The Role of Sports in Academics
Yichen Liu '28
Contributor

There is no doubt that Loomis Chaffee puts a lot of emphasis on athletics, yet some people question if this is necessary. How much of a role do sports actually play in the learning experience, and are they really needed in a school primarily focused on education?
I would say yes, sports are definitely needed, and it turns out students and teachers both agree. I believe sports teach life skills, encourage a closer bond between students, and benefit learning in classrooms.
Loomis student Gillian Tang ’27, a varsity volleyball player, says, “Volleyball has taught me collaboration, communication, and bouncing back from losses. [By] working with my teammates, I’ve learned a lot of things that classes don’t teach me, which I think are super helpful.” Indeed, playing a sport teaches various life lessons, which are harder to learn from an exclusively classroom-based environment.
Gillian also stated that her time on the volleyball team has brought her some of her closest friends, stating, “I’ve become best friends with my [volleyball] teammates and the bond between us is irreplaceable.” As seen in Gillian’s experience, athletics are a great way to strengthen our community. They allow us to approach peers from a variety of backgrounds and converse with students from all grade levels, promoting a closer knit community.
In a separate interview with Ms. Dovi, the JV girls soccer coach and dorm head of Cutler Hall, she remarked, “I think there is a great balance [between academics and athletics at Loomis]. Most of our day is made up of academics and athletics, [which] gives a place for students who need other outlets to destress [and have] fun.”
Sara Cheung ’28 also had something to say about this, stating, “I feel like playing field hockey afterschool helps me relax, especially if I had a hard day. I have a lot of fun playing with my teammates, and I’m always in a better mood afterwards, which helps [me get] into the right mindset to finish my assignments later on.”
Altogether, athletics play an undeniable role in the Loomis experience, and aid students’ learning experiences rather than detract from them. While it is important to maintain a healthy balance between studying and athletics, it is also crucial to recognize the benefits of physical activities, and the importance of fostering an environment that supports athletics and their inherent and extensive benefits.