Welcome to Lake Athletics
Our Lady of the Lake Athletics (a.k.a. Lake Athletics) provides student-athletes with the opportunity to grow as Christian individuals through personal achievement and team success, all while learning to balance their commitments to school, family, and community. Our program aims to develop age-appropriate athletic skills, promote teamwork and sportsmanship, and foster a lifelong love of physical fitness.
Playing for a Lake team is a privilege that must be earned both on and off the court, and in and out of the classroom. Proper conduct, respect for others and the community, sportsmanship, and leadership are the core expectations of a successful student-athlete at Our Lady of the Lake. Students who do not uphold these values may risk losing their privilege to play.
Lake Athletics is built around the progression of athletic, competitive, and character development in an age-appropriate way.
- In the lower grades, our youngest athletes focus on skill fundamentals, understanding game rules, and learning how to be respectful teammates. All athletes at this level receive equitable playing time during games.
- As students move into the upper grades, their skills and understanding of the game deepen. Playing time at the JV and Varsity levels is not guaranteed and is determined by the coaching staff based on skill, leadership, effort, and game situations. While coaches strive to offer all players opportunities for competitive play, participation in every game is not assured at the more advanced levels.
At every stage, Lake Athletics emphasizes growth, respect, and sportsmanship, helping our students become not only better athletes, but better individuals.
GameChanger
Lake Athletics uses GameChanger to facilitate team scheduling and communication at both the team and program levels. After registering, you’ll receive an invitation to join your Lake team on GameChanger.
Volunteers
The success of Lake Athletics depends on the support and involvement of our entire community. When parents, coaches, student-athletes, school staff, and fans come together, we create a richer experience for our children and a stronger school community.
We encourage all parents to step up and get involved—it’s always a rewarding experience and a great way to meet other families! There are many opportunities to help, including:
- Team Parent (helps coordinate volunteers)
- Keeping the scorebook
- Running the game clock
- Working the snack bar
- Organizing team dinners
- Assisting with the Lake Athletics End-of-Year Dinner
- And more!
Please consider pitching in. Not only does it lighten the load for everyone, but it also makes the season more enjoyable and memorable for all.
Programs
Our Lady of the Lake Athletics currently offers three sports:
- Girls Volleyball (Fall) for students in Grades 5–8
- Basketball for boys and girls, starting in Grade 3
- Cross Country for students in Grades 5–8
Programs are offered based on registration and player interest. If enrollment is too low, a team may not be viable for that season. We are also open to expanding our athletic offerings in the future if there is sufficient interest and support.
Girls Volleyball – CYO Rules (JV: Grades 5–6 | Varsity: Grades 7–8) Games are held on weeknights or weekends beginning in late September and continuing through October, with playoffs taking place the first weekend in November. Matches are played at various schools within the Essex County CYO league.
Parent Involvement: To help support our program, parents will be asked to assist with the game clock at home games. Additionally, families will be scheduled for duties such as collecting door entry fees, selling 50/50 tickets, and helping operate the snack bar in our auditorium.
If registration allows, Lake Basketball will field three teams each for girls and boys:
- Grades 3–4
- Grades 5–6 (JV)
- Grades 7–8 (Varsity)
The basketball season runs from November through February, with the possibility of tournament play for JV and Varsity teams. Practices may begin earlier if coaches and players are available. Practices are generally held on weeknights, and games take place on weekends, though occasional Thursday or Friday evening games may be scheduled.
Games are held both at OLL and at opposing gyms, mostly located in parochial schools throughout Essex County. Inclement weather may cause postponements, but reschedules will be made promptly in cooperation with all involved teams.
Grades 3–4: Developmental Level
At this stage, the focus is on teaching the fundamentals of basketball, building core skills, and learning the rules of the game.
- Governed by the All-Play Rule (each player must play at least 8 minutes per game)
- Emphasis on sportsmanship, respect, and learning the game over competitive play
- Substitutions every 4 minutes for equitable playing time
- Limited tournament play
- Practices: 1–2 times per week (weeknights)
- Games: 2–3 per week, mostly on weekends
Note: While students may be inspired by NBA-style play, we ask players at this level to focus on fundamentals. Coaches should be informed in advance of all absences—planned (vacation) or unplanned (illness, transportation).
Grades 5–6: Junior Varsity (JV)
This level is more competitive and requires continued skill development and understanding of team dynamics.
- Governed by the All-Play Rule (each player must play at least 8 minutes per game)
- Game situations may affect who is on the court, but fairness remains important
- Emphasis on leadership, respect, and sportsmanship
- Practices: 2–3 times per week (after school or evenings)
- Games: 2–3 per week, mostly on weekends
Note: Players must attend most practices to be eligible for the All-Play rule. Coaches must be notified in advance of all absences.
Grades 7–8: Varsity
Varsity players are expected to demonstrate stronger skills, game awareness, and leadership.
- Governed by the All-Play Rule (each player must play at least 8 minutes per game)
- Game time is determined by coaches based on skill, effort, and game situations
- Players are encouraged to serve as positive role models for younger athletes
- Expectations include proper conduct, sportsmanship, and team responsibility
- Practices: 2–3 times per week (after school or evenings)
- Games: 2–3 per week, mostly on weekends
Note: Players must attend most practices to be eligible for the All-Play rule. Coaches must be informed of all planned or unplanned absences in advance.
Cross Country Girls & Boys | Grades 5–8 | Fall Season
Our Cross Country program is open to boys and girls in Grades 5–8 and is a great way for students to build endurance, set personal goals, and experience the value of individual improvement and team spirit. Cross Country offers a supportive environment where runners of all experience levels can grow both athletically and personally.
The season typically begins in early September and runs through late October, with weekly practices and weekend meets. Meets are held at various locations and students compete in grade-level divisions.
Cross Country emphasizes: - Physical fitness and healthy habits
- Goal setting and personal achievement
- Teamwork and school spirit
- Positive sportsmanship and resilience
Practice Scheduling & Support
As our volunteer coaches have varying schedules, practice times will differ by program. Some teams may practice immediately after school, while others may begin later in the afternoon. If your child’s practice starts later, you may choose to enroll them in aftercare on those days.
Depending on gym availability, some practices may also be held in the early evening or on weekends.
If your child is interested in participating but transportation poses a challenge, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We encourage families to connect—often solutions can be found within our supportive school community.
Note: All information above is subject to change as determined by Our Lady of the Lake or OYYAM of the Archdiocese of Newark.