“Kodiak Athletics instills a growth mindset, encouraging students to try new sports, face challenges with courage, and celebrate effort and improvement.”Director of Athletics Nathan Johnson
At The Colorado Springs School, Kodiak Athletics are about more than games—they’re about growth. They help students develop skills, character, and a sense of community, giving everyone, regardless of experience, a chance to lead, learn, and belong.
Senior Morgan H. ’26 (pictured above, third from left) embodies that spirit. She had never played tennis until joining the team her junior year, yet she quickly made an impact, helping the team advance to the state tournament. A triple-threat athlete and the 2024–2025 Kodiak Female Athlete of the Year, Morgan sees CSS athletics as far more than simply competing.
"I like being an athlete at CSS because you have the opportunity to try all new sports," said Morgan, a CSS lifer since Kindergarten. "Being a smaller school helps because you can build stronger relationships with your teammates, both on and off the court, as you’ll be seeing each other every day."
The heart of Kodiak Athletics lies in those transformations—students growing in confidence, character, and connection through practices and games.
Students in PreK through 12th grade have opportunities to participate in sports, ranging from after-school programs for younger students, such as Soccer Buddies and Landsharks Running Club, to competitive Middle and Upper School teams.
"Kodiak Athletics instills a growth mindset, encouraging students to try new sports, face challenges with courage, and celebrate effort and improvement. Participation and commitment are what matter most," said Director of Athletics Nathan Johnson. "Through dedicated coaching and a shared vision of excellence, we aim to create confident, motivated student-athletes who understand that success is measured not just by results but by the relationships built, the resilience shown, and the character forged through sport."
That philosophy extends even to our youngest Kodiaks. Landsharks Coach Lynn Shepherd explained that the program’s focus is on personal growth rather than results. The motto: Finishing is winning.
"It's really for everybody," she said. "You don't have to be an athlete to get something out of Landsharks. You learn teamwork, how to dig deep, and how to do your best in a supportive environment."
Winter athletics registration for Middle and Upper School basketball is now open as the fall season comes to a close. This fall, students in 6th through 12th grades enjoyed a full slate of sports and opportunities to grow, compete, and build team spirit.
MS Boys’ Soccer
Hosting their first playoff game this Friday, Oct. 10, at 5:00 p.m.
Anticipated to be an exciting home-field matchup
MS Girls' Volleyball
Building skills and teamwork each week
Preparing to take their talents into next season or the Upper School level
With a couple of games left before the league tournament, they’re eager to finish strong
MS Cross Country
Strong season with multiple personal records achieved
Demonstrated consistent growth and progress throughout the fall
MS & US Mountain Biking Teams
Wrapping up a hard-working season
Planning final rides through Red Rocks Open Space on new trails
Shoutout to Legacy rider senior Hudson S. for completing his 4th season of race competitions
US Girls’ Volleyball
Outstanding 11–4 record this season
Showing grit, skill, and consistency
Positioned as a top contender heading into the final stretch
US Boys’ Tennis
Advancing to Regionals this week, beginning Thursday morning, Oct. 9, at Cheyenne Mountain High School
Competing for a coveted State Tournament spot
Bringing focus and determination to every match
US Cross Country
Competing in the League Championship meet this Friday, Oct. 10, at Monument Valley Park
Showing steady improvement all season
Ready to tackle a challenging course
During the 2024–25 school year, 75% of Middle School students and 70% of Upper School students participated in at least one sport, reflecting the strong culture of athletic involvement across all grade levels.
Kodiak spirit is on the rise, with teams finding creative ways to support one another. Cross-country runners have sprinted to the Country Club of Colorado mid-practice to cheer on the boys’ tennis team, while tennis players step in to officiate volleyball games. Upper School runners leave encouraging locker notes for their Middle School teammates, and Upper School cross country and mountain biking have capped off practices with ice cream outings together. Upper School volleyball and cross-country have even teamed up for joint workouts, building stronger bonds across sports.
That sense of connection extends to the relationships between coaches and athletes, where mentorship and personal growth are at the heart of every sport.
Upper School Cross Country Coach Natalie Hanson, who also teaches science, brings the school’s mission to coaching, emphasizing superior academics, mentorship, and preparing students for a dynamic world.
“Mentorship is something you can do as a coach that's a little different than being a teacher in a classroom. You get to bond differently and become a trusted adult in a different way. You also get to have more of those advisor-advisee conversations when students struggle with motivation or organization. I feel that is part of our role as coaches.”
Ms. Hanson, who ran competitively in college, strives to make cross-country a lifestyle for her athletes, focusing on hydration, nutrition, sleep, and challenging themselves, while emphasizing how running supports both mental and intellectual health. "It’s not about just getting them to run as fast as they can," she said. "It's about having fun and growing. It’s about the holistic development of the child."
Middle School Soccer Coach Amos White, who also teaches history, believes the lessons learned through athletics reflect those that matter most in life—teamwork, collaboration, resilience, and accountability.
"You learn how to work as part of a team, and that’s something you’ll do for the rest of your life. Sports teach you how to deal with adversity, work toward shared goals, and value hard work," he said. "If you measure success merely by your record, you’re missing the point. Excellence isn’t just about wins. It’s about being better players, better teammates, and better people."
Supporting these life lessons both on and off the field is the CSS Booster Club. Launched just over a year ago, the club raises funds to support athletics while enhancing the game-day experience for student-athletes. Membership perks include game admission, concession discounts, and T-shirts.
Proceeds go directly to athletics, funding uniforms, gym improvements, and other needs beyond the school budget. Thanks to sponsors and participants, the First Annual CSS Cup Golf Tournament in September raised approximately $7,000 for our teams.
A key goal for the Booster Club is to engage families with PreK through 5th-grade students, helping younger students and their parents connect with Middle and Upper School athletics while boosting school-wide spirit.
"I would like to invite everyone to our athletic events," said Pio Hocate, President of the Booster Club Board, who also coaches tennis. "It’s a great experience to root for your team. We are one school, and the more people we have at games, the more energy we bring."
Senior Coltin B. '26 (pictured below on the left) thrives on that Kodiak spirit. As the 2024–2025 Kodiak Male Athlete of the Year and a CSS lifer since Kindergarten, athletics keep him active and energized, helping him stay focused on academics. The connections he’s made with classmates, teachers, and coaches make representing CSS even more meaningful to him.
"There are people here that mean everything to me," the triple-threat athlete said. “I get to go out and play a game I love, representing who I am and what the school stands for, whether on the court, the field, or the mountain biking track."
Upcoming Summit to Success Events in the Trianon
October 15, 5:00-6:30 p.m.: Elevating Academic Excellence in Upper School (Open to Parents & Students)
November 6, 8:00-9:00 a.m.: Elevating STEM & Innovation at CSS
