While the transition to distance learning wasn’t an easy one, students at least had previous experience with completing school work on the computer. Athletic and wellness programs are an integral part of the curriculum at ESD, so finding a solution for students to maintain physical education and sport-specific activities during distance learning was key. Coaches and trainers in the Athletic Department worked hard to create a revised plan to allow student-athletes to continue their sports as best they could from home. 

All coaches had at least weekly communication with their athletes, holding meetings and virtual practices with their teams via Zoom. The Strength & Conditioning Department composed at-home workouts for students grades 7-12 to keep active through the end of the school year. Even team tryouts went virtual this year, with Varsity Cheer tryouts taking place over Zoom. Students completed their tryouts from home in front of a virtual panel of judges unaffiliated with ESD. 

“Going virtual was definitely a learning curve but the athletes adapted so well. I had the opportunity to judge a peer school’s tryouts so I was able to tweak our process to make it the best possible,” said Megan Boyd '09, Cheerleading Program Director & Head Coach. “I am so proud to be part of a school that was able to tackle these uncertain times and continue to deliver on our promises, mission, and beliefs.”

Aside from the day-to-day athletic activities, the Athletics Department also took great strides to recognize its senior athletes, many of them missing out on their final seasons. The department took part in the SPC Run-Walk-Bike-Hike initiative, where coaches from all over the conference worked together to accumulate 2020 miles on May 2 in their honor. 34 ESD coaches accumulated 247.21 miles, and Crew Program Director Adam Jones led all coaches in the conference with 81 miles logged. Coaches then delivered gifts to senior athletes and illuminated the stadium lights and scoreboard for two hours that evening.

The school also held its second-annual Collegiate-Bound Athlete Ceremony, recognizing all student-athletes who will go on to play their sport at the collegiate level next year. This year we recognized 15 student-athletes - read more about the virtual celebration here. 

We are so proud of our coaches and teachers who went above and beyond during this distance learning period to support their students both on the field and in the classroom! Thank you for all you do.