Overview

AOA is member of two athletic conferences, one at the middle school level (ISL) and one at the upper school level (LEC).  Membership in these conferences fosters healthy rivalries with other schools and allows each AOA team the opportunity to compete for conference championships and recognition.

The mission of the AOA athletic department is a direct extension of the school mission.  It is to prepare student-athletes for higher education and empower them to be successful leaders who are committed to serving in an international community.  

Team cultures will focus on AOA's core values of community, creativity, diversity, global awareness, and leadership.

At AOA students are provided athletic opportunities in all three divisions.  We believe participating in school athletics can be a life-changing, path-shaping experience for young people.  Building strong self-confidence, learning to be a great teammate, and learning about working towards common goals are just a few hopeful outcomes for student-athletes. We believe that winning is just one of many results of good process.  For this reason, our athletic focus is centered on developing good habits and work ethic, rather then over-focusing on wins and losses.

Please contact AOA Athletic Director, Rudy Kirbus, for inquires, reservations, and pricing.

Phone: 440-537-9111
Email: rkirbus@andrewsosborne.org

ISL member schools include AOA, Gilmour Academy, Old Trail School, Canton Country Day School, The Lippman School, Lillian & Betty Ratner School, and Mandel Jewish Day School.  AOA competes in the ISL for middle school soccer, basketball, and baseball.

LEC member schools include AOA, Lake Ridge Academy, Lawrence School, St. Martin De Porres, Horizon Science Academy, Grand River Academy, Bard School, Elyria First Baptist Christian School, Hearts for Jesus Christian School, Northeast Ohio Preparatory School, and Open Door Christian School.  AOA competes in the LEC for upper school soccer, cross-country, volleyball, golf, basketball, baseball, and softball.

In 2017 AOA applied for admission to the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA). During late spring of 2018, after a successful probationary school year, full membership was granted.  AOA begins the 2018-19 school year as a full member of the OHSAA, is committed to adhering to its requirements and enjoying its many benefits.

Click here for answers to FAQ’s regarding AOA and OHSAA membership

Lower School athletic offerings are introductory in nature.  They provide lower school students an opportunity to experiment with sports they may enjoy and have an early experience being on a school team.  Emphasis in all lower school offerings will be on learning fundamental skills, how to be a good teammate, and having fun.  While some competitive situations are provided, the focus will always remain on having a positive experience, rather than the outcome of a particular game.

Middle School athletic offerings remain developmental in nature but increase in scope and competitiveness. Coaches maintain a strong emphasis on fundamental skill acquisition and technique in a fun, motivational environment.  They also begin introducing sport-specific tactics and IQ to their players.  When numbers allow, there are both A and B teams provided for student-athletes.  This supports our no-cut policy.  AOA's core values of creativity, community, leadership, global awareness, and diversity are also supported in the middle school athletic experience.

Playing Time
While playing time on 'B' teams will be very close to equal for all players, 'A' teams will be at the coach's discretion.  Over the course of an entire season, all players will have experienced adequate playing time.

Upper School athletics provides opportunities for students in grades 9-12 to enjoy a quality sporting experience during their high school years at AOA.  Where numbers allow, there are both JV and Varsity levels in a given sport.  This supports our no-cut policy.  JV teams play a reduced schedule that attempts to provide appropriate competition and tend to be for younger upper school students.  Varsity teams seek to be compete a high level in both conference and non-conference play. Varsity coach's expect a significant commitment from student-athletes on these teams.  While this commitment can be a challenge to balance in a student-athlete's life at times due to the academic rigor at AOA, the time management skills learned through varsity athletic participation will be a benefit that is life-long.  

Playing Time
Playing time on both JV and Varsity teams in the upper school will be at the coach's discretion.  Questions about playing time should be addressed in the following manner.

1.  Student-athlete seeks a respectful conversation with the coach
2.  Student-athlete and parent(s) seek a respectful conversation with the coach
3.  Student-athlete and parent(s) and coach seek a respectful conversation with the AD