The following article will be published in the August edition of Saginaw Township Living magazine.

Shaping Young Athletes Who Learn, Love and Lead… Courageously
Tessa Pinkerton, Nouvel Catholic Central Admissions & Marketing

At Nouvel Catholic Central, Panthers have a chance to explore athletics at all ages and are provided unique opportunities to explore and develop their talents. Whether it is a camp, playing on a team or enjoying time on the court with an older athlete, there is something for everyone to inspire a love of the game. Those early years can also lay a strong foundation in building character and learning lessons that shape who they become.

Each age and stage has an opportunity to participate in athletics. The youngest Panthers, in young fives and kindergarten, can participate in a winter basketball clinic on Saturday mornings. The program is aimed at purposeful, age appropriate skill development and promotes enjoyment of the sport. The high school basketball teams assist with running the clinic, with older athletes encouraging the next generation.

Earlier this summer, the varsity baseball, basketball, cross country, football, soccer, tennis and volleyball teams all enjoyed offering a sports camp. Depending on the sport, Panthers as young as preschool through 8th grade were encouraged to participate in a youth summer camp, giving them the chance to also play on the high school fields and courts. They have fun with students in other grades and follow the lead of older students.

Beyond the sports camps offered, the Saginaw community and surrounding area was treated to a special opportunity this spring. Boyd Field was the location for the Amon-Ra St. Brown football camp. Nouvel was proud to partner with FlexWork Sports to bring a once in a lifetime opportunity for young Lions fans to interact with a pro-football player, further encouraging those who may have big football dreams themselves.

As students get older at Nouvel, the sports offerings continue to expand. Additional sports are added for Panthers to participate in, giving them the chance to build their skills and work on teamwork outside of the classroom. All students, in elementary and junior high, are encouraged to join the team. It is a chance to explore different sports and learn to juggle multiple sports within a school year. There is a spot for everyone and there are no cuts below the high school level.

Nouvel’s Athletic Director, Matt Solek shared, “At Nouvel, our youth sports programs are about more than just competition—they’re where we begin shaping athletes who learn, love and lead… courageously. From the earliest ages, we focus on building skills, character, and community. What sets us apart is that we’re not only teaching kids how to win the right way—we’re helping them grow into young people who lead with faith, integrity and heart, both on and off the field.”

With 22 varsity and club sports offered, Panthers have many opportunities to explore their unique gifts and talents. Panther student-athletes receive the benefit of smaller class sizes and individualized attention in the classroom, while having many incredible opportunities to shine on the field and as leaders in their community. For more information on Nouvel athletics, please visit www.NouvelCatholic.org/Explore.