Girls’ sports are an essential part of Oak Hill Academy’s athletic identity. As a boarding school for girls and boys, we believe the lessons learned through athletics are as profound and lasting as any material taught in the classroom.
Leadership, overcoming adversity, patience, the value of consistency, goal-setting, and the responsibility that comes from being part of a team—these are life lessons that our female student-athletes carry with them well beyond their years at Oak Hill.
Athletics Beyond the Classroom
At Oak Hill, we recognize that athletics build character in ways that academics alone cannot. On the court, in the gym, or out on the riding arena, our student-athletes learn resilience and teamwork while forming deep interpersonal connections.
Sports provide a foundation for confidence, discipline, and the joy of shared achievement—an experience that’s especially powerful for young women in high school sports.
More Than Basketball
Oak Hill Academy is widely recognized as a national powerhouse in elite boys’ basketball, but did you know that our girls’ athletics programs are thriving too?
As a boarding school in Virginia, we offer a range of opportunities—including basketball, volleyball, tennis, cross country, equestrian, wrestling, cheerleading, golf, and track and field—where students can challenge themselves, discover new talents, and grow as individuals. Unlike highly exclusive programs, many of our sports at Oak Hill have a low barrier to entry.
You don’t need to arrive as a superstar or with years of experience to make an impact. What matters most is showing up with commitment and a willingness to grow.
Volleyball: Building Belonging from Day One
As a fall sport, volleyball often provides our girls with their first opportunity to join a team as soon as the school year begins. For many, it’s the spark that creates friendships, a sense of belonging, and a foundation of involvement that carries through the year.
Even though many of our players are new to the sport, the games are spirited and well attended, giving classmates a chance to cheer on their peers. For more experienced players, volleyball becomes an opportunity to step into leadership and mentorship roles, guiding their teammates and shaping the positive, inclusive team culture.
Wrestling: Leading the Way in a Growing Sport
One of Oak Hill’s most exciting co-ed opportunities is our wrestling program. While competitive—three wrestlers qualified for the State Meet in 2024–25—the main focus is on building confidence, fitness, and friendships through the sport.
Our coach’s goal is to introduce wrestling to both boys and girls, and in many years, we’ve had more female wrestlers on the team than male. Women in high school sports are increasingly turning to wrestling as one of the fastest-growing opportunities in Virginia, and Oak Hill’s program is well-positioned to be a leader in this movement.
Cheerleading: A Gateway to School Spirit
Cheerleading at Oak Hill is considered a sport in its own right and plays a vital role in our school culture. The success of our nationally recognized basketball program has made the cheerleading squad an important part of school spirit and community life. With more than 40% of our students coming from international backgrounds, many cheerleaders had only seen cheerleading in movies before arriving on campus.
They are thrilled to participate in a sport that, at many schools, is often exclusionary and limited to a select few. At Oak Hill, however, our cheerleading squad welcomes both seasoned athletes and those brand new to the sport, creating a diverse, spirited team that embodies inclusivity and enthusiasm.
Golf, Tennis, and Track & Field: Great Second-Sport Options
For many students, golf, tennis, and track and field offer excellent opportunities to participate in a second sport. These programs require no vast prior experience to make a meaningful contribution, and they provide a flexible way for athletes to stay active across multiple seasons.
Beyond competition, they allow students to cross-train, develop complementary skills, and discover new passions in a supportive environment. At Oak Hill, every athlete is valued, whether stepping onto the track, swinging a golf club, or picking up a tennis racket for the very first time.
Equestrian: A Distinctive Tradition
Equestrian is a sport deeply embedded in Oak Hill Academy’s culture, thanks to the on-campus Lenore Equestrian Center. Students are drawn to the program for many reasons—some are passionate about animal science and equine care, while others aim to refine their riding skills as part of a competitive show team.
For some, it represents the continuation of a lifelong passion; for others, it sparks an entirely new interest that can last well beyond high school. Open to both male and female students, equestrian quickly becomes part of daily life for participants, blending sport, discipline, and responsibility in a uniquely rewarding way.
Small School, Big Opportunities
With only about 150 total students, and roughly 30% of them female, everyone matters here. That means every student-athlete plays a vital role on their team and within the school community. Students can feel confident trying something new, returning to a sport they may have set aside, or developing their skills to a higher level. At Oak Hill, there’s space for both beginners and seasoned competitors to thrive.
Empowering the Next Generation
Our goal is to empower female athletes to embrace challenges, take pride in their growth, and support one another along the way. Whether competing at the highest level or simply discovering the joy of teamwork, Oak Hill’s girls’ sports programs give young women the tools to succeed both on and off the playing field.
At Oak Hill Academy—a boarding school in Virginia—athletics aren’t just about winning. They’re about learning, growing, and building confidence that lasts a lifetime.