mission and values, emphasizing integrity, sportsmanship, and respect for oneself and others. Student-athletes are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, demonstrating moral character both on and off the field.
Through Middle School athletics, students experience personal growth, learn to lead, and begin to discover what it means to represent something greater than themselves while still having fun and loving the game.
UPPER SCHOOL ATHLETICS:
Leaders On and Off the Field
Varsity and JV teams represent the culmination of our developmental model.
At this level:
• We focus on fielding competitive teams that embody excellence, leadership, and integrity.
• Our goal is to prepare top student-athletes to compete at the collegiate level if they choose to pursue that path.
• Players are challenged to become leaders, both in their sport and in their community.
• Coaches emphasize personal growth and team-first mentality over individual accolades.
The Heart of the Journey
We recognize that every student’s athletic path is unique and that each sport’s journey may look different. What remains constant is our commitment to:
• Helping each student grow as a player and person.
• Teaching each student-athlete to focus not on wins and losses, but on progress, character, and teamwork.
• Providing an experience that builds resilience, confidence, and lifelong values.
At CCDS, athletics are a vehicle for personal transformation in which every student-athlete is encouraged to rise to their potential, pursue excellence with humility, and become a better version of themselves through the process.
“Students don’t have to choose between passions. You get to follow your dreams on and off the court. I didn’t have to stop being a student or stop playing the piano. I was also able to join student council. I was able to do all of these things that a small, wonderful community encourages its kids to do.”
– Cassidy Sachs Masters ’13, member of the Class of 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame
