The Children’s School’s Athletics program, launched in 2016, emphasizes fun, exploration, and skill development in a way that mirrors the approach that has made Norway so successful in youth sports, as highlighted in this CNN article.
“We’re all about having fun and introducing kids to adventures they can enjoy for the rest of their lives,” said TCS Athletics Director Micaela Reynolds. “We want students to try a variety of sports, explore their strengths, and have big teams where everyone feels included.”
Fun as the Foundation
Enjoyment is central to our philosophy. Practices and games are designed to be engaging, creative, and supportive. “We hire coaches who can make the sport fun and highlight different strengths, not just scoring,” Micaela explained. “It’s more fun to win together than to just win. Positive experiences help kids try new things and build confidence.”
Focusing on enjoyment helps students stay motivated and confident, even as they navigate challenges. Micaela noted that middle schoolers today have countless distractions from their devices, so filling practices with fun encourages them to turn toward physical activity and teamwork.
Multi-Sport Participation
TCS encourages students to explore multiple sports rather than specializing early. Offering a variety of sports across seasons allows students to develop flexibility, leadership, and problem-solving skills. “Students who play multiple sports tend to stick with problems longer, thrive socially, and become more complex thinkers,” Micaela said. Exposure to different activities also builds confidence that carries into academics and everyday life.
Teamwork, Leadership, and Character
Beyond athletic skill, students build social and emotional skills. Coaches guide students through problem-solving exercises, collaboration, and leadership opportunities. “Leadership looks like respect, inclusivity, and flexibility,” Micaela explained. “The kids who encourage their teammates and embrace challenges are the leaders on our teams.”
Teamwork and communication are reinforced through games that require collaboration, and students are often put in positions to teach each other, reinforcing confidence and mastery. These experiences reflect the school’s broader emphasis on inquiry-based learning and growth mindset.
Balancing Competition and Development
While TCS Athletics celebrates victories (three championships during the 2025-26 academic year!!), Micaela emphasizes that success is measured by personal growth and enjoyment. “The ultimate goal is that students would play the sport again,” she said. “We want them to love the process, not just the outcome.”
Creating Belonging
TCS Athletics is designed for athletes of all skill levels. Micaela explained, “Everyone comes to the sport with different experiences. We emphasize a growth mindset, provide opportunities for peer teaching, and positively reinforce effort and progress. This helps every athlete feel included and valued.”
Looking Ahead
As the program continues to grow, TCS plans to introduce more sports and experiences to keep students engaged and challenged. Micaela hopes every student leaves the program with friendships, confidence, and skills they can carry into high school and beyond.
“If someone visited a TCS practice for the first time, they’d see leadership, friendship, fun, and skill-building all in action,” Micaela said. “Our athletes get to be their authentic selves, and that’s what makes our program special.”
