San Domenico is incredibly proud to have been named by the Bay Area Conference (BAC) as winners of the prestigious Tom Welsh Sportspersonship Award for the 2022-23 school year. The Tom Welsh Sportspersonship Award is a testament to the BAC’s unwavering commitment to nurturing sportsmanship, respect, and fair play within the athletic community. This award not only honors Tom Welsh’s remarkable contributions but also encourages all BAC schools to uphold the highest standards of integrity, ensuring that athletics remain a platform for growth, mutual respect, and camaraderie.
Last year, the energy at all matches was palpable, but playoff games in the Katherine Gaspar Gym were unparalleled in our league. The Women's Volleyball NCS semifinal match against #6 Mendocino, in particular, was reminiscent of the Women’s Basketball team’s run to the state championship last year. “The school spirit was the loudest I have ever seen at our home gym,” said Athletic Director Mark Churchill. Our volleyball captains set the tone by calling for a blackout that night, and the student body responded. Black shirts, signs, face paint, tambourines, and chants filled the gymnasium with a positive spirit that helped our girls with the win.
Our dedicated athletic administrators—Mark Churchill, Jeff Skaggs, and Tyler Gaffaney—work hard to ensure that Panther fans can revel in the excitement while adhering to principles of respect and good sportsmanship. Mark Churchill’s perspective echoes the essence of the Tom Welsh Sportspersonship Award. “We aim to win championships, but we want to do it the right way,” he emphasizes. “It's about honoring the game, playing with integrity, and demonstrating respect towards ourselves, teammates, coaches, opponents, officials, and the fans. We hold this award in high regard, and it is always at the forefront of my mind. I aspire to lead by example, showcasing sportsmanship both in victory and defeat and instilling lifelong lessons on how to carry ourselves in the world.” It is worth noting that SD previously received this esteemed award in 2019, a testament to our unwavering commitment to upholding these values.