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On the serene riverfront campus of St. Margaret’s School — an Episcopal boarding and day school for girls in grades eight to 12 and postgraduate — there’s a buzz of activity that’s impossible to ignore. Located in Tappahannock, Virginia, the school’s athletic fields and courts are constantly alive with energy, a testament to a revitalised sports programme reshaping what it means to be a student-athlete here.
At the heart of this transformation is Cornelius Snead, who, since arriving in 2022 as Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach, has been instrumental in ushering in a new era for St. Margaret’s athletics. So far, he’s spearheaded initiatives to expand the school’s athletic offerings, elevate coaching standards, and foster a culture of excellence both on and off the field.
Colley Bell, the Head of School, articulates the vision with clarity and purpose: “Integrating a vigorous athletic programme with our strong arts and academic offerings is pivotal in distinguishing us from other boarding and independent schools.”
Bell sees athletics as a fundamental part of the school’s ethos, the “Gospel of Do,” a principle that encourages active participation from students every season and complemented with contributions through initiatives like the Scottie Stream video broadcasting programme.
Source: Parker Michels-Boyce for St. Margaret’s School
Under Snead’s leadership, the basketball team’s achievements speak volumes — advancing to the semifinals of the 2023 VISAA tournament and consistently ranking among the top teams in the Commonwealth. Key victories, like their two wins against long-standing rival St. Catherine’s, underscore the programme’s competitive spirit and excellence. This year, the team reached the finals of the VISAA tournament.
The short turnaround has been extraordinary and it’s little wonder why. Snead’s coaching career, marked by more than 200 wins, is storied and diverse, spanning from leading Trinity Collegiate’s girls’ basketball team to a number-one state ranking in South Carolina to guiding Herndon High School to historic successes in Virginia. His experience and mentorship extend beyond the court, leveraging his extensive network to assist students with college and career decisions and embodying the school’s commitment to holistic development.
“Coach Snead attracts more than great players, but great families who want the whole educational experience,” says Bell. “His players’ success beyond high school and basketball is impressive -– be it professions in cybersecurity, medicine, and even as a Dean of Students and mathematics teacher at St. Margaret’s.”
Beyond basketball, Snead and his team of coaches have revitalised dormant programmes like field hockey, rowing, soccer, and swimming, broadening the athletic opportunities available to St. Margaret’s students. “When I first arrived, there was an attitude that girls needed less stress from athletic competition,” Bell explains. “Cornelius and I dismissed this in the name of the girls of St. Margaret’s — adolescence is too important to get wrong in building resiliency.”
Equestrian training is offered year-round. Source: St. Margaret’s School
With thirteen varsity and club sports — and plans to introduce more — all students are engaged year-round, honing skills that will serve them well beyond their high school years.
Snead’s role also encompasses connecting with prospective families, highlighting the advantages of St. Margaret’s unique location and its proximity to major cities and educational institutions. He emphasises the school’s reputation for academic rigour and the life skills boarding school life instils, which are highly valued by colleges.
“Too often, boarding schools see parents moving their daughters between schools in the pursuit of happiness — but it’s really a pursuit in avoidance of character development, and a good athletic programme helps frame the personal resolve we all need in life,” Bell notes. “The daughters of St. Margaret’s deserve this.”
Field hockey training is conducted in the school’s 42-acre Athletic Complex. Source: St. Margaret’s School
Much like the Head of School, Snead passionately believes in the transformative power of sports, viewing them as a platform for young women to find their voices and build confidence. “Athletics equip our students with the tools to excel in any team environment they will encounter in the future, be it in college or the workforce,” Snead notes.
Indeed, their commitment to student-athletes extends beyond the field of play. Snead, Bell and their team recognise the importance of fostering emotional well-being alongside physical fitness. Through the school’s comprehensive wellness programme, girls learn invaluable life skills such as resilience, teamwork, and self-discipline, which are essential not only for success in sports but also in all aspects of life.
Click here to learn how else St. Margaret’s holistic approach to education ensures student-athletes receive the individualised support they need to thrive both academically and athletically.
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