Athletics
Bishop O'Connell High School prides itself on an extensive competitive athletic program, which, in itself, is an integral part of the total educational process. Students participate in a program that reflects the school's philosophy of diversity, continued growth and achievement, and the development of the individual's greatest potential.
Bishop O'Connell is also committed to the values taught by athletic competition. The values of sportsmanship, self-discipline and perseverance are often learned through interscholastic sports. Most importantly, O'Connell's athletic teams provide an opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to learn the value of integrity, teamwork, cooperation and mutual respect.
The school believes that a truly comprehensive education challenges the whole person in a Christ-centered community, developing its student-athletes morally, spiritually, socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically under the leadership of an experienced and knowledgeable coaching staff.
Bishop O’Connell High School has partnered with the national Play Like a Champion Today program. This character education program through sports initiative supports Catholic schools in promoting athletics as a ministry to youth and families, helps to build teams as moral communities, and supports character development, spiritual growth, intrinsic motivation and responsible decision-making.
READ MORE ABOUT THE O'CONNELL PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION TODAY PROGRAM HERE.
As a member of the prestigious Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC), which consists of 13 schools in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area, Bishop O'Connell has more than 700 boys and girls competing on 46 teams each year. The school has 25 varsity teams participating in scholastic competition. In the last 15 years, O'Connell teams have earned 33 conference championships and 36 state championships.
Guidelines for Participation
Bishop O'Connell High School student-athletes desiring to try out for one of the school's teams must have submitted a physical and parent permission form through the Magnus Health system prior to tryouts: fall - Aug. 1, winter - Nov. 1, or spring - February 20.