Increasing Athletic Opportunities for Young Athletes

Investments in the Lower School athletics program have benefited the SMS community and created more opportunities for young athletes in the Memphis area.

Five years ago, when Director of Athletics John Bartholomew started coaching Lower School lacrosse, the Turkeys competed against themselves. Now, nine schools have joined the league, and St. Mary’s is proud to host several

Saturday matches during the spring season. St. Mary’s coaches have advised other local independent schools as they’ve built their own elementary lacrosse programs.

“It has paid dividends for the whole city with upwards of 200 kids playing in grades three through five,” Bartholomew said.

Visinsky also led efforts to create swim team opportunities for local elementary students. She organized and ran a league for students from St. Mary’s and more than 15 local schools. COVID-19 and limited pool space in Memphis caused the league to scale back.

Visinsky found that she had enough Turkey swimmers to run a program just for St. Mary’s girls. This year, nearly 70 students participated in friendly competitions with their classmates.

St. Mary’s also partners with the Church of the Holy Communion (CHC) by sharing McNeill Gymnasium and Southard Field. This partnership has made both organizations strategic with their athletic offerings. Many Lower School students participate in CHC soccer and basketball leagues, while St. Mary’s offers lacrosse, swimming, and cross country. It’s a win-win for both organizations.

Bartholomew also sees how the expansion fosters a strong sense of belonging and enthusiasm within the community.

“Growing school pride was a huge element of our plan,” said Bartholomew. “Now Lower School girls get to be Turkey athletes before they reach Middle School, and girls and their families feel even more connected to the school and community.”

The proof of the program’s positive impact on Middle School athletics is visible through the seven of 14 teams that brought home Shelby County championships.

As a member of the Middle School cross country, track and field, lacrosse, and basketball teams, Ella Federico ’29 appreciates the opportunities she had to learn about different sports in Lower School. There, she discovered her love of lacrosse.

Federico said, “Lacrosse is a very technical sport. Playing on a Lower School team allowed me to develop skills I’ve used in Middle School.”

Sarah Taylor Stout ’29, a former Lower School cross country athlete, says these teams taught her to “practice determination and hard work” while giving her “a glimpse of what it feels like to compete in a meet and be part of a team.”

In Middle School, Stout was part of the cross country, basketball, and track teams. Stout points out the people who make each season memorable.

“We are so blessed to have amazing coaches. They are so supportive, great role models, and they always give great advice on how to improve,” Stout said. “I also love my teammates. They make sports so much more fun. When I’m having a rough day or we are having a hard practice, they get me through it with smiles, hugs, and positive attitudes.”

Federico agrees. “The coaches at St. Mary’s are such good role models and have taught me to have grit and push harder,” she said.

Jenna and Mitch Bartkiewicz couldn’t wait to be part of the Turkey athletics program. With three daughters in the Early Childhood program, they still have a few more years before all their girls can participate. So the couple, who are former teachers and college swimmers, decided to coach the Lower School swim and cross country teams.

“It was Mitch’s idea,” said Jenna Bartkiewicz. “He really wanted to launch a triathlon team, so Coach B asked us to coach cross country and swim.”

And the Bartkiewiczs see the progress girls make throughout the season. “It’s more about participation and personal growth than anything,” said Mitch. “One time, the Upper School cross country team was outside doing church hills [running the incline in front of the Church of the Holy Communion]. I saw the little ones looking on in awe, making the connection that could be them one day,” said Mitch.

Jenna can’t wait for next season to watch her children grow at St. Mary’s.

“This is our first year at St. Mary’s, and we love it,” she said. “You know you’ve chosen the right school for your kids when they ask about when they go back during spring break.”

Josie Block ’24 grew up around lacrosse, both playing and watching her dad coach. Jeffrey Block just finished his 21st year coaching the 7th and 8th grade teams at Memphis University School.

“I have watched him for years coach a sport that he loves,” Block said. “To be able to coach the 3rd-5th grade teams this year has been a full-circle moment for me.”

Block knows the impact older players can have. “When I was in fifth grade, I thoroughly enjoyed the

She’s proud of how far the little Turkeys have come this year. “The girls have worked so hard this season, and watching them improve and become more confident in their abilities is one of the most satisfying parts,” she observed. “I want these younger girls to love lacrosse as much as I do.”