In Harker’s upper school sports program, students play competitive sports and find success on the playing field and in the classroom.
Upper School Athletics
At Harker, we believe sports offer students formative and lifelong lessons, helping them succeed in the classroom, at college and in their future careers.
Beyond our sports teams, our student athletes develop their skills in our off-season strength and conditioning programs and training camps. We support the academic success and extracurricular pursuits of our student athletes. Our athletic coaches, program directors, counselors and teachers actively follow our student athletes, ensuring they are effectively balancing their academic and extracurricular commitments.
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Upper School Sports Teams at Harker
Our sports teams compete in a variety of local leagues, including the West Bay Athletic League, Santa Clara Valley Athletic League, Peninsula Athletic League and Bay Football League. We regularly send athletes from our sports teams to play at the collegiate level.
At Harker, we compete in a variety of sports including:
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- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cheerleading
- Cross country
- Football
- Golf
- Lacrosse (girls)
- Soccer
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- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & field
- Volleyball
- Water polo
- Wrestling
Coaches
Harker's coaches do more than just coach our student athletes in sports. They serve as role models and mentors, helping our student athletes develop into well-rounded individuals who are ready to lead teams, compete and succeed in the world.
With experience in collegiate, professional and international sports teams, all of our coaches are qualified to offer your teen an excellent athletic experience.They are also supported with professional development opportunities to continue their growth in coaching our student athletes.
They hold NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) coaching certifications, comprising extensive training in areas including:
- coaching fundamentals
- first aid and CPR
- concussion awareness
Our athletics staff includes a strength and conditioning coordinator, and one full-time and two part-time athletic trainers, to support the health and wellness of Harker’s athletes.
Mike Tirabassi
Head Varsity Football Coach
What are your keys for a team’s success?
Off-season strength training and consistently practicing safe tackling techniques in a controlled environment.
What do you most enjoy about football?
Everyone has a place on a football team. There are no cuts and no matter your shape, size or experience you can truly contribute to team's success if you're willing to work.
What are three things you’ve learned as a coach?
1) Winning games is a byproduct of doing things right on and off of the field.
2) Listen to the great coaches that I'm lucky enough to have on my staff. They know more than I do.
3) Never underestimate our players. They are incredible people and have the ability and desire to do far more on and off of the field than I ever thought possible.
Athletic Achievements
While our success includes numerous league championships, record-setting performances and athletes continuing their competitive careers in college, it’s the daily successes of team improvements and personal bests that we celebrate the most.