With palpable energy and excitement, over 90 Upper School students returned to the Sabers’ den in the August heat to begin preparations for the fall season. It was a perfect way to kick off the 125th anniversary year as the group gathered, teeming with pride and True Blue spirit, to celebrate the “community within the community.” The varsity and JV fall teams, composed of new and returning students in Grades 9 through 12, united to take on the singular challenge of raising the bar in the pursuit of excellence in cross country, field hockey, soccer and volleyball.

 

Before even taking the field for their first contests, the student-athletes demonstrated their sense of community and Spence spirit through the Woodroofe Bowl-A-Thon. The event, which celebrated the life of History Department Head and beloved faculty member Ms. Molly Woodroofe, raised over $400 for Yale women’s soccer.

 

In the whirlwind of fall, it is easy to lose sight of the long hours spent by student-athletes, coaches and staff preparing for the challenging schedule of contests. The agility necessary to balance academic demands, prioritize commitments and navigate obstacles builds individual skills. A strong sense of team, the standard-bearer for excellence, has already been established among the fall student-athletes.

 

As the weather turns crisp, the Sabers will celebrate with the community’s roar on Spirit Day, bringing the True Blue spirit of Grades K-12 to Asphalt Green on Friday, October 14, to cheer on varsity soccer and, on Saturday, to the Nightingale-Bamford School for JV and varsity volleyball games. As has been the case for the past few years, the neighborhood comes alive as the two school communities rally to celebrate sportsmanship and the spirit of competition.

 

After Spirit Day, the fall season launches into postseason play, with teams vying for spots in the AAIS and NYSAIS tournament brackets. We know the Spence community will be ready to roar its support as the Sabers go on the prowl.

 

Come and be a part of the action on Spirit Day, Friday, October 14, at Asphalt Green for varsity soccer vs. Nightingale-Bamford School at 4:15 p.m. and on Saturday, October 15, at Nightingale-Bamford School for JV volleyball at noon and varsity volleyball at 2 p.m.

 

Let’s Go Spence!