Athletics
Athletics play a vital role in the development of the whole child during the elementary school years. At this foundational stage, sports and physical activity are not only important for building strength, coordination, and healthy habits—they also teach valuable life lessons that extend far beyond the playing field.
Participation in athletics fosters teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Children learn how to win with humility, lose with grace, and support one another as part of a community. Athletics also offer opportunities for goal-setting, leadership, and personal growth, all within a fun and encouraging environment.
In an elementary school setting, athletics help children develop confidence, improve focus in the classroom, and experience the joy of movement. Through structured programs and recreational play, students begin to understand the connection between physical well-being and academic success, forming habits that will serve them throughout life.
At our school, we view athletics as an essential component of a balanced education—one that nurtures the body alongside the mind and spirit.
The student-athletes at Mater Dei Catholic School proudly participate in the Hillsborough Catholic Youth Sports League (HCYSL).
The league is composed of 11 Catholic schools from Hillsborough County:
Mater Dei
St. Lawrence
Nativity
Villa Madonna
Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Corpus Christi
Christ the King
St. Joseph’s
Incarnation
St. Peter Claver
Participation in the HCYSL allows our student-athletes to compete with other students who share the same Catholic values, ideals, and principles. Our athletes develop relationships with students from competing schools that often continue through high school and beyond.
Eligibility
Mater Dei Catholic School recognizes its obligations to develop and monitor academic performance and conduct to ensure student-athletes realize that team sports are a privilege and that participation in the games requires the maintenance of academic standards and appropriate behavior.
For students to maintain eligibility to participate in extracurricular sports activities, students’ work must maintain at least a “C” average (70%) in all subjects and have a "3" for all ATL's. including all specials (art, PE, music, etc.). Eligibility is determined each Monday by noon. Students not meeting this requirement will be ineligible to participate in any games, practices, activities, or meetings that week. Grades will be checked on Monday of the week, Tuesday through the following Monday for extracurricular eligibility. Eligibility will be checked ONCE on Mondays.
To determine eligibility, the athletic director will check all the student-athletes' grades through FACTS SIS by noon on Monday. If a student-athlete is determined to be ineligible in any subject or due to conduct, the Athletic Director will contact that teacher to ensure the grades posted are correct and updated. After the grade(s) have been certified by the class teacher, the athletic director will inform the student-athlete and notify the parents/guardians by email or phone.
The final decision on eligibility is at the discretion of the teacher and/or principal.