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Athletics
At Branksome, we aim for Athletics to be an integral part of an enriching educational experience.
How to ApplyHIGHLANDERS MISSION
Highlander athletes and coaches are guided by strong athletic principles. We are resilient athletes who compete with pride, integrity and respect. Through fun, inclusive and challenging opportunities, our athletics program fosters teamwork, competence and a passion for lifelong active living.
We strive to develop well-balanced individuals who thrive in competition and lead with strength, character and spirit.
Our Facilities
Athletes at Branksome Hall have access to extensive athletic facilities on our campus., including a grass playing field, four outdoor tennis courts, three gyms, a five-lane 25-metre swimming pool, a small teaching pool, a climbing wall, a dance studio, a yoga studio, an indoor rowing centre and Fitness Centre.
Athletes also have access to off-campus facilities, including the Argonaut Rowing Club on Lake Ontario, a hockey arena, squash courts and more.
CISAA MEMBERSHIP
Branksome Hall is a member of the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA), in association with the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA).
CISAA MembershipCISAA Age Classifications & Teams offered
Ages for the 2025–26 Season
| Senior | Grades 11–12 (but may include students from Grades 7–10) | The student has not reached their 20th birthday by December 31, 2025 |
| Junior | Grades 9–10 | The student has not reached their 16th birthday by December 31, 2025 |
| U15 | Grades 7–9 | Ages 12–14 as of December 31, 2025 |
| U14 | Grade 8 | |
| U13 | Grade 7 | |
| U12 | Grade 6 | |
| U11 | Grade 5 | |
| U10 | Grade 4 |
Fall Teams (September to November)
| Sport | Grades | Teams Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | Grades 5-12 | U11, U12, U13, U14, Junior & Senior |
| Cross Country | Grades 4-12 | U10, U12, U13, U14 & Senior |
| Disc Golf | Grades 7-12 | Senior |
| Field Hockey | Grades 7-12 | U14 & Senior |
| Flag Football | Grades 9-12 | Junior & Senior |
| Rowing | Grades 10-12 | Senior |
| Soccer | Grades 4-12 | U10, U12, U14, Junior & Senior |
| Swimming | Grades 5-12 | U12, U14 & Senior |
Winter Teams (November to March)
| Sport | Grades | Teams Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Alpine Skiing | Grades 7–12 | U14 & Senior |
| Badminton | Grades 5–12 | U12, U13, U14, Junior & Senior |
| Hockey | Grades 7–12 | Senior |
| Rowing | Grades 9–12 | Senior |
| Squash | Grades 7–12 | Senior |
| Swimming | Grades 5–12 | U12, U14 & Senior |
| Volleyball | Grades 4–12 | U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, Junior & Senior |
Spring Teams (April to May)
| Sport | Grades | Teams Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Golf | Grades 7–12 | Senior |
| Rowing | Grades 9–12 | Senior |
| Softball | Grades 5–10 | U12, U13, U14 & Senior |
| Rugby | Grades 10–12 | |
| Tennis | Grades 7–12 | U12, U13, U14, Junior & Senior |
| Track & Field | Grades 4–12 | U10, U11, U12, U13, U14 & Senior |
| Ultimate Frisbee | Grades 7–12 | U14, Junior & Senior |
CISAA Schools
CISAA membership allows Branksome’s teams to compete with the following schools:
- Albert College, Belleville
- Appleby College, Oakville
- Bayview Glen, Don Mills
- The Bishop Strachan School, Toronto
- The Country Day School, King City
- Crestwood Preparatory College, Toronto
- De La Salle College Oaklands, Toronto
- Greenwood College School, Toronto
- Havergal College, Toronto
- Hawthorn School, Toronto
- Hillfield Strathallan College, Hamilton
- Holy Name of Mary School, Mississauga
- Holy Trinity School, Richmond Hill
- Kempenfelt Bay School, Barrie
- Kingsway College School, Etobicoke
- Lakefield College School, Lakefield
- Lauremont School, Richmond Hill
- Montcrest School, Toronto
- Nichols School, Buffalo
- Pickering College, Newmarket
- Ridley College, St. Catharines
- Rosseau Lake College, Rosseau
- St. Anne’s School, Aurora
- St. Clement’s School, Toronto
- St. John’s Kilmarnock School, Breslau
- St. Mildred’s Lightbourn School, Oakville
- Toronto French School, Toronto
- Trafalgar Castle School, Whitby
- Trinity College School, Port Hope
- The York School, Toronto
- Villanova College, King City
Athletic Therapy
Branksome's in-school athletic therapy team is available to all students.
Jason Amadio, Manager of Sports Performance and Rehabilitation, helps to support all community members with both their fitness and rehabilitation from injury. A licensed and nationally certified athletic therapist, he joined Branksome after serving as an athletic therapist with the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) and assistant athletic trainer with the University of Nebraska and University of Florida.
Nick Mercuri, Health, Fitness and Conditioning Coach, is a licensed and nationally certified athletic therapist who served as a head athletic therapist and medical director for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League.
Athletics news
A True Kiwi-Canadian Experience
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- News
- topic
- Athletics
- duration
- 3 min read
Grade 12 athlete Sarah C. had the opportunity of a lifetime last summer when she was invited to play ice hockey in New Zealand with the women’s pro team, the Dunedin Thunder.
2025–26 Athletics Council: Fall Season Highlights
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- News
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- Athletics
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- 3 min read
Meet the 2025–26 Athletics Council! This dedicated group of students shares their most cherished memories from the recent fall sports season.
Helping Athletes Find Their Voice
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- News
- topic
- Alums
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- 3 min read
Katarina BITOVE’06 was curious. She’d noticed that, in his action-packed Instagram photos and videos, Canadian bobsledder Kenny M’Pindou never spoke.
Flash Mobs and Friendship: Branksome Hall Asia Visit
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- News
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- Arts
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- 4 min read
Each fall, Branksome Hall welcomes Grade 9 students from Branksome Hall Asia (BHA), our sister school on Jeju Island, South Korea, for a week of hands-on interdisciplinary learning.
First Friday Night Lights Sparks Highlanders Spirit
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- News
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- Athletics
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- 3 min read
It was an exciting night full of school spirit on September 26, when the Branksome Hall Highlanders Senior Soccer team took on the Havergal Gators for Friday Night Lights.
One Gear, No Breaks: Olympic Gold Medalist Lori-Ann Muenzer on the PrincipalED Podcast
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- News
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- Athletics
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- 2 min read
For episode four of the PrincipalED podcast, Principal Grace McCallum is joined by the inspirational Lori-Ann Muenzer, two-time Olympian.
Rugby Returns to Branksome Hall
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- News
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- Athletics
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- 5 min read
After more than a decade off the pitch, Branksome Hall is bringing back rugby—and this time, it’s the fast-paced, electrifying version of the sport: rugby sevens.
Supporting Branksome Athletes in the Elite Athletes Program
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- News
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- Athletics
- duration
- 5 min read
Branksome’s Elite Athletes and Artists Program supports students who aim to achieve excellence beyond their school work.
PrincipalED Podcast Drops Second Episode: Hockey Day with the Branksome Highlanders
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- News
- topic
- Athletics
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- 3 min read
The PrincipalED podcast has officially dropped its second episode, “Hockey Day with the Branksome Highlanders,” featuring a candid conversation with Branksome Hall’s very own hockey stars.
Branksome Lifesaving Club Hosts Seasonal TeleGames
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- News
- topic
- Athletics
- duration
- 2 min read
Branksome Hall Lifesaving Club (BHLC) held its in-house TeleGames on Sunday, November 17, offering a fun, low-pressure swim meet for participants to showcase their lifesaving skills and introduce them to friendly competition.
meet SOME OF our PAST Athletes
Madee
An accomplished skier in slalom and giant slalom, Madee has also been on the soccer, swim, cross-country and softball teams.
Meet Student
Keira
From participation in Clubs and Athletics, to her teachers’ unwavering support, Keira’s experiences have contributed to who she is today.
Meet Alum
Caitlyn
A competitive figure skater, Caitlyn loves a challenge.
Meet Alum
Madee
An accomplished skier in slalom and giant slalom, Madee has also been on the soccer, swim, cross-country and softball teams.
Meet Student
Keira
From participation in Clubs and Athletics, to her teachers’ unwavering support, Keira’s experiences have contributed to who she is today.
Meet Alum
Caitlyn
A competitive figure skater, Caitlyn loves a challenge.
Meet AlumELEVATE HER GAME
From competitive teams to recreational opportunities, students develop skills, strength, and spirit—both on and off the field. Her journey starts here.
