Since opening its door 15 years ago, Salem Christian School in Crozier has been shaping young minds in the classroom. More recently they’ve been doing so in the field of athletics as well. Though still relatively young, the small Goochland private school is quickly becoming recognized for its quality in both areas.

  Six years ago Salem Christian started its athletic program as a member of the Virginia Commonwealth Athletic Association (VCAA). The VCAA includes mostly Christian Schools and smaller private schools (Grove Ave Christian, Victory Christian, The Carmel School, Banner Christian, West End Christian-Hopewell, Elijah House Academy, Central Virginia Homeschool, Evangel Christian-Colonial Heights, Richmond SPIRIT Homeschool, and us).

  But Salem Christian has not limited their competition to league opponents. “We also have competed against public schools (Goochland, Fluvanna, Powhatan) and other private schools (Steward School, New Community, Fork Union Academy are some examples,” said SCS athletic director J.B. Bailey.

  Like any new athletic program SCS is faced with minimal facilities therefore they are limited but expanding.

  “We currently offer boys varsity soccer, boys JV and middle school basketball, varsity baseball, girls varsity and JV volleyball, girls JV and varsity basketball, and girls varsity soccer.” Bailey said. “Our boys can also play football through our conference affiliated school alliance teams. All of our high-school students are required to participate in a minimal amount of sports seasons in order to be eligible to graduate.”

  When the school began the athletic program six years ago the motivation was simple and focused. We believe that a Christian education is extremely valuable to all people,” Bailey said. “Many young people and their parents want to play sports or at least have it available to them. Offering athletics draws student-athletes to our school and keeps many students from leaving Salem to go to schools that do offer athletics when they reach the middle/high school grades.”
  And the benefits of sports apply to all students, whether they attend small Christian based schools or public schools.

  “Offering athletics gives our students the ability to receive a Christian education, while at the same time learning how to cope with success and failure in a team environment, helping prepare them for life after school,” Bailey said. “Also, the long term / life long relationships created in a team sports environment is invaluable - a gift from God.”

  Bailey also pointed out that one cannot discount the fun factor involved in sports and the obvious benefits of healthy competition.

  “It’s rewarding,” he said. “Working hard physically and mentally on the court or field, achieving goals that take many hours of practice, preparation, and study, showing improvement as you mature and grow as a player, is extremely rewarding. Working hard and achieving goals is extremely satisfying.  The Lord as given all of us different gifts and abilities.”

  The students are using those abilities well. The varsity girls’ basketball team is currently 6-1. Earlier this month, they defeated Albemarle Christian, 23-22 and accomplished that victory without the services of last year’s leading scorer, Hannah Gilbert. Katherine Barth stepped up and led all scorers with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Katie Wimmer and Melanie McDowell secured the win with big free throws at the end of the game.

  The girls return to the court Jan. 5 traveling to New Life Christian in Farmville.

  There is no question that the Salem teams finish the season road-tested because they have no home gym to play in. “We have never had a home basketball game in the history of our program,” Bailey said.  “All away games, every year.
  “We hope to be able to have a home court there whenever funds are available,” Bailey said. “Our parents and players are ‘Road Warriors’.”

  Teams depend on the kindness of Goochland County schools, Parks and Rec, Salem Baptist Church and Life Assembly Church for practice facilities. But overcoming the facilities shortage is well worth the effort and the limited number of students assures every child a chance to play and compete.

  “A huge advantage for students is that they get a chance to play,” Bailey said.  “If they want to be on a team, it is unlikely that they will be cut from the team.  Currently, we need all the players that we can get.”

  Bailey added that the sports experience allows students to follow a faith-based education while still participating in sports programs.

“What I can see in the current student athletes that we have at SCS and our graduates as they pursue college and careers, are young adults that stand out from the crowd,” Bailey said.