Play the Portledge Way

Athletics drives excellence, leadership, and pride in every participant.

The Portledge Athletics Philosophy

Athletics at Portledge is an integral part of the educational experience, providing students in Grades 5–12 with opportunities to develop confidence, resilience, leadership, teamwork, and school pride.

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • Purposeful Competition

    We play to win...and to learn. At Portledge, competition is a classroom for character, discipline, and resilience. Student-athletes push themselves to reach their best, respect their opponents, and represent their school with pride and integrity.
    At the junior varsity level, athletes are expected to have committed themselves to the team and to continued self-improvement. To this end, increased emphasis is placed on physical conditioning, fundamental skills, strategy, character development, and teamwork. At the junior varsity level, although coaches make an effort to provide meaningful playing time for all team members, the outcome of the game becomes an important consideration. Playing time is earned, although every effort is made to get student-athletes into games, it is not a guarantee and up to the coaches' discretion. Commitment to attendance and effort at practice is required at the junior varsity level. 

    Participants at this level are preparing themselves for the six-day-a-week commitments that will be expected of them at the varsity level. Games and practices rarely take place on Sundays and holidays, but they sometimes occur on Saturdays and during school vacations. Except in rare cases, during the winter and spring breaks, families of junior varsity athletes can count on having a balance of vacation and practice sessions.  If families are at home during the breaks, junior varsity athletes are expected to attend all scheduled practices and games.

  • Passion & Participation

    Athletics at Portledge celebrate the growth that comes from dedication and the strength found in teamwork. Every student is encouraged to step in, push their potential, and take pride in shared success. With purpose and passion, confidence grows, and community thrives.

  • Leadership & Character

    Athletics builds leaders who act with kindness, honor, purpose, and respect. From captains on the field to teammates who lift others up, Portledge athletes learn what it means to lead with both strength and heart.

    Once a varsity team is eliminated from the playoffs, league, or state tournament, or their regular season is completed without a postseason berth, their season is over, and they will no longer meet as a team for practice.

  • Balanced Excellence

    True success grows from balance: between academics and athletics, and between ambition and well-being. Portledge students learn to manage their time, care for their bodies and minds, and find lasting joy in healthy competition and lifelong fitness.

  • Panther Pride

    Athletics unite the Portledge community. Every game, match, and meet is an opportunity to cheer each other on and celebrate shared achievement. From the youngest students to our proudest alumni, the Panther spirit connects generations through pride, sportsmanship, and school spirit.

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The Portledge Athletics Experience in Action:

Athletics At-A-Glance

Find out more about The Chen Center

The Athletic Hall of Fame

We are proud to announce the 2026 Portledge Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees:
  • Thomas Hornosky ’76
  • Seth Gottesman ’86
  • Ashley Wade ’11
  • Thomas Parisi ’11
  • Jahmir Primer ’21

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Student Spotlights

Meet Our Student Athletes
Portledge student-athletes have distinguished themselves by being excellent on and off the playing field. They have displayed the highest qualities of kindness, honor, purpose, and respect. 

List of 1 frequently asked questions.

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    Kennedy Abrahams ’26

    Kennedy Abrahams embodies everything it means to be a Portledge student-athlete. A standout competitor, dedicated scholar, and respected leader, she balances the demands of athletics and academics with remarkable discipline, determination, and grace.

    As captain of the Varsity Girls Basketball team, Kennedy led by example through her tireless work ethic, unwavering commitment to improvement, and ability to elevate those around her. Known for her thoughtful preparation, composure under pressure, and genuine care for her teammates, she earned the respect of coaches, peers, and younger athletes alike. Whether mentoring teammates, analyzing strategy, or pushing herself to improve, Kennedy consistently demonstrated a team-first mentality and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

    Beyond the court, Kennedy is an intellectually curious, articulate, and engaged member of the Portledge community whose leadership extends far beyond athletics. Her ability to inspire others, embrace challenges, and approach every opportunity with purpose made her a natural choice for the Senior Athlete Award.

    Kennedy's impact on Portledge will be felt for years to come, and we are proud to celebrate her as the recipient of the 2026 Senior Athlete Award. She will continue her academic and athletic journey at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she will undoubtedly make the same lasting impression she made at Portledge.

List of 1 frequently asked questions.


  • Nate Bahnik '26

    A true Portledge lifer, Nate Bahnik has been a cornerstone of the school community since joining in third grade. Over the years, he established himself as one of the most accomplished and versatile student-athletes in Portledge history, competing in soccer, basketball, hockey, skiing, lacrosse, and even squash during his senior year.

    Nate's athleticism, competitive spirit, and unwavering commitment made him a valued teammate and leader across every program he joined. In soccer, he anchored the defense, regularly taking on opponents' top players while contributing key goals and playing with relentless energy and determination.

    Coaches consistently praised his toughness, dependability, and willingness to do whatever was needed to help his team succeed.
    Lacrosse, however, is where Nate's legacy shines brightest. A rare six-year Varsity player, he became one of the most prolific athletes ever to wear the blue and white. An elite scorer and complete all-field player, Nate finished his career with more than 200 career points, including 150 goals, while serving as the driving force behind the Panthers' offense. His combination of skill, toughness, and leadership earned the respect of teammates, coaches, and opponents alike.

    Beyond the statistics and accolades, Nate embodies the qualities that define a Portledge Panther: dedication, resilience, humility, and an unwavering love of competition. From the energetic third grader eager to be involved in every game to the respected leader he became, Nate's growth and impact have left a lasting mark on the Portledge community.

    In recognition of his extraordinary athletic achievements, leadership, and contributions to Portledge athletics, Nate was selected as a recipient of the 2026 Senior Athlete Award. He will continue his academic and athletic career at Stevenson University, where he will undoubtedly continue to excel both on and off the field.

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*NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS
Portledge School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to, but is not limited to, educational policies, admission, financial aid, hiring and employment practices, use of school facilities, athletics, and other school-administered programs.
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