Middle School Athletics
At De Smet Jesuit Middle, athletics serve as a vital extension of our mission to form young men of competence, conscience, compassion, and commitment. Rooted in the Ignatian tradition, our athletic program emphasizes personal growth, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence—both on and off the field.
Core beliefs
Formation of the Whole Person
Athletics are a means of developing not only physical skills but also character, leadership, and spiritual maturity. We believe in nurturing the body, mind, and spirit in harmony.
Men for Others
Team sports teach empathy, respect, and solidarity. We foster an environment where athletes support one another, celebrate diversity, and act with integrity and humility.
Growth Through Challenge
We view competition as an opportunity for learning and growth. Wins and losses are embraced as part of the journey, with emphasis placed on resilience, sportsmanship, and grace.
Inclusive Participation
Middle school athletics are designed to be inclusive and developmental. Every student is given the opportunity to participate, learn, and grow regardless of skill level.
De Smet Jesuit Middle School Athletics offers the following sports: cross country, Volleyball, Soccer in the fall; Basketball, Wrestling, & Racquetball in the winter; Ultimate & Track and Field in the Spring. More sports may be added.
Goals of the Program...
At De Smet Jesuit Middle School, we aim to...
Instill discipline, responsibility, and teamwork.
Promote physical health and well-being.
Encourage reflection and self-awareness through sport.
Prepare students for high school athletics and lifelong fitness.
Celebrate the joy of play and the dignity of every participant.
Why? Because through cura personalis, we know athletics can help shape the whole person, not just the player.
Athletic Schedules (coming soon)
Athletic Director for Middle School
Nick Orf
Physical Education Teacher and Middle School Activities Director
Spartans in the News
![De Smet players raise the championship plaque after winning the Class 2 championship match - by Rich Ulreich]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779998917/desmet/p51essctnrlkmho2dyae/ChampionshipVB-byUlreich.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779998917/desmet/p51essctnrlkmho2dyae/ChampionshipVB-byUlreich.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779998917/desmet/p51essctnrlkmho2dyae/ChampionshipVB-byUlreich.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779998917/desmet/p51essctnrlkmho2dyae/ChampionshipVB-byUlreich.jpg","width":990}])
![De Smet Jesuit Spartans senior setter Ryker Whittle (4) celebrates his point off a block with teammates during the Class 2 semifinal match - photo by Rich Ulreich]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779998726/desmet/m71bhbidttjajaheyake/RockhurstSemi-byUlreich.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779998726/desmet/m71bhbidttjajaheyake/RockhurstSemi-byUlreich.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779998726/desmet/m71bhbidttjajaheyake/RockhurstSemi-byUlreich.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779998726/desmet/m71bhbidttjajaheyake/RockhurstSemi-byUlreich.jpg","width":1200}])
![De Smet Spartans freshman outside hitter Chase Baliva (7) is congratulated by teammates as his block wins set two during the Class 2 Quarterfinals match - photo by Rich Ulreich]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779998600/desmet/bsxtmoftaxitmpzleqa0/TeamLafayette-byUlreich.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779998600/desmet/bsxtmoftaxitmpzleqa0/TeamLafayette-byUlreich.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779998600/desmet/bsxtmoftaxitmpzleqa0/TeamLafayette-byUlreich.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779998600/desmet/bsxtmoftaxitmpzleqa0/TeamLafayette-byUlreich.jpg","width":1200}])
![De Smet senior outside hitter Cole Esparza (6) hits against the block of Francis Howell Central junior middle blocker Caleb Dolan (29) and senior opposite hitter Chase Rugh (30) during the Class 2 District 4 boys volleyball final - photo by Rich Ulreich]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779998236/desmet/cbs5zrxtnri9cyldfwtt/Esparza-byUlreich.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779998236/desmet/cbs5zrxtnri9cyldfwtt/Esparza-byUlreich.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779998236/desmet/cbs5zrxtnri9cyldfwtt/Esparza-byUlreich.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779998236/desmet/cbs5zrxtnri9cyldfwtt/Esparza-byUlreich.jpg","width":1200}])
![De Smet's Nick Harper (12) holds the Class 6 state championship trophy after defeating Blue Springs South, Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. - Photo by Michael Gulledge]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774202582/desmet/qlya50qjqfu6o4tdxguh/StateBasketball-byGulledge.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774202582/desmet/qlya50qjqfu6o4tdxguh/StateBasketball-byGulledge.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1774202582/desmet/qlya50qjqfu6o4tdxguh/StateBasketball-byGulledge.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774202582/desmet/qlya50qjqfu6o4tdxguh/StateBasketball-byGulledge.jpg","width":1200}])
![De Smet's Ian Thomas (23) puts up a shot during a Class 6 state semifinal against Rockhurst, Friday, March 20, 2026, at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. - photo by Michael Gulledge]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774128961/desmet/qoxyq0ijpx6rn7fyymmj/BasketballFinal4-Gulledge.webp","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774128961/desmet/qoxyq0ijpx6rn7fyymmj/BasketballFinal4-Gulledge.webp","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1774128961/desmet/qoxyq0ijpx6rn7fyymmj/BasketballFinal4-Gulledge.webp","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1774128961/desmet/qoxyq0ijpx6rn7fyymmj/BasketballFinal4-Gulledge.webp","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1774128961/desmet/qoxyq0ijpx6rn7fyymmj/BasketballFinal4-Gulledge.webp","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774128961/desmet/qoxyq0ijpx6rn7fyymmj/BasketballFinal4-Gulledge.webp","width":1700}])
![Nick Harper (12) and Ian Thomas (23) of De Smet block out Jamarious Britt (3) of Francis Howell Central after a free throw shot in the Class 4 boys basketball quarterfinal at Union High School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774128746/desmet/lrdoecvoqhukp0ek8iug/Basketball-Baillargeon.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774128746/desmet/lrdoecvoqhukp0ek8iug/Basketball-Baillargeon.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1774128746/desmet/lrdoecvoqhukp0ek8iug/Basketball-Baillargeon.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774128746/desmet/lrdoecvoqhukp0ek8iug/Basketball-Baillargeon.jpg","width":1200}])
![Two basketball players, one in a white jersey and the other in a black jersey, are engaged in a competitive game on a basketball court with spectators in the background. - photo by Michael Gulledge]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1773006071/desmet/z4btfnpssp0xdmzf55v7/Basketball-Gulledge.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1773006071/desmet/z4btfnpssp0xdmzf55v7/Basketball-Gulledge.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1773006071/desmet/z4btfnpssp0xdmzf55v7/Basketball-Gulledge.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1773006071/desmet/z4btfnpssp0xdmzf55v7/Basketball-Gulledge.jpg","width":1200}])
![Colin Varady (12) scores from one knee past Marquette Mustangs goalie Aidan Reatini (3) - photo by - Rick Ulreich,]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771784639/desmet/fekxtc2uwlcg3j0wvctq/hockeyvMarquette-byRickUlreich.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771784639/desmet/fekxtc2uwlcg3j0wvctq/hockeyvMarquette-byRickUlreich.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771784639/desmet/fekxtc2uwlcg3j0wvctq/hockeyvMarquette-byRickUlreich.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1771784639/desmet/fekxtc2uwlcg3j0wvctq/hockeyvMarquette-byRickUlreich.jpg","width":1200}])
