Notre Dame Academy is looking forward to an interesting fall sports season, as the seven teams welcome five new coaches and many new faces to the playing fields. With the exception of the women's varsity volleyball team - which returns the entire state championship roster from last year - this fall is anticipated to be a building year for the other programs.

"We will have fun, learn a lot, and hope to get some wins," said Paige Kettering, a junior from Warrenton who is in her third year on the women's varsity tennis team. The team has first year coach Richard Simpson, a local pro, teaching them the game this year.

The women's varsity volleyball team -- last year's Virginia Independent School League Division II state champions - is excited about the opportunity to repeat.

"We are hoping to be even better than last year," said senior Ashlynn Nuckols of Upperville. She hopes for an undefeated season to top the one loss season of last year's championship run. With new coach Shelly Franko at the helm, Nuckols has high hopes of achieving her goal.

Despite losing key seniors, the mountain biking team should fare well again this year, returning a strong team that won the 24 Hours at Snow Shoe race in June and will compete in the Quantico meet in early September. Senior Charles Jones of Leesburg, a four-year member of the team, looks forward to another great season. Second year coach Jamie East is back as well, and anticipates a strong showing from the co-ed team.

Soccer and field hockey, led by first year Notre Dame Academy coaches Bill Moravek and Kenneth Humphreys respectively, will benefit from an outpouring of freshman interest and enthusiasm.

"Even though our team is young, our coach has high goals, and we look forward to the challenge," said Liz Ritonia, a junior from Leesburg and third year player.

Men's Varsity Soccer senior Dana Scobey of Round Hill says that the team should be competitive and that it's nice to have the new faces and excitement on the team. Coach Moravek led the Notre Dame Academy women's varsity soccer team last spring in his first coaching position at the school.

The golf team, like the other fall sports teams, has also drawn the attention of many new students. Senior player Nick Grillo of Ashburn and first year coach Brett Oliver of Stoneleigh Golf Club in Round Hill will lead the young group.

One reason for the consistent interest and influx of new faces on Notre Dame Academy sports teams is the athletic department's "open door" policy.

"If students want to learn a sport and be part of a team they can do that at Notre Dame Academy," said school athletic director Michael Lockhart. "We value sports participation as essential to the overall education and development of these young people. They each have something to contribute."