On Thursday, November 21, 2024, Oak Knoll celebrated the closing of the fall athletic season in an assembly that honored not only the individual athletes who competed across the board in Cross Country, Field Hockey, Soccer, Tennis, and Volleyball but also the fans that cheered them on, the student photographers that captured the action, the coaches that inspired, and the teachers that supported along the way.

In tandem with a stellar academic program, Oak Knoll’s Upper School sports program encourages athletes to focus on multiple sports, enjoy the game, and be aware of the life lessons team sports can provide as young women become people of promise. While the approach to inter-scholastic athletics is holistic and mission-driven, Oak Knoll teams still rank among the best in the state and win team and individual championships year after year.

This year was no exception, and along with competitive showings across all rosters, special mentions went to Junior Varsity Field Hockey for winning the Union County Championship, Varsity Field Hockey for winning County, Sectional, and State Championships, and Ally Sparno for a Cross Country First Place in the NJ Catholic Track Conference Championship.

Members of the Athletic Council individually stepped to the podium to name members of each fall season team and comment on each team’s unique accomplishments, attributes, and service work. The teams and records include:

• Middle School Cross Country who did well improving times, overall running form, and understanding of racing. 
• Varsity Cross Country competed at multiple races, beginning at the Newark Academy Invitational and concluding with Ally Sparno ’26 competing in the NJSIAA Meet of Champions, one of the most demanding courses in the tri-state area.
• Middle School Field Hockey who worked hard and won results. Great teamwork led to a season-ending record of 9-3. 
• Junior Varsity Field Hockey had a fantastic season, with a final record of 12-2-1. The team worked hard throughout the season and had big wins against Camden Catholic twice. The team won the Union County Championship against Summit with a final score of 6-0.
• Varsity Field Hockey had an outstanding season, with a final record of 17-6-1. They earned county, sectional, and state championships, clinching their most significant win by beating Camden Catholic by two goals. 
• Grade 7 and 8 Soccer had a fantastic season, pulling out big wins and a tough draw with Norfolk Academy. The soccer team grew as a whole and ended with a record of 3-1-3.
• Junior Varsity Soccer surpassed all expectations with a 10-3-2 record in one of the most successful seasons in recent years. The team tied with the talented Scotch Plains in one of their biggest games all season and had a massive win against neighboring Madison High School.
• Varsity Soccer had a fantastic season under first-year head coach Jen Redmond Dunn ’04. The team finished with a winning record of 15-6, including monumental wins against Mount St. Dominic, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, and West Orange. In a solid post-season push, the team lost to IHA in the sectional championship game.
• Junior Varsity Tennis finished the season with a 5-7 record, competing against some of the toughest teams in New Jersey. One of the season highlights was coming back after a loss to Governor Livingston and beating them 3-2 on our home courts. 
• Varsity Tennis exhibited strong teamwork this season in a highly competitive conference. Though the team ended the season with a record of 11 losses, players became more robust and resilient athletes while having fun. The team’s community service project, running a clinic for members of the Lower School, raised more than $700 for the US Tennis Association Foundation, providing tennis opportunities to under-resourced youth. 
• Junior Varsity Volleyball had a record of 7-16. Memorable wins included beating Dayton twice and games against Plainfield and Lipton while making a host of joyful team memories and improving their skills and knowledge of the sport 
• Varsity Volleyball had a strong season after being elevated to a tougher division in the county. The team worked harmoniously, leading to many impressive victories, and they finished with a 9-15 record. The team upset extensive programs, including a significant win over Kent Place on their home court in a county tournament. 

Following the season recaps, the Athletic Council invited this season’s champions to the floor to receive corsages. Members of a newly formed student sports media team and Oak Knoll’s new Fan Award of the Season were also recognized.

Commenting on the robust cheers and applause throughout the fall sports celebration, Athletic Director Kelly Childs concluded, “I know I say this all the time, but this is your school. We have to give the kind of energy that you just gave the athletes, coaches, and fans to all other members of our community. So, get out there to support your school in all facets. This is your school and your experience.”

Go Royals — whether they be athletes, fans, musicians, actors, photographers, painters, dancers, singers, robotics team members, or AP Scholars!