Athletics

Wildcat Nation

Athletics at VA Wildcat Nation

At VA, athletics are much more than an extracurricular activity. They are a fully integrated part of the Wildcat experience, providing opportunities for leadership, learning and personal growth for student athletes of all ability levels and interests.

Vermont Academy offers a competitive and engaging athletic and recreational program for student athletes looking to progress in their sport. As a member of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Conference (NEPSAC) and the Lakes Region League, the Wildcats compete in 14 varsity sports, such as hockey, basketball, and soccer, with more than 70% of students earning at least one varsity letter each year.

Each year VA graduates student-athletes who pursue their sport at the next level They'll work closely with talented and experienced coaches, utilizing exceptional facilities, and leave VA with self-confidence, commitment, time management, and leadership skills.

Due to our proximity to Mount Snow Ski Resort we've been able to bring our student athletes world class snowboard and ski development programs with Vermont Academy at Mount Snow. More than just an average snowsports academy, it's a full athletic and college preparatory program as well. Whether you're interested in enhancing your freestyle skiing skills or receiving the full experience of a winter sports boarding school to get the most of your winter-term, we encourage you to get in touch with us to learn more.

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 3 members.

Adrian Diaz Guerrero '14

Dean of Student Life and Athletic Director / Post Graduates Class Dean / Head Coach, Boys' Varsity Soccer

(802) 869-6236

Saint Michael's College - MEd
Saint Michael’s College - BA

Bio
Adrian returned to his alma mater Vermont Academy in 2022 after working at Saint Michael’s College as an Admissions Counselor and Resident Director while pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership.

Prior to Saint Michael’s, Adrian worked in Spain as an English teacher and at VA as Summer Program Director, International Programs Liaison, and Spanish teacher. Other stops along the way enabled him to leverage his marketing and communications experience while working for Hope Happens Here and the Vermont Brewers Association.

Adrian is thrilled to be at Vermont Academy in the role of Dean of Student Life and Athletic Director. He also loves being able to share his passion for soccer (having played in Spain, as well as at the DII collegiate level in the US) with our students. He is an active runner, loves the outdoors, and enjoys watching sports and hanging out with friends and family.
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

Head 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.