We are The Champions

Our students can reach their personal best at athletics programs.

The Portledge Athletics Philosophy

Our students who wish to compete interscholastically in a sport get the opportunity anytime.

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • Grades 5-8 Philosophy

    The athletics program in fifth through eighth grades is a required and important part of the student experience at Portledge School. Middle School practices will occur during the school day at the designated physical education class time on student schedules.  Athletic competitions (games) for 5th and 6th grade occur after school, typically beginning between 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., on Tuesdays or Thursdays, with about four games per season.  Competitions for 7th and 8th-grade teams will occur after school, typically beginning between 3:30 p.m. and 4:15 p.m., on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, with about 10-12 games per season depending on the sport. All students in fifth through eighth grades must participate in one athletic program per season to fulfill the NY State-mandated PE requirement.

  • Junior Varsity Philosophy

    The Junior Varsity program is intended for Upper School students through junior year who display the potential to develop into varsity level performers. Although team membership varies, freshmen and sophomores occupy the majority of junior varsity roster positions. The coaching staff of both teams makes the final decision about junior varsity participation or getting selected for the varsity level.
     
    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.

  • Varsity Philosophy

    In every sport, varsity competition is the culmination of the program. Team size at the varsity level is limited. The number of participants on a team is based on the number needed to conduct an effective, safe practice and the number needed to compete in interscholastic games. A student who chooses to participate on a varsity team needs to understand their role on the team, and coaches are expected to communicate clearly and candidly with each varsity player about that role. While we understand that playing time is important to every team member, playing time at the varsity level is never guaranteed. Coaches try to give every varsity athlete a meaningful amount of playing time over the span of a season. A positive attitude, sportsmanship, and a high level of skill are prerequisites for a position on a varsity team, as is the realization that a varsity sport may require a six-day per week commitment. As with junior varsity teams, this commitment often extends into vacation periods. In particular, we expect all varsity athletes to be available for practices and games during winter, spring, and summer breaks. 

    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.
    • Portledge School’s Students playing footbal

      Athletics > Photo

      athletics

The Portledge Athletics Experience in Action:

The Chen Center

Find out more about The Chen Center

The Athletic Hall of Fame

We are proud to announce the 2025 Portledge Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees:
  • Joe Duszak ‘15
  • Ryan Vesce ‘00
  • Marc Perry ‘00
  • Justin Ort ‘90
  • 2010 Varsity Girls' Lacrosse
    • Portledge School’s hall of fame

      Athletics

      athleticsPhoto

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.

  •  
    Alec Baghdassarian ’25

    Portledge School is proud to spotlight Alec Baghdassarian, a recipient of the 2024–25 Senior Athletic Award. A true scholar-athlete, Alec has made an extraordinary impact on and off the field during his time at Portledge.

    Alec’s high school journey has been defined by excellence in the classroom and an unwavering commitment to athletics. A three-sport athlete, Alec has consistently demonstrated resilience, leadership, and versatility across our soccer, hockey, and lacrosse programs.

    His coaches shared,
    "Alec was an incredibly valued member of our program. Throughout his varsity career, he was asked to play a range of positions, and each time, he stepped up without hesitation—always putting the team first. His leadership, both on and off the field, was steady and sincere. Whether in goal or on the field, he kept us competitive through his skill, composure, and example. Alec brought a positive attitude and tireless work ethic to every practice and game, always coachable and fully committed. He truly embodies the spirit of a Portledge student-athlete, and he will be deeply missed."

    Alec’s impact on the Portledge community has been remarkable. He exemplifies what it means to lead with Kindness, Honor, Purpose, and Respect—both as a teammate and as a person.

List of 1 frequently asked questions.


  • Maddy Jelloe '25

    Portledge School proudly celebrates Maddy Jelloe, a recipient of the 2024–25 Senior Athletic Award. Widely recognized as one of the most talented and well-rounded athletes in recent Portledge history, Maddy has left an indelible mark on three different varsity programs—soccer, basketball, and lacrosse.

    From the moment she stepped on the field, Maddy’s impact was undeniable. On the soccer pitch, she was a game-changer. Her coach described her as “the greatest goalkeeper in program history, but an even better teammate and leader.” Her presence in goal gave the team confidence against some of the region’s top competition, and her ability to strike the ball—flipping the field in seconds—was a true weapon. This elite level of play earned her a spot to continue her career at Colgate University as a Division I student-athlete.

    On the basketball court, Maddy displayed grit, power, and selflessness. Even while managing injuries, she never wavered in her commitment to her teammates. As a junior, despite only playing three games before undergoing shoulder surgery, she scored an incredible 75 points—showcasing her sheer athleticism and dominance. As a senior, she returned in a new role, embracing defense and rebounding with unmatched energy.
    In the spring, Maddy anchored the lacrosse team from the goal. Her coaches praised her calm demeanor under pressure, her fearlessness, and her leadership.

    Coaches Quote:
    "Maddy is the kind of athlete every coach dreams of—fearless, driven, and completely team-first. Whether she was anchoring our defense in goal or stepping up in any role we needed, she gave everything she had with zero hesitation. But what truly set her apart was her leadership—quietly confident, relentlessly supportive, and always leading by example. Maddy made every team she was on better, not just because of her talent, but because of who she is. She leaves a lasting legacy at Portledge, and we will miss her deeply."

    Beyond athletics, Maddy has been a beloved member of the Portledge community. Her legacy as a leader, competitor, and friend will continue to inspire those who follow in your footsteps.

Join Our Activities

Interested in be part of our team? Reach out to us
    • Portledge school

      Footer bG

      FooterBg

Become an Integral Part of Our Community.

Get In Touch

Legal

*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.
Web design by Digital Silk