The Way of the Hawk

Hawken employs professional, experienced, and highly-trained coaches who are committed to our mission and principles. Sound preparation, individualized training, attention to team unity and chemistry, strength and conditioning, training of mind and body, and use of technological training tools are just some of the hallmarks and expectations of Hawken coaching. Hawken School also prides itself on our state-of-the-art competition and training facilities, abundance of space, excellent equipment, and beautiful setting. 

 

Hawken School makes every effort to provide appropriate opportunities for students with a wide-range of athletic abilities willing to make the necessary personal commitment. Although Hawken teams and players will always strive to win, the primary emphasis of middle school, freshman, and junior varsity teams is to nurture team concepts and develop athletic skills since these are developmental programs. Varsity-level programs aim to compete with each contest and strive to win league, local, regional, and state championships. Depending on the degree of competition in any given contest, varsity coaches will decide which students will play and which may not have that opportunity.

 

In our quest for excellence in both competitive success and character education, Hawken has partnered with Positive Coaching Alliance, among other organizations, to help coaches, student-athletes, and parents navigate the youth sports landscape successfully. Positive Coaching Alliance employs a “double-goal” coaching philosophy, which aligns with Hawken’s mission and philosophy. The double-goal approach emphasizes competing to win, while always maintaining the focus on character first. Hawken and PCA provide many opportunities, through workshops and publications, for coaches, students-athletes, and parents to learn and discuss best practices in their approaches to scholastic sports.  

In addition, and in order to further clarify goals and ideals for the engagement of student-athletes at Hawken, the Hawken Athletics Statement of Philosophy is as follows:

 

We believe that all routines, practices, exercises, and exchanges associated with the Hawken School Athletic Program should be conducted and executed in concert with the Mission of Hawken School, and with the following ideals:

 

• That our students lead their athletic lives by the school’s core values, including self-confidence and determination, embracing challenge, empathy and integrity, work ethic, and Fair Play.
• That our athletes embody and exhibit excellent sportsmanship at all times.           
• That our athletes commit themselves to team, school, and self. 
• That our athletes have opportunity for excellence in growth and skill development, regardless of their individual ability and experience. 
• That our athletes and teams seek and strive toward high goals in interscholastic sports.
• That our athletes and teams compete to win with each contest, always within the context of our mission and philosophy.