Athletics

Independence enjoys a rich athletic tradition, with athletics serving as an integral component of the school's educational program. The primary function of our Athletic Department is to educate students through their participation in intramural and interscholastic sports. Beyond the development of physical coordination, strength and general athletic skills, our goal is for students to learn teamwork, sportsmanship and character-building traits inherent in sports and competition.

The value of participation in sports is broad and life-long. Rooted in our Core Values of Respect, Responsibility, and Integrity, Independence strives to have as many students participate in athletics as possible.

Involvement in athletics at Independence is voluntary, and is available to 5th and 6th grade students in the form of intramurals and 7th and 8th grade students through interscholastic sports. In some cases, 6th graders may be invited to be part of an interscholastic team.

Interscholastic Sports (Grades 7 & 8)
Intramurals (Grades 5 & 6)

Interscholastic Sports (Grades 7 & 8)

Independence aims to accommodate all 7th and 8th grade students who wish to participate in interscholastic sports. This approach recognizes the range of student experiences and skill levels and acknowledges that limits on the number of students per team may be necessary. In these cases, students are encouraged to participate in another sport taking place during that season.

Regular attendance by student-athletes at all practices and games is expected. Playing time is based upon skill, an understanding and ability to employ team strategy, coachability, and sportsmanship. It is important to note that playing time is not equal, and every team member may not play in each contest.

Intramurals (Grades 5 & 6)

Sports Offered at Independence

Our sports teams typically practice Tuesday through Friday. Many of these sports are also offered as intramural programs, meeting once a week during the season.

Current Team Schedules

Fall

Co-ed Cross Country
Field Hockey
Boys Soccer
Girls Volleyball

Winter

Boys & Girls Basketball
Co-ed Indoor Track
Wrestling

Spring

Baseball
Boys & Girls Lacrosse
Girls Soccer
Co-ed Tennis

Notable Alumni

Independence is proud to count among its impressive list of alumni former Major League Baseball outfielder Kevin Mench, who played for four different franchises over an eight-year career, current National Football League linebacker Troy Reeder (2022 Super Bowl champs, Los Angeles Rams), 2011 Outdoor NCAA Division I Champion Juliet Bottorff (Duke cross country), 2015 NCAA Division I National Champion midfielder Laura Hurff (Syracuse field hockey), professional distance runner and co-founder of Tinman Elite Sam Parsons, and numerous talents currently competing at the D-I level.