Vol. CXXXII · October 9, 2026
The sole addition of the word “junior” before “varsity” can vastly change a student's athletic experience. Whether it is basketball, soccer, or even swimming, a gap exists between the resources provided, the support, and the overall treatment each team receives.
On Wednesday, May 27, at 2:00 p.m., the four Varsity Soccer Captains—Siun Salmon ’27, Ethan Fine ’27, Nicholas Pittarelli ’27, and Isa Cavallini-Hsu ’27—hosted a 5v5 soccer tournament on Berlyson Turf Field. Fine hoped that, through the tournament, the captains could help “engage the campus community through soccer.” At the end of a long game stood not a tangible prize but, Fine said, “the bragging rights of the 2026 5v5 champion.”
As the end of the school year approaches, so does the departure of several beloved faculty members. Among them is Varsity Girls’ Soccer Coach and English teacher Rachel Abernethy—known to students as Ms. A. As both a coach and an English teacher, Ms. A. has made an undeniable impact on Milton’s community.
When passing through the field in front of the Caroline Saltonstall Gym, one might see the softball team practicing vigorously under the sun. As a small team, all fourteen softball members play on varsity, so both the tryouts and practices hold the players to high standards.
Boarders are among the population of students who attend club sports, and their forms of transportation are limited, creating challenges. Nevertheless, each of these students learns to manage their time and construct a functioning ride schedule.
When walking across Stokinger Field during the week of November 10, you might see Milton Academy’s football practice brightly lit with gigantic lamps. Ever since the daylight savings time switch, most sports ended practice early. However, football is different—their practice, under the blazing floodlights, doesn't end until the official end time of 5:45 p.m.
Do Milton students consider athletic ability when making friends? After The Measure asked this question to 59 Upper School students, 53.4% of respondents answered that they feel a divide between athletes and non-athletes, revealing that a significant amount of the student body believes that it is a decisive factor.
Milton’s intramural sports offer an experience different from the expected drills and games on courts and fields. However, these non-traditional sports credits can be appealing, especially during senior year, because it provides a more laid back option than other sports, allowing students to foster connections without competitive pressure.
Every year, new athletes bring fresh experience to our school, while the returning athletes continue building their skills during the season. The experience of athletes can be different from that of other students, or different compared to their previous school, and their perspectives often bring a new light to their new field and community.