Athletic Department

The LWA Athletic Department, under physical education and athletic director Bro. Rocco Gonnella, works closely with the teachers and Principal of Living Word Academy to enhance Christian development of the child's body, soul and spirit. The athletic program contributes to the health, recreational and social objectives of the students. Courtesy, generosity, friendliness and good sportsmanship are taught as primary attributes to be demonstrated, rather than a desire to win at all costs.

According to Bro. Gonnella, "Health, strength, coordination, skill and the knowledge of teamwork, fair play and practice are essential in life." Learning to do by doing, surrounding the students with challenging experiences, gives physical education and individual and team athletics an important support role in training the youth of the Church.

Each LWA coach, whether teacher, graduate or parent, is an important member of the Church and school because he/she guides young people in life-like situations. The Lord has provided a well-trained and Godly coaching staff who help with intramural and interscholastic athletics. Grades three through 12 participate in a number of sports, including soccer, basketball and volleyball.

Bro. Gonnella concludes, "We pray that our athletic program enhances the home, school, Church and community by allowing Christ Jesus to be lifted up in all we do, for in Him alone can we truly be successful, whether on or off the athletic field or court."

Sports

Twenty-five years ago, the sports program at LWA began with a willing heart and a stopwatch. Since then, much has happened and we believe that much is yet to come. Although our gymnasium is small and our equipment is somewhat used, the sports program at LWA has not been insignificant. Some of Section III's finest athletes have come from within these walls.

If you've spent any time at LWA, you will realize that modest and adequate are words that come into 'play' when describing the academy's little house of fitness. Gym activities include instruction in sports such as; soccer, football, volleyball, floor hockey, basketball, softball, fitness, some gymnastics/tumbling, and track and field events to name a few.

Extra curricular activities begin in the fall with soccer intramurals for grades 1-12. LWA currently participates interscholastically in the sport of Volleyball during most of the winter months. Ninth and Tenth graders may join the Junior Varsity teams, and eleventh and twelfth graders may join the Varsity. Modified Volleyball teams also practice on Saturdays for grades 6-8. There are no tryouts, you sign up, you're on the team. The girls' season begins in November and the boys' begins in late December. Modified Basketball is also available for boys' grades 6-8 in the winter months. A Cross Country team is the newest sport for girls in High School.

Even though the school is the second smallest out of one hundred and two schools locally, LWA has touted some of the best teams that Section III has seen in 20 years. When you mention Living Word amongst coaches in the Volleyball community, heads usually turn. The girls' program has been outstanding. Since 1984, the varsity team has won the Section III Class D championship eight times, and the regional championship seven times. Only seven other schools can boast of better championship records and they are all much bigger than LWA. The boys' varsity team has also won five Section III Championships out of the last seven, and are proving to be a staying force in the local Volleyball community.

There is no scouting involved in our teams, we don't try to get good Volleyball players to come to the school. The young people that play for the school are instructed in some good fundamental skills, and when you connect that to their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, only good can come of it. We believe that Jesus is the primary player on our team whether on or off the Volleyball court, and with that kind of foundation, they're champions already.

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Living Word Academy

• Jesus Christ at Work
• in the Next Generation

• Principal's Comments

• LWA's Teachers/Volunteers

• Facilities and Resources

• Daily Chapel

• Elementary Grades

• Middle and High School

• Athletic Department

• Science and
• Social Studies Fair

• Drama Club

• LWA Rules of Conduct

• A Note from the Pastor
• of Living Word Church

• LWA's Location