Middle School students with an exceptional athletic skill can have the opportunity to compete on varsity level teams. This year both varsity girls squash and varsity swimming and diving have middle school team members. Eighth-graders Maggie Dwyer, Sarah Cioffi, Eli Brandt and Ely Alleyne all compete at the varsity level. Dwyer, Brandt, and Cioffi swim or dive for KO’s varsity team. Alleyne is the only middle schooler playing for the squash team. “Playing for varsity squash helped me create bonds with people that have guided me through my middle school years. They have been role models in my life,” said Alleyne.
“All the high schoolers were super welcoming, and I made so many really good friends,” said Dwyer. All these players agreed that playing with high schoolers have formed amazing relationships. “Sarah definitely helped out our sprint relays, she was our anchor, and Maggie’s versatility was a great asset,” said girls Head Coach Kata Baker. The swimmers really helped the team and were a factor in their overall success. Brandt, the sole diver, broke school records and then went on to score personal best scores this season. Without Brandt, Kingswood Oxford would not have a diving team, and he has brought a great deal of experience to perform so well in meets. Although they are not the same age as most of their competition, middle school athletes are still able to compete and add value to varsity teams.