Grades 9-12 | Fall Sports 2025

Fall sports offered include Cross Country, Field Hockey, Golf, Tennis, and Volleyball. All tryouts and practices for student-athletes participating in the 2025 Fall Season begin Monday, August 11. 

Every student trying out must have all medical documentation completed in Magnus Health. A current physical is required to play. Most physicals are valid for two years from the date of the examination unless the physician states that it is only valid for one year. Incoming ninth graders must have a physical issued after January of the current school year. To guarantee that the physical meets the MSHSAA requirements for student-athletes, please use either the MSHSAA Physical Evaluation form or the Villa physical form found on Magnus Health. Please email Anna Hummel, School Nurse,  at ahummel@villa1929.org or Tim Deines, Athletic Director, at tdeines@villa1929.org with questions regarding medical information. Students and parents should review all of the athletics information, especially the Parent’s Guide to Concussion, in the Co-Curricular section of the Student-Parent Handbook.

School attendance is mandatory for student-athletes.

Any absences can negatively impact a team, individuals need to commit to attending all practices and games and make the team their priority.  Please look over the athletics schedule carefully before planning or committing to other appointments or events.

• Students must be present at school by the end of the first period or they will not be eligible to play or practice that day.  Individual circumstances will be handled by the Athletic Director and Dean of Students.

• Students participating in sports must be enrolled and pass a minimum 7/8 classes.

Excused absences include:

• Illness – An extended illness will require a doctor’s note.

• Physician/Dental Appointments – Students must submit a note to the coach from the physician’s/dentist’s office confirming the day and time of the visit.

• Family Emergency – Parents must communicate any emergencies with coach/Athletic Director. 

• College Visits – Students are allowed one (1) excused college visit during a season.

• School-sponsored Activities – Show Choir, Retreats, and other school-sponsored requirements.

• Academics – Academic excuses are allowed with confirmation/communication from a faculty member to the coach/Athletic Director.

• If a student is involved in a club sport, per MSHSAA rules, the high school sport takes priority over club activity. Students must communicate with coach/Athletic Director for permission to miss high school sport for club activity.

Individual circumstances will be handled on a case-by-case basis by the coach, Athletic Director, and Principal. Athletes will be allowed two (2) unexcused absences during a season. Excessive absences could result in removal from a team.

Holiday Breaks:
Students are expected to be in attendance for any practices or contests during holiday breaks. If you believe there will be scheduling conflicts due to holiday travel, please contact the coach directly to communicate and ask for a tentative schedule.

Selection of Teams:
Villa Duchesne wishes to provide a safe and positive experience for each student who wishes to participate in athletics. We encourage students to participate in sports, especially ninth graders. The number of students participating affects how many teams we can field. Depending on the amount of participation from the student body, size limitations may be imposed in some sports. When this occurs, coaches will evaluate students based on attitude, work ethic, skill, fitness, and the needs of the program to select the participants of a team. There is no guarantee that a student will make a team even if she made a team the previous year or that the student will move to the next level the following year. All students trying out for a team are required to be present beginning the FIRST DAY so that we achieve the mandatory 14 days of practices required by MSHSAA prior to the start of the season contests and everyone participates in the tryout process. If you have any questions regarding a sport, please contact the head coach.

Student-athletes should keep their schedules open the week of August 11-16 as practice times may need to be adjusted due to coaches’ schedules. When school begins, practices will be held after school. If you do have specific questions for a fall sport, please do not hesitate to contact Tim Deines or the head coach for your sport.

Cross Country – Cross Country is a no-cut sport. Students will meet in Kenefick Gym on Monday, August 11, start time to be determined. Practice locations may change during the week, as the team may do some off-campus runs. Students should bring running shoes, a water bottle, and appropriate clothing for the weather. Head Coach: Brittyne Fitzgerald, bfitzgerald@villa1929.org

Field Hockey – Number of teams and cuts will depend on student turnout. Tryouts will be held on Condie Field on Monday, August 11, from 8:00-10:00 am. Students should bring field hockey equipment including mouth guard, stick, and goggles, as well as tennis shoes, turf shoes, water bottle, and appropriate clothing for the weather.  There will be additional uniform costs for all players and travel costs for those who make the varsity team. Head Coach: Kate Graft, kgraft@villa1929.org

Golf - Number of teams and cuts will depend on student turnout. Tryouts will be held at The Quarry at Crystal Springs golf club in Maryland Heights at 3:30 pm on Monday, August 11.  Students should bring golf equipment, water bottle, and appropriate clothing for the weather. Head Coach: Sandy Schwartz, sandyschwartz17@gmail.com

All golf team members must order their uniforms this season through BSN Sports. Each member should order a white polo and a maroon skirt. Players also have the option to purchase additional items with Villa Saints branding. Visit the Villa Golf Team Shop by Wednesday, July 9, to place your order. Contact Athletic Director Tim Deines (tdeines@villa1929.org) if you have any questions about the uniform.

Tennis - Number of teams and cuts will depend on student turnout. Tryouts will be held at the Ririe Tennis Complex (new courts) on Monday, August 11, start time to be determined. Students should bring tennis equipment, water bottle, and appropriate clothing for the weather. Head Coach: Justin Arnold, villaduchesnetennis@gmail.com

Volleyball - Number of teams and cuts will depend on student turnout. Tryouts will be in Kenefick Gym from 4:30-6:30 pm on Monday, August 11. Students should bring volleyball equipment, water bottle, and appropriate clothing. Head Coach: Andy Haher, Andy.haher@gmail.com

If you have any questions, please contact Tim Deines, Athletic Director, at tdeines@villa1929.org

Go Saints!