Athletics

Wildcat Nation

Athletics at VA Wildcat Nation

At Vermont Academy, athletics are much more than an extracurricular activity—they are an essential part of the Wildcat experience and a powerful vehicle for personal growth. Guided by our commitment to healthy excellence, we challenge students to pursue their highest potential while developing balance, resilience, well-being, and character. Through competition, teamwork, and daily dedication, student-athletes learn to lead with integrity, embrace challenges, and support one another in meaningful ways. Whether competing at the varsity level or discovering a new passion for sport, every Wildcat is encouraged to grow, contribute, and ultimately become who they are—confident, capable, and prepared for success far beyond the playing field.

Vermont Academy offers a dynamic athletic program that challenges student-athletes to grow as competitors, teammates, and leaders. As a member of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Conference (NEPSAC) and the Lakes Region League, Wildcats compete in 14 varsity sports, including hockey, basketball, soccer, and more. With more than 70% of students earning at least one varsity letter each year, athletics are an integral part of campus life. Whether students aspire to compete at the collegiate level or simply want to challenge themselves, our program emphasizes skill development, character, teamwork, and well-being—empowering every student to pursue healthy excellence while providing room to become.

Each year, Vermont Academy student-athletes continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Guided by experienced coaches and outstanding facilities, they develop the skills, confidence, resilience, and leadership that prepare them for success—in competition, in college, and beyond.

Located just minutes from Mount Snow, Vermont Academy offers an exceptional ski and snowboard program (learn more here) that combines elite athletic development with a rigorous college preparatory education. Whether students aspire to compete at the highest levels or simply want to accelerate their progression, they benefit from expert coaching, world-class training, and the support of a vibrant boarding school community.

Vermont Academy’s athletic program promotes development of the whole student athlete—head, hand, and heart—by focusing on teamwork and sportsmanship, self-discipline, and an appreciation of lifelong fitness.

Exceptional Coaching

VA has a proud tradition of hiring exceptional coaches whose backgrounds provide incredible instruction for our developing student-athletes, at every skill level. Our varsity coaches bring a wide variety of skills and life experiences to help their student-athletes achieve outstanding results, grow within their sport, or establish sound fundamentals.

Health, Wellness, & Sports Medicine

Our inclusive program gives every student the opportunity to benefit from athletics and recreation, regardless of skill or experience. Our coaches aim to parlay the experiences learned through competition into lifelong lessons and a commitment toward developing healthy minds, bodies, and overall wellness. Enjoy recreational skiing or join the Outing Club to enjoy the great outdoors.

List of 4 members.

Karen Henry

Athletic Director / Head Coach, Girls' Varsity Basketball / Humanities Faculty

(802) 869-6688

Boston College - MEd
University of Vermont - BA

Bio
Karen Henry serves as Director of Athletics at Vermont Academy, bringing more than 25 years of experience as an educator, coach, and educational leader. She earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Boston College, and a bachelor's degree in History/Sociology from the University of Vermont.
Throughout her career, she has served as a department chair, curriculum committee member, mentor teacher, and classroom teacher. Karen also served two terms as a Commissioner on the Vermont Commission on Women.

A former NCAA Division I student-athlete, Henry has built a distinguished coaching career in New England prep school athletics. As head coach of the Vermont Academy girls' basketball program, she led the Wildcats to four consecutive NEPSAC Class D Championship appearances, capturing league titles in 2017 and 2021, and was named the Bob Harrington Coach of the Year in 2017. As an assistant coach for Vermont Academy's varsity soccer program, she helped guide the Wildcats to three NEPSAC championships.

As Director of Athletics, Henry is committed to fostering a culture of healthy excellence—where competitive success is matched by personal growth, character development, and a deep sense of belonging. She believes athletics should challenge students to become resilient leaders, supportive teammates, and confident young adults who strive each day to become the best versions of themselves.

Karen and her husband, Matt, have two daughters. Their older daughter, Sydney, is a member of the Vermont Academy Class of 2019, and their family's connection to the school provides Karen with a unique perspective as both an educator and a parent.
Jesse Kulynych-Griffith

Head Athletic Trainer
Russell Williams

Assistant Athletic Director / Equipment Manager

(802) 869-6253

Bio
Mr. Williams is both the Assistant Athletic Director and equipment manager. He is responsible for making sure everyone has uniforms and equipment for their games. He also is responsible for lining the fields prior to game play. In addition to all of this, Mr. Williams is the head coach of the Varsity Baseball Team. He loves his job because he enjoys meeting new students and working with them in the athletic arena. He has a long history of coaching baseball and working with local teams of all ages. His favorite quote is “Some people dream of success while others wake up and work hard at it,” author unknown.

Mr. Williams was inducted into the Vermont Academy Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022.
Sara Dunbar ATC, RN, INHC, EMT

Athletic Trainer

Boston University - BS
Vermont Technical College - AD

Bio
Sara rejoined the Vermont Academy community in the fall of 2024 as the Assistant Athletic Trainer and a nurse. She has worked as an athletic trainer, health services coordinator, nurse, teacher and advisor at Hopkins School, Milton Academy, Vermont Academy, Leland and Gray Middle and High School, and The Putney School. Sara graduated from Boston University’s Sargent College of Allied Health with a BS in Athletic Training and from Vermont Technical College with an AD in Nursing. Sara is also an EMT and volunteers on the Saxtons River Rescue. She is passionate about wellness, food, and nutrition and is trained as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach.

She loves working with high school students, particularly in the boarding school environment, and finds the opportunity to help students learn more about themselves and how to take care of themselves physically and emotionally especially exciting.

Sara lives in the Village of Saxtons River with her husband John ’91 and children. She enjoys being active outdoors, cooking, gardening, reading, spending time with friends and family, and traveling.