Dear Ursuline Families, 

As we approach the conclusion of the 2025–2026 school year, we are filled with gratitude and pride for all that has been accomplished in our athletic program. This time of year often brings recognition of championships and competitive success—and while we certainly celebrate those achievements, they are not what we value most at Ursuline.

This year marked a significant and meaningful milestone for our community. With the support of our Board Chair, Jennifer Gates, and our President, Dr. Andrea Shurley, we launched the Ursuline Athletic Hall of Fame and proudly inducted our inaugural class. On Saturday, May 2, we honored five extraordinary women whose accomplishments in athletics are both impressive and inspiring. 

What made the evening truly special, however, was a common theme echoed throughout their remarks: the profound impact Ursuline Academy had on shaping not only their athletic journeys, but also their character, values, and sense of purpose. Among those in attendance was renowned women’s soccer coach Anson Dorrance, who came in support of inductee Susan Ellis. Following the ceremony, he shared a note that beautifully captured the spirit of the evening, writing: 

After listening to the excellent speeches that all of your Hall of Fame graduates gave, I can tell the huge impact your education had on her [Susan] as a woman of character.

There is no greater compliment than for others to recognize the strength of character in our graduates and to trace that development back to their formative years at Ursuline. 

Athletics within an educational setting have never been intended simply to build résumés or gain recognition. Rather, they serve as an extension of our mission, providing a powerful platform for learning life’s most enduring lessons. Through both the heartbreak of defeat and the exhilaration of victory, our student-athletes grow in resilience, integrity, teamwork, and leadership. 

As we look ahead to our end-of-year Athletic Awards Ceremony on May 20, we are excited to celebrate our current athletes for their accomplishments in competition as well as the character they have demonstrated every step of the way. 

Thank you for your continued support of Ursuline athletics and for partnering with us in forming     young women of faith, courage, and character.                                                                                   ^{(From L-R) Fatima Kamara Gibson '03, Alina Garciamendez-Rowold ’09, Mary                      Walters '75, Susan Ellis, Becky Wade Firth '07}                      

Best, 

Stefanie Hill

Athletic Director

UA ATHLETICS YEAR-IN-REVIEW

District Championships

• 3 District titles: Cross Country, Soccer, and Tennis

State Achievements

• 1 State Championship: Tennis
• 2 State Runner-Up finishes: Swimming and Cross Country
• Soccer: State Semifinalists

Team Highlights

• Ursuline Competition Cheer: Regional Champions and 3rd place at Nationals.
• Golf: Regional Champions and advancing toward State competition.
• Track and Field finish Regional Runner-up and advancing toward State competition. 

Individual Honors (not including spring sports)

• 27 All-District honorees
• 18 All-State honorees
• 14 Academic All-State honorees

Coaching Updates

• Rachel Voorhees named Head Cross Country Coach after five years as assistant.
• Head Soccer, Tennis, and Rowing Coach positions currently in search.

Collegiate Athletes

• 8 student-athletes committed to compete at the collegiate level

There is no greater compliment than for others to recognize the strength of character in our graduates and to trace that development back to their formative years at Ursuline.