Ravenscroft Athletics is helping sixth graders get an early start on their journey as student-athletes through the Ravenscroft Athletic Development, or RAD, program. Designed to introduce young students to sports, teamwork and the many resources within the athletic department, RAD gives participants hands-on experience while fostering personal growth and community connections.

Created by Sam Borkovic, director of student-athlete well-being, RAD provides sixth graders a safe and supportive way to explore athletics during a key transitional year. “Athletics is an essential part of life at Ravenscroft,” Borkovic said. “RAD gives students a chance to try new sports, build relationships with coaches and older athletes, and develop executive function skills that are important for both sports and school.” Participation is offered free of charge, ensuring that all students can join.

The program runs three times a week for five weeks each season. One day is dedicated to practicing with middle school teams, another to observing contests and a third to exploring the athletic department through sessions such as strength and conditioning, sports medicine, sports information, well-being exercises and time with the student fan group, the Ragin Ravens. Coaches, middle school, junior varsity and varsity athletes play a vital role in mentoring the sixth graders.

“Coaches help students develop skills and confidence while creating meaningful relationships,” Borkovic said. “Athletics becomes a way for students to grow, lead and connect with others.”

The fall RAD program welcomed more than 40 students, many of whom discovered new interests and built lasting friendships. Parents were enthusiastic about the experience.

Tina Gordon, mother of Zachary Gordon ’32, said, “As a student new to Ravenscroft, this program was a fantastic opportunity for my son to learn about and engage in athletic opportunities at the school but perhaps more importantly, to build relationships with students and coaches in a healthy, fun environment.”

Cari DeCandia, mother of Kenzie DeCandia ’32, said her daughter gained both friendships and exposure to new sports. “Kenzie really enjoyed the program,” she said. “She was able to meet new friends whom she may not have had the opportunity to engage with through normal school activities, and she gained exposure to other sports she had never played before, such as field hockey.”

Bridget Meggs, mother of Emery Meggs ’32, added, “As a parent, I was really excited when I heard about the sixth-grade RAD program. It’s such a unique experience for our middle school students to try sports they have not been exposed to before, and, most importantly, it shows how athletics creates a community within Ravenscroft.”

Emily Cliver, mother of Henry Meier ’32, praised the program’s structure. “We were thrilled that our son Henry participated in the very first season of Ravenscroft Athletic Development,” she said. “It was a great way for sixth graders to get a taste of middle school sports in a fun, well-structured after-school program.”

Students also shared how meaningful the experience was.
“I had a lot of fun playing sports with my friends and hanging out after school,” sixth grader Grady Westmoreland said.

Sixth grader Oli Hykal added, “If I were to describe my experience with the RAD program, I would say it was really interesting. Sometimes it challenged me a bit more, while other times it was more relaxed, but overall it was a great experience. I can also speak for my classmates in saying that it was a lot of fun.”

Memorable moments from the fall included field hockey and football practice days, when sixth graders worked alongside varsity and junior varsity athletes, forming bonds that crossed grade levels and left them excited for more.

Looking ahead, RAD will continue evolving based on student and family feedback, with new interactive components and opportunities to connect with the Ravenscroft athletic community. As Borkovic said, “RAD gives our youngest athletes a true taste of Ravenscroft sports, helping them build skills, relationships and confidence before they officially join middle school teams.”