Athletics and Physical Education
Though much of a Boston University Academy student’s day is devoted to mental gymnastics, it is important to exercise the body as well as the mind.
BUA’s athletics and physical education programs offer students the opportunity to get outside, stretch their legs, and blow off some steam at the end of a long day of Sophocles and cosines. Regardless of skill level, experience, or ability, there is a team or activity for every BUA student. Compete against local schools’ hoops teams on the hardwoods, lunge and parry in a fencing match, or ply the Charles River in a sailboat or crew shell. Just like our course catalog’s extensive offerings in the Academy building and at Boston University, BUA students enjoy an incredible array of athletic and fitness opportunities.
BUA’s interscholastic teams and club sports help students learn the value of teamwork and competition, and our athletes utilize BU’s top-notch facilities. Physical education offerings through our partnership with BU’s 270,000-square-foot Fitness and Recreation Center (FitRec) give ninth and tenth grade students the chance to try their hand at activities ranging from aerial dance to Zumba. Athletics and PE at Boston University Academy help students lead a healthy lifestyle, develop new skills, and identify life-long pursuits that will complement their active minds.
Athletic Teams
The BUA athletics program offers sports for all three seasons and all skill levels.
Fall Sports
Boys Soccer
- “Kick” the year off right with BUA soccer! BUA boys soccer plans to field a varsity and junior varsity team this year, so there is plenty of playing time to go around. If you are interested in getting/staying in shape, then come to our practices every day at Magazine Beach from 3:15-4:45p. The team competes in the MBIL League and games are typically on Wednesday and Friday, but sometimes vary. Varsity status is typically determined by commitment, skill level, and years in the program. No prior experience required to join in on the fun!
Girls Soccer
- We are excited to kick off the second official season of our girls’ varsity soccer program. The team will be holding practices every day at Magazine Beach from 3:15-4:45pm throughout the fall, and play a full schedule in the GIL League. Games are typically on Wednesday and Friday, but sometimes vary. No prior experience is required, and any student with a soccer background is encouraged to join!
Cross Country
- The next great frontier for BUA athletics… Come run with the BUA cross-country team along the Charles and around Boston/Brookline! Open to all abilities/fitness levels (workouts can be adapted). Team practices will be held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday after school from September through late October/early November. League races are typically on Wednesday afternoons, but some Tuesdays and a rare weekend race do occur. Team workouts are primarily steady-state jogging, with sprint/track, tempo, and race preparation workouts sprinkled throughout. While it is expected that “official” cross-country team members attend as many practices and races as their academic schedule allows, all are welcome to join for occasional runs.
Winter Sports
Boys Basketball
- Come join the high-flying action of BUA Boys Basketball! The program plans to offer varsity and JV level teams so there should be plenty of playing time to go around. The season runs from early November until the end of February, while practices are weekdays from 3:10 – 4:45 in the BUA gym, with some sessions held at the BU Fitrec. Center. The team competes in the MBIL League and typically schedules varsity games on Wednesday and Friday, while the schedule can vary. Varsity status is typically determined by commitment, skill level, and years in the program. All levels of ability are welcome, but the standard for hustle is high!
Girls Basketball
- Come join the great tradition of BUA Girls Basketball! Hit the hardwood with some of your friends this winter! The season runs from early November until the end of February while practices are weekdays from 3:10 – 4:45 in the BUA gym most days, with some sessions held at the BU Fitrec. Center. The team competes in the GIL League and typically schedules games on Wednesday and Friday, but can vary. All skill levels are welcome, but bring your best effort each day!
Fencing
- Are you interested in trying a new sport? Do you want to fight with swords? If yes, then Fencing is the sport for you! No experience necessary, though if you are an experienced fencer you should definitely join! BUA fields a boys and girls team with all three weapons within each group. You can try out all three of the weapons (epee, foil, and saber)! Fencing is a winter sport, starting in early November and ending in late February. During that period, we will have practice on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3-5p. While we attempt to schedule occasional dual meets during the week, however, the New England Fencing League has adopted a competition schedule that involves competing in 2-3 multi-school fencing meets (4 or more schools in round-robin format) that take place on particular weekends. The outcome of those meets determines qualification to the State tournament. Team members are expected to attend as many practices as they can (at least two a week) and to attend every competition. This is a great sport for newcomers!
Spring Sports
Crew
- Rowing is a great way to stay in shape while spending time on the Charles in the beautiful spring months. Practices are 4-5 days a week and mandatory if you hope to secure a competitive placement in either the boys or girls boat where there are limited spots. The boats race a small independent schedule (3-5 heats) with local high schools that also row on the Charles. Pre-season workouts start in early March and we usually get out on the water by April, rowing until the end of May. If you like yelling more than rowing, Coxswain positions are also available!
Boys Tennis
- Tennis anyone? The boys’ program often offers a varsity and JV level experience, depending on the numbers. This spring sport practices will be four times a week from 3:15 to 4:45 on various outdoor courts within walking distance of BUA (Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, and the BU campus). The team plays their matches in the MBIL league with some independent matches. All skill levels are welcome!
Girls Tennis
- Need some practice before Wimbledon? BUA girls tennis will get you ready! This is a spring sport that practices four times a week from 3:15 to 4:45 on various outdoor courts that are within walking distance of BUA (Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, and the BU campus). The team plays a mixture of independent matches against varsity and junior varsity programs. All skill levels are welcome!
Co-ed Ultimate Frisbee
- Come join the fastest game on two feet! All areas of the field are accessible to the high-flying disc that can span the entire playing field….depending on the thrower. BUA Ultimate is a co-ed spring sport that starts in late March and goes to the end of May. The team practices four days a week from 3:15 – 4:45 at Magazine Beach. The team competes in the MBIL League and plays some independent games as well.
Girls Volleyball
- Bump, set, spike! BUA is going to offer a volleyball team that will have opportunities to practice and train some in the fall, but holds its competitive season in the spring. The season starts in late March and goes to the end of May. The team will play a small schedule in the GIL League with some independent games mixed in as well. The team practices four days a week from 3:15 – 4:45 in the BUA gym, as well as some sessions held at the BU Fitrec. Center. While the skill sets in volleyball can be challenging, the learning curve is quick, so come out and give it a go! All skill levels are welcome.
Boys Volleyball
- Bump, set, spike! BUA is going to offer a volleyball team that will have opportunities to practice and train some in the fall, but holds its competitive season in the spring. The season starts in late March and goes to the end of May. The team will play a small schedule in the GIL League with some independent games mixed in as well. The team practices four days a week from 3:15 – 4:45 in the BUA gym, as well as some sessions held at the BU Fitrec. Center. While the skill sets in volleyball can be challenging, the learning curve is quick, so come out and give it a go! All skill levels are welcome.
Year-Round
Pep Squad
- Pep Squad is a group that cheers on sports teams, amps up school spirit, and opens a space for BUA students of any experience level to collaborate and channel our energy into positive support for our peers. We meet three times a week to learn dances, cheers, and stunts to perform at games.
Learn more about the Physical Education Program at BUA.