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Signature Programs

Athletics

Team First

We encourage all students to participate and represent the Owls in interscholastic athletics.
At Athenian, we develop student-athletes who are positive role models with a strong sense of fair play and commitment to their school, teammates, and coaches. Athenian coaches stress team over individual achievement, fostering social bonds across grade levels. In addition to sports-specific skills, students develop self-discipline, self-esteem, and ability to work as part of a team.  The interscholastic athletic program is an integral part of the education program at Athenian and approximately 80 percent of Upper School students participate in at least one sport.

Athenian School Coaching Staff

Below you will find contact information for our 22-23 school year coaches. You can view the sports schedules on the athletics calendar of the school’s website here.

Athletic Director: Darek Cliff (dcliff@athenian.org)
Assistant Athletic Director: Zach Holt (zholt@athenian.org
Middle School Athletic Director: Nabil Saad (nsaad@athenian.org)
Baseball: Matt Crudale (mcrudale@athenian.org)
Cross Country: Zach Holt (zholt@athenian.org)
Club Sailing: Bruce Hamren (bhamren@athenian.org)
Golf: Contact Athletic Director (dcliff@athenian.org)
Soccer (Women's): Nabil Saad (nsaad@athenian.org)
Swimming: Darek Cliff (dcliff@athenian.org)
Tennis (Women’s): Glen Oetman (goetman@athenian.org)
Tennis (Men’s): Glen Oetman (goetman@athenian.org)
Track and Field: Zach Holt (zholt@athenian.org)
Volleyball (Women’s): Jennifer Plumley (jplumley@athenian.org)
Wrestling: Ted Webb (twebb@athenian.org)



Teams & Schedules

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  • Representing the Owls

    Interscholastic Athletics
    Athenian competes with approximately 30 schools in the North Coast Section Division 5. Athenian teams are consistently invited to the North Coast Section end-of-season tournaments, placing in the top half of our division. In recent years, Athenian’s athletic success has brought home numerous league championships and we continue to be one of the stronger athletic programs in the North Coast Section Division 5. Our success has afforded many of our student-athletes to continue playing at the college level.

Athletic Facilities

Athenian is proud to be home to some of the best athletics facilities in the area. Our Middle and Upper School students enjoy the use of a turf soccer field, pristine baseball and softball fields, a swimming pool, two gyms, an athletics & fitness center, and a one-mile trail. We partner with the Blackhawk Tennis Villas and Diablo Golf Course for our tennis and golf teams as well as a local school’s track for track and field.

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  • Owls in College

    Once an Owl, Always an Owl
    Since 2011, our student-athletes have continued playing their sport at the following schools:

Natalie K. '16

From this newfound drive and determination, I have seen significant improvements in my swimming that I never thought was possible and a sense of accomplishment, no matter the outcome, because I know I have done my best. This lesson (from my coach) has transcended beyond the swimming pool and I’ve applied it to all aspects of my life. I have tried to challenge myself and try new things whether it is by committing to talking twice in every class or go completely out of my comfort zone and decide to participate in a community service trip in South Africa this coming summer.

Athletic Department

List of 3 members.

  • Photo of Darek Cliff

    Darek Cliff 

    Director of Athletics
    925-362-7206
  • Photo of Nabil Saad

    Nabil Saad 

    PE Instructor & MS Athletic Director
    925-362-7246
  • Photo of Zach Holt

    Zach Holt 

    US Interim Assistant Director of Athletics
    925-362-7254