Discipleship Through Sports

DCA's Athletic Program

Even as a small Christian school in rural New Hampshire, DCA appreciates the benefits of having an athletics program on campus.

Physical fitness and friendly competition are only a couple of positive benefits of athleticism. At Dublin Christian Academy, discipleship is a core part of our mission, and we look to incorporate this aspect in all that we do—including athletics.

Good communication, teamwork, humility, and sportsmanship are all qualities of a Christ-centered disciple, and these are seldom practiced in isolation.

This article will cover the sports programs available here at DCA and how they transform our students into godly young men and women.

What Sports does DCA Offer?

DCA offers sports programs in both the fall and spring seasons. Fall sports include guys’ soccer and girls’ volleyball. In the winter, we offer guys’ and girls’ basketball. Each of the fall programs are offered at the varsity and junior varsity levels.

As an affiliate of the New England Association of Christian Schools, DCA athletes get to compete among two dozen schools in the region with opportunities for tournament play and championship games.

Any student at DCA who wishes to participate on a sports team is eligible if they:

Maintain acceptable grades—a C average (GPA of 2.0) or above
Maintain a positive Christian testimony
Are not restricted by disciplinary guidelines
Are not on probation

Joining a team is just the first step; as Stags, we carry a higher calling to ensure our conduct remains as sharp as our skills, practicing true Christ-like character when we play.

Christ-Like Character on the Court

Discipleship is a lifelong journey of following Jesus Christ, striving to be like Him by obeying His teachings and teaching others about Him.

Our students are encouraged to imitate Christ in all aspects of their lives and look at the world around them through a biblical worldview. whether in the classroom or on the ball court. Through mentoring and coaching one another through intentional relationships, teammates become something more. They develop attributes such as:

Self-Discipline: “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” Proverbs 25:28 (NKJV)

Humility: “Likewise, you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed in humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 (NKJV)

Leadership: “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Acts 20:28 (NKJV)

Students in athletics who embrace these characteristics also find value in commitment, time management, and balancing work and play. By cultivating these virtues during the game, our students build a foundation of integrity that supports them far beyond the court or field.

Small School, Big Opportunities

While DCA is not as formidable as the bigger Christian schools in the country, we certainly have what we’d consider a “small school advantage” when it comes to our athletics program.

With our smaller enrollment, students who wish to try out for a sport have a greater chance of getting on the team in a less-pressure environment compared to bigger schools’ athletic programs.

Newcomers to DCA or to athletics in general will likely be able to participate in a low-pressure, high-fun environment designed to hone Christian athletes.

With a smaller school also comes more flexible scheduling, which impacts our athletes in a big way this year. For the 2025/2026 season, the Ski and Ride Club now takes place on Mondays instead of Fridays, no longer impeding on game days for basketball. Now, basketball players who want to join in on the skiing and snowboarding fun can do so without having to choose!

Enrolling in a small school doesn’t always mean sacrificing big opportunities, and DCA is certainly up to the task of providing our students with an exceptional Stag athletic experience.

Conclusion

You don’t have to attend a Class L-sized school to have large-sized experiences in athletics. At DCA, we combine good sportsmanship, a little competition, and big Christian values on the court and in the field.

To learn more about our athletics program or any of our other extra-curricular activities, feel free to contact us or schedule a visit.

Just as a team needs to work together as one, the apostle Paul reminds us that we also must be like-minded in our faith and our discipleship.

“…fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2:2 (NKJV)

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