New Athletics Upgrades, Staff and Program for 2024-25

GFS' Athletics facilities have taken on a greener hue thanks to a state-of-the-art irrigation system installed this summer, one of a number of upgrades underway to enhance the safety, sustainability, and competitive play at our Athletics multi-use varsity fields. The new school year also brings new members to the Athletics team, as well as an innovative student-athlete leadership program.

Upgrades to Facilities

Extensive discussion and engineering assessment of facility usage and overall playability informed the plans.

"Because ensuring the sustainability of our facilities for future generations is foremost, we renewed our commitment to environmentally-responsible, natural turf grass," said Athletics Director Katie Bergstrom Mark.

The new irrigation and drainage system was installed on both Gratwick baseball and AA Smith soccer fields. These fields have been regraded and leveled, including the swale down the middle of the two fields. By the end of the fall, fifty-foot tall netting will be added between the baseball and tennis areas. This improvement will increase safety during practices and games, and establish a permanent infield with a skinned infield crown and rebuilt pitching mound. New dugouts and storage will be installed for baseball, as well as a new scoreboard for boys soccer.

Future plans include irrigation and drainage updates to Konover Field (field hockey) and the Track Field (soccer and lacrosse), as well as upgrades to the Middle House at Fields for events, dry land crew practice, concessions, and all gender restrooms.

New Fitness Facility

Back at Main Campus, all students will be able to work out in our new fitness facility now under construction in the old cafeteria in the Main Building. At 4,000+ square feet, it will be one of the largest facilities among peer schools. In addition to fitness and meeting rooms, there will be designated spaces for cardio, plyometrics, Olympic lifting, speed work, and a new slam wall. An opening in late fall is anticipated. 

Student-Athlete Leadership Program

In addition to facility upgrades, Athletics in launching a new student-athlete leadership program. The Tiger Leadership Curriculum (TLC) will expand access to leadership and positive followership concepts and training for a broader range of student-athletes. Athletes at each level—Middle School, Junior Varsity, and Varsity—will have the opportunity to actively engage in and take control of their own leadership development. The TLC program will provide weekly sessions led by Keith Wilford (see introduction below) in partnership with our entire performance team.

This team includes coaches, community members, alumni, guest speakers, and league officials, and is supported by our ongoing partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance. Through this program, GFS athletes will build a leadership ”resume” throughout their athletic career.

Athletics Staff News

Krista LaMaina, our new Assistant Athletic Director, brings solid background in sports management and facility operations, most recently serving as the Coordinator of Events and Facilities at Rutgers University-Camden. She will focus on the Middle School programs and assist the Upper School Field Hockey teams.

CeCe Holeschak joins our Athletic Training staff. A graduate of Jefferson University’s accelerated dual-degree program, CeCe has a diverse range of clinical experience and has a passion for pediatric sports medicine and student-athlete mental health awareness.

Jared Lazorko ’16 has been promoted to Head Varsity Wrestling Coach. Jared was the assistant wrestling coach for the past eight seasons and is a valued member of the Upper School math department.

Keith Wilford, our new Leadership and Performance Coach, joins us from George School and will work in tandem with Mental Performance Coach Colleen Finegan and Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Sheehan. Keith will lead our new Tiger Leadership Curriculum.

For more information, visit Athletics, and the Athletics Calendars.