Age, ability and attitude of a student within an Overlake sport separate our three levels of competition. It is a program of inclusion, not no cut. Our participation numbers will dictate the number of teams we will field in each sport. Every student who meets practice requirements will be eligible to play on an Overlake team.
Varsity Level: Varsity teams strive for excellence against the competition yet they display the many values of teamwork, sportsmanship and commitment. Players on varsity teams are taught that the team’s goals are each player’s focus. Playing time in games is the coach’s decision and can vary considerably among players. There are times when some players will not play in a varsity competition. Players may always opt to move from the varsity to the junior varsity level to seek more playing time.
Junior Varsity and C Teams: Junior Varsity sports offer students an opportunity to improve their individual skills while learning the values of teamwork in a less competitive environment than the varsity level. Coaches place an emphasis on improvement and winning is secondary. Players at this level are given similar – but not necessarily equal – playing time to increase their game experience to prepare them for their varsity playing careers.
Middle School: For first timers or aspiring athletes, our middle school teams provide a solid introduction into Overlake team sports. Playing time is similar for students but, like JV, determined by the effort given by each athlete in practice as well as situations in games to avoid blowout scores. Players can learn how to work hard, how to be a good teammate, and learn respect for opponents, officials and fans. The interaction of these student-athletes on the fields and courts at this level helps create a fun environment.
Middle School levels: In soccer, basketball and lacrosse, we often have to make more than one team because the high student participation in the specific program. When this occurs, we will separate teams by ability as evaluated by our coaches. Thus gives every student the best chance to have success. The teams are named, “Green, Gold and White,” which are Overlake colors.