Athletics

At Shipley, movement builds confidence, teamwork fosters empathy, and shared challenges shape resilient leaders. Whether on the field, in the gym, or on the court, Shipley Athletics nurtures Growth, Teamwork, and Resilience (GTR)—the three pillars of our Gator philosophy.
Athletics at Shipley offers competitive experiences and inclusive opportunities across every grade. From skill-building in Lower School PE to championship-level varsity play, students are coached by character-driven leaders who understand that sports are a powerful extension of the classroom.

Here, students don’t have to choose between athletic and academic excellence. They’ll find a place to belong, a team to support them, and a program that pushes them to be their best—on and off the field.

OUR PROGRAMS

'GTR' in Action

Whether they’re learning the fundamentals, competing for championships, or training for peak performance, Shipley students experience athletics as a vital part of their education. Our programs encourage every athlete to challenge themselves, support their teammates, and take pride in what they achieve together.

    • Lower School PE

      Our youngest students develop agility, balance, and coordination (ABC) through games and movement-based learning. Beginning in Grade 3, students are introduced to sports such as rowing and squash through sessions led by varsity coaches.

    • Middle School Athletics

      Students enjoy a blend of skill-building and competition, with no cuts in most sports. That means they get playing time AND the flexibility to explore new activities.

    • Upper School Athletics

      A robust, competitive program offering Varsity, JV, and Thirds levels across 15+ sports, Upper School athletics helps each athlete strive toward their full potential. Playing time is earned through effort, attitude, and commitment.

    • Athletic Performance

      Shipley varsity athletes train year-round with our Athletic Performance staff to build strength, resilience, and confidence. The program emphasizes healthy habits, proper conditioning, and a growth mindset—helping athletes perform at their best in every season. Strength and conditioning sessions are open to all student-athletes, with varsity athletes receiving priority.

    • Sports Medicine

      Led by a dedicated team of athletic trainers and performance specialists, our Sports Medicine Department partners with CHOP, Main Line Health, and Premier Orthopaedics to provide injury prevention and management, rehab and return-to-play support, performance enhancement, best-in-class concussion protocols, and more.

    • Physical Fitness & Education

      In our personalized, non-competitive Upper and Middle School PE program, students work with staff to create fitness plans tailored to their interests and goals, encompassing a range of activities from weight training to cardiovascular health and stress relief.

    • Squash Academy

      Open to both Shipley students and the wider community, the Shipley Squash Academy is home to state champions and rising talent alike. With expert coaching, a dedicated facility, and a focus on growth at every level, the program builds skill, strategy, and confidence on and off the court.

    • Rowing Academy

      From learn-to-row experiences to elite-level training and competition, the Shipley Rowing Academy offers a clear path for athletes to grow in skill and strength. Supported by accomplished coaches and outstanding facilities, rowers develop resilience, teamwork, and a lifelong love of the sport.

Inside Shipley Athletics

Discover our full lineup of Middle and Upper School teams and read how our coaches bring Shipley’s values of growth, teamwork, and resilience to life.

Upper School

Middle School

ATHLETICS THAT INSPIRE PURPOSE AND PRIDE

Athletics at Shipley are more than an opportunity to compete—they’re a foundation for building character, community, and lifelong skills. Whether students are discovering a new passion, chasing a personal best, or leading their teammates toward a shared goal, they emerge with confidence, resilience, and a deep sense of pride in what it means to be a Gator.

Gators in Action

Hear from student-athletes, coaches, and mentors who bring Shipley’s spirit of growth, teamwork, and resilience to life.

Our Facilities

With a retrofitted main gymnasium, indoor rowing tank, dedicated squash center, and turf playing fields, our facilities are among the best on the Main Line—and accessible to athletes at all levels, including our youngest learners.

Athletics News

Meet the Team

List of 4 members.

  • Photo of Justin Cooper

    Mr. Justin Cooper 

    Director of Athletics
    Phone/Extension: 4145
  • Photo of Karissa Zechman

    Ms. Karissa Zechman 

    Assistant Director of Athletics
    Phone/Extension: 4808
  • Photo of Elizabeth Denbigh

    Ms. Elizabeth Denbigh 14

    Assistant Athletic Director, Student Life Coordinator
    Phone/Extension: 4221
  • Photo of James Lockard

    Mr. James Lockard 

    Athletics and College Counseling Associate, Coordinator of Summer Camps
    Phone/Extension: 4253

DISCOVER WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A GATOR

At Shipley, athletics build character, confidence, and connection. Schedule a visit to learn more about how our teams, coaches, and community work together to help every student grow—on and off the field.
814 Yarrow Street
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Phone: 610-525-4300
Fax: 610-525-5082
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.