Athletics

Building Christian Character

Our Athletic Philosophy at West Hills

At West Hills Christian School, our athletic philosophy centers around developing Christian character in all athletes. We aim to provide opportunities for students to grow through their participation in a variety of team sports, improving individual and team skills through athletic competition. Christian attitudes of fair play and cooperation are taught in conjunction with technical skill training. First and foremost, we strive to glorify God and be a witness to others in both actions and words.

Two elementary girls in jerseys smile for the camera near track and field.
Headshot of Hannah Brownlee

Meet our Athletic Director, Hannah Brownlee

“At West Hills Christian School we are thrilled to be able to provide the opportunity for every single student, whether in kindergarten or in eighth grade, to participate in at least one sport annually. Each athletic team gives our students the chance to grow individually by developing physically, emotionally, and spiritually and as a team by learning cooperation, good sportsmanship, and unity in the body of Christ.

A few “Knights Highlights” of our programs:

  • Opportunity for school-wide participation
  • Focus on age-appropriate skill development and growth of character
  • Ultimately – win or lose – striving to glorify God in all things

For more information about our programs or how you and your student can be involved in Knights athletics, see our athletic philosophy and links related to sports currently offered at West Hills Christian School.  Go Knights!”

Hannah Brownlee
Athletic Director
hannah.brownlee@whcs.org

Volleyball

Volleyball is a fall sport open to girls in grades 5th through 8th.

  • League play:
    • 5th/6th grades – Catholic Youth Organization (CYO)
    • 7th/8th grades – Metro Christian League (MCL)
  • Tryouts: Teams are determined based on the number of participants and can vary from year to year; each grade level often has its own team and room will be made for all who would like to play
  • Practice schedule: Two practices during the week
  • Game schedule: CYO games are on Saturdays; MCL games are during the week
  • Season: Runs from mid-September through the beginning of November
  • Playing time: For 5th and 6th grade team(s), playing time is split evenly among players, unless extenuating circumstances exist, with the goals being to build unity amongst players, develop and grow fundamental skills throughout the course of the season, and learn to play cohesively as a team. In 7th and 8th grade, players transition to preparing for future participation in high school athletic programs. Playing time will be awarded by coaches based on effort and skill demonstrated in practice and off-season training.
The girl's volleyball team huddles together to take a group photo at West Hills.

Basketball

WHCS offers basketball as a winter sport for girls and boys in grades 4th-8th.

We have a strong tradition of excellence in our basketball programs at West Hills Christian and look forward to continuing that tradition with new students and families in the coming years.

4th, 5th and 6th grade teams:

  • League play: Catholic Youth Organization (CYO)
  • Tryouts: Each grade level has its own team; room will be made for all who would like to play
  • Practice schedule: Two practices during the week as well as a potential Saturday practice until games commence in January
  • Game schedule: All games are on Saturdays
  • Season: Runs from November 21st through March 18th
  • Playing time: At this development level, our goal is to give each player an equal amount of playing time in games, or as close as possible under normal circumstances, in accordance with our athletic philosophy.

7th and 8th grade teams:

  • League play: Metro Christian League (MCL); athletes in some cases will play in the MCL and the CYO
  • Tryouts: Each grade level has its own team; room will be made for all who would like to play
  • Practice schedule: Two practices during the week
  • Game schedule: 1-3 games per week (no games held on the weekends unless they are also playing in the CYO league)
  • Season: Runs from late November through the beginning of March
  • Playing time: Playing in the MCL, the goal is for everyone to be awarded some playing time. There is, however, no minimum requirement.

In 7th grade there are no play-offs or end of the season tournament. Each player is expected to see playing time during every contest unless players are not present at practice, attitudes do not meet acceptable standards, there is a lack of effort being shown, or school has been missed. In those instances, the coach may use his or her discretion in awarding playing time. All players will be treated fairly and favoritism will not be shown.

In 8th grade the emphasis shifts to preparation for high school athletics. There is no minimum playing time, and coaches will be responsible for deciding when and if a player enters the competition. It is our goal, if at all possible, for each player to get into the game. Playing time is earned during practices with good effort and hard work. It is also earned in the off season building skills and improving upon fundamentals. There is a postseason tournament and an 8th grade champion is crowned in the MCL.

Elementary boys basketball team takes a group photo with the coaches.
The elementary boys basketball team takes a picture with everyone pointing at the West Hills Knight Mascot Logo.

Track & Field

Track & Field is a spring sport offered to all students in 3rd through 8th grades.

  • League competition: Catholic Youth Organization (CYO)
  • Age divisions: Athletes compete according to age group:
    • 3rd-4th grade: Roadrunners
    • 5th-6th grade: Cubs
    • 7th-8th grade: Cadets
  • Tryouts: No cuts; coaches emphasize physical wellness and encourage all who are interested to be involved
  • Practice schedule: Two practices during the week
  • Meet schedule: Meets are held on Saturdays
  • Season: Runs from mid-March through May
  • Events: Athletes may participate in three events per meet, plus one relay
Young track team on the field at Christian school in the Portland area.

Swimming

Swim Team is a winter sport offered to all students in kindergarten through 8th grades. The swimming program at West Hills Christian aims to create healthy, happy kids who enjoy exercise. At the same time, we strive to create safety around water, long-lasting friendships, and sustainable exercise habits.

  • League competition: Catholic Youth Organization (CYO)
  • Age divisions: Swimmers compete according to age group:
    • K-3rd grade: Polliwogs
    • 4th-6th grade: Cubs
    • 7th-8th grade: Cadets
  • Tryouts: All who are interested and can pass a basic swimming assessment are welcome to join and participate
  • Practice schedule: Two weekly pool practices are encouraged, as well as one dryland practice
  • Meet schedule: Meets are held on Saturdays
  • Season: Runs from late October through January
  • Events: Athletes may participate in three events per meet, plus one relay.
Swimmer coming up for air during the forward stroke.

Go Knights!

Looking to support the Knights? We’ve made it easy to search the current season’s game or meet schedule. Just open your West Hills App to see what’s happening when and where.

Click on a sport below to find out more information on the athletic teams we have at West Hills.

Questions? Please contact our Athletic Director, Hannah Brownlee.

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students

West Hills Christian School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, and national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.