Still in the Game: Alumni Sports Day

24 June 2026Fiona Chiam, Hope '26

On Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, the second annual Alumni Sports Day took place on Gillespie Field and in the Foote Center gym. This afternoon, the campus was filled with students who graduated from past years, and they were ready to take on our current students for a day of friendly competition and school spirit.

From the moment the games began, the atmosphere was lively and full of anticipation. Students, staff, and alumni gathered around the field and in the gym where we celebrated athleticism, teamwork, and community. It was exciting to have past graduates return to campus and see them reconnect with teachers and students.

The alumni volleyball game was nostalgic for both sides as one team had played together recently, while the others remembered what it was like playing together again. The laughs and the cheers helped us have fun as we battled through tough games. After playing three sets, the current Brentwood students won 2-1, and we were filled with enthusiasm as we took a moment to appreciate the efforts the alumni put in to come play us. Meredith B, Alex ‘28, says, “I had tons of fun getting to know the Alumni, while being able to play with my teammates again!”

The long-awaited basketball game between the Basketball team and the Alumni definitely made the crowd cheer with “Ooh’s” and “Ahh’s” as players made their 3s and their layups. This was a tight game, and the mesmerized crowd bit their nails as the score became a little too close. The Alumni ended on a win, but the energy within each team will be remembered as they had fun with such tough competition.

Gillespie Field was filled with action as the Varsity Soccer Team put on an entertaining and close game for the crowd to watch. An insane, 5-5 tie for the Alumni and the students shocked the audience as it was a gruelling game with tons of tackling and smart passes. Julian GG, Privett ‘27 reflects, “It was a tough game, but I loved the challenge because it made us play our best.”

After the soccer game, the Rugby girls and boys went head-to-head against returning Alumni in a series of fast-paced touch rugby games. It was a fantastic showcase of friendly competition, though the experience of the Alumni ultimately carried them to a well-earned victory. Zoe D, Allard ‘26, expresses, “It was a lot of fun, and it was great seeing people come back to play rugby with us!”

This event would not be possible without the coaches of the teams, Mr. Gage, Coach Fougner, Mr. Barrett, Mr. Thompson, and Mr. Branchflower and the event coordinator, Mr Carr. Head of Athletics, Mr. Gage, comments, “It was amazing to see the school community show their resilience and athleticism through games challenging the Alumni and themselves”.

Alumni Sports Day was more than just a competition; it was a chance to build more connections across generations of students and to show pride in our school. Events like this remind us how strong our grit is and how memorable it can be when students and staff come together for some joy.

Fiona C, Hope ‘26

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