Matt Burgy, Head of School

Dear Oakridge Family,

As we arrive at the culmination of our fall athletics season—the SPC tournament in Houston this weekend—we pause to celebrate something far greater than any score or championship trophy. We celebrate the powerful journey of growth, courage, and perseverance demonstrated by every student-athlete from 7th through 12th grade across Field Hockey, Cross Country, Volleyball, and Football. We are incredibly proud of their exceptional success and send our most hopeful cheers for a strong finish this weekend!

However, the true significance of this season lies not in the results, but in the process. Athletics at Oakridge are a vital pillar of our mission, recognized as essential training for life's challenges, designed to build confident, resilient leaders. Throughout this season, our students didn't just compete; they cultivated the very habits required for lifelong success. 

On the field and on the court, success demands more than just skill—it requires instantaneous strategic thinking. Our students practiced rapid innovation and problem-solving under pressure, forging the mental sharpness and adaptability that will set them apart in any future career.

Committing to a team has required tremendous discipline and physical perseverance. Our athletes learned to view exhaustion, setbacks, and losses not as failures, but as essential steps toward mastery. They embraced the daily habit of intense practice, showing up for early mornings, and focusing on a difficult, long-term goal. This endurance is the bedrock of character and crucial for navigating life's complexities.

Athletics are fundamentally about unified effort. Our students learned to listen deeply, trust implicitly, and synchronize their efforts toward a common good, developing a deep sense of accountability. The power of shared experience, whether in victory or defeat, confirms the vital leadership competencies required for any community.

The skills learned through athletics—strategy, discipline, perseverance, and leadership—cultivate the character and confidence needed to turn knowledge into powerful action. Regardless of the final outcome this weekend, these are the lifelong championships our students have already earned.

We thank our coaches, parents, and community for supporting this transformative process, preparing our students not just for college, but for lifelong success. 

I am also excited to announce that I will be hosting “Mornings with Matt” beginning November 17th at 8AM on the Bridge. This is a time for us to get to know each other, ask me questions, and for you to gain an understanding of the Mission, Vision, and the Future of Oakridge. Please RSVP to our first event!

Warmly,

Matt Burgy
Head of School