Dragons Bring Momentum into Fall Season

The Dragons are back and fired up for competition! Kent Place Upper School athletes returned to campus for fall preseason on August 14 (tennis) and August 18 (cross-country, field hockey, soccer, and volleyball). This year, 165 students participated in tryouts for cross-country (Varsity), field hockey (JV and Varsity), soccer (JV and Varsity), tennis (JV and Varsity), and volleyball (JV and Varsity).

The student-athletes have already been challenging themselves and one another to raise the bar, even before competition begins. 

Varsity Cross-Country is building off last year’s season, when six runners went on to race in the Varsity Girls 5,150 Meter Run Finals at Union County Champions. Say senior captains Isla Naik, Hailey Downey, and Mira Klein-Maggio, “We can’t believe it’s our last year on this team. Running has been a huge part of our high school experience and we’ve grown close over the past four years. We’re excited, though, to get to know our new freshmen and for what’s ahead this season.” 

After a year that ended with a Prep A Championship, Varsity Field Hockey has high expectations, looking this fall to build on the team’s impressive accomplishments. The Dragons’ competitive schedule includes five teams ranked in New Jersey’s top 10.

Varsity Soccer Head Coach Erica Evans, who is in her third year at the helm, her seventh in the soccer program, says she’s excited to see this year’s group compete. “They’ve been working hard, and there’s great energy around the team. If we stay focused and play for each other, I think we can have a really strong season.” 

Varsity Tennis looks to continue its Union County dominance, competing for its 10th consecutive Union County Tournament title. Say senior captains Keira Kapur and Emma Geppel, “​​Both of us have been playing tennis at KPS since freshman year, and we’ve always looked up to our captains and hoped to follow in their footsteps. We’re grateful for the opportunity to lead this season and are excited to see how our team’s strong chemistry helps us grow and succeed together.” 

Varsity Volleyball had a historic run last season, making it all the way to the NJSIAA Non-Public Tournament finals. The team has been hard at work in the Field House preparing for another successful season.

Be sure to check out the full fall athletics calendar. Field Hockey and Soccer begin at home on September 3, and Volleyball’s first home game will be September 5. Tennis is off and running, winning their first set of matches of the season.

Let’s cheer on our Dragons — and don’t forget to wear your green and gold!