Physical fitness – whether achieved through team sports or fitness classes – is part of the total educational experience at Madeira.
Madeira’s athletic and fitness program has something for everyone: competitive interscholastic varsity teams, developmental interscholastic junior varsity teams, and instructional fitness classes.
Fall, Winter, & Spring seasons; Open to grades 9-12
Athletic Student Assistant: Works closely with the Athletic Department assisting in daily management and long-term projects. Activities include taking attendance, game and event help, updating social media, and filming. A 2-hour daily (Mon-Fri) commitment is required.
Athletic Trainer Student Assistant: Works with the Madeira Athletic Trainer daily with an expectation to observe and participate in duties connected with injury management. In addition, students will learn basic anatomy and common mechanisms of injury. At the completion of each season, students are expected to demonstrate specific competencies based on areas of focus. This position is for students with an expressed interest in a sports medicine related field.
Fall, Winter, & Spring seasons; Open to grades 9-12
Pilates: A mat-based exercise class that aims to improve flexibility and stability by strengthening muscles.
Yoga: A mat-based exercise class that uses a system of physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation derived from Yoga to promote physical and emotional well-being.
Fitness: Technology free self-directed workout using the cardio and weight equipment in the Cardio room.
Advanced Fitness: Olympic-style strength and conditioning training that aims to enhance athletic performance and prepare athletes who want to compete at the next level.
Zumba: A versatile fitness class that combines sixteen core steps using four basic rhythms: salsa, reggae ton, merengue, and cumbia.
Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons; Open to grades 9-12
Madeira competes locally within the Independent School League (ISL) and the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association (VISAA). Students are expected to attend all games and practices. Practice times are typically Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 2:45-4:15 p.m for junior varsity teams and 4:00-6:00 p.m. for varsity teams. Preseason tryouts for fall sports will be open to returning athletes and invited new girls who are interested in being considered for a varsity team. Junior varsity tryouts for fall sports will take place during the first week of school. Tryouts are open to the entire student body during the pre-season for each sport.
Fall Season:
Winter Season:
Spring Season:
Winter season; Open to grades 9-12
While learning the valuable skills necessary for self-protection, students will experience the benefits of increased physical fitness, better mental focus, enhanced self-confidence, and a more placid state of mind. Students will learn a balance of karate techniques utilizing the upper and lower body and will learn to strike vital areas with many parts of the body including elbows, knees, hands, and feet. Students will also learn how to fall and how to throw others in self-defense situations. The traditions of bowing, wearing the karate uniform (gi), and using special terminology will be practiced in the dojo (school) to create a unique atmosphere that promotes safety and respect for oneself, for one’s classmates, and for the sensei (teacher).
Fall, Winter, & Spring seasons (various depending on activity); Open to grades 9-12
Swimming 101: An introduction to basic training concepts for beginner and novice swimmers. This activity requires a student to be able to be in the pool each day (Mon-Fri) of the season.
Swimming for Conditioning: Stroke instruction and rigorous workout. All competitive skills are covered. This activity requires a student to be able to be in the pool each day (Mon-Fri) of the season.
Volleyball 101: An introduction to the basics of volleyball focused specifically on tactical, technical, and strategic skill development. This activity is designed for first-time to lower-level volleyball players.
Tennis 101: A introduction to the basics of tennis focused on building basic skills and techniques. This activity is designed for first-time to lower-level tennis players.
Advanced Tennis: An intensive and systematic skill development program focused on improving each player’s skill, technique, and strategy. Tennis experience is required.
The Athletic Department is on a trimester calendar. To meet the graduation requirement, a student must earn at least eight Activity/Athletic credits during the 12 trimesters of her high school career. Students may satisfy their Activity/Athletic requirement through participation in fitness classes, dance, riding or aquatic classes or in the interscholastic sport teams program. For more on athletics requirements, including information on independent projects that qualify for athletic credits, see the Athletic and Activity Requirements page.
Mr. Rod Montrie began working at Madeira in 1992. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland College Park. In addition to his role as director of aquatics, Mr. Montrie is the varsity swim and dive team head coach.
Katie LaRue comes to Madeira after serving as associate director of Athletics at Mercersburg Academy, where she managed logistics for 45 teams and served as head girls’ basketball and volleyball coach, as well as being an integral part of the residential life programs. As a coach, LaRue has successfully developed winning programs with strong cultures. During her tenure as Mercersburg Academy’s head girls’ basketball coach, the program re-established itself as a competitive force. In 2016, Mercersburg had its most successful season in program history, winning its first-ever Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association championship, and LaRue was voted Public Opinion Coach of the Year. Prior to her time at Mercersburg, LeRue led her first basketball team at Asheville School to the Carolina Athletic Association Conference finals, upsetting the No. 1 seed along the way. Her players have earned many post-season honors and she has supported numerous athletes through the collegiate recruitment process.
LaRue was an all-state athlete in both basketball and volleyball in high school. She played Division I college basketball at Charleston Southern University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, then pursued an MBA at Winthrop University while serving as a graduate assistant for the women’s basketball team and assistant to the athletic director in marketing and facilities management.
Kelly Chandler comes to The Madeira School after receiving her Bachelors of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies at Vanderbilt University and her Masters of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. While in Philadelphia, Kelly served as the head lacrosse coach for Ultimate PA 2022 and the volunteer assistant at The Agnes Irwin School, where she helped lead the Owls to a 2016 Inter-Ac Championship and Runner-Up in PAISAA. During her time at Vanderbilt University, Kelly was a four-year starter on the varsity women’s Lacrosse team, helped lead the team in scoring for the 2016 season and was named to the All-Big East second team. Kelly attended Episcopal High School, and is excited to be returning to the D.C. Metro area and the Independent School League. Through her experiences, Kelly has developed a personal passion to make a difference in the lives of others, specifically adolescents and young adults. Kelly views education and experiential learning as the best means to make an impact, and is excited to facilitate that growth within the Madeira community.
Jon is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with 20 years of experience educating others in fitness and health. He joins Madeira Athletics after working in Japan with a professional men’s basketball team. Prior to that, he was the Head Athletic Trainer at The Hill School in Pennsylvania and overall has spent 15 years of his career working with high school athletes. He holds a M.S.S in Sports Medicine & Sport Fitness from the United States Sports Academy.