The MVA Philosophy
The Montverde Academy Athletic Department believes that through athletic opportunity, we have the unique ability to build a solid foundation of young adults based on character, knowledge, and community. We view this opportunity as a direct extension of the lessons learned in the classroom on a daily basis. We expect our student-athletes to be model citizens in the community and exemplary representatives of the student body, their families, and the MVA community both on and off the field of competition. It is our objective to demonstrate good sportsmanship, fair play, a sense of teamwork and athletic integrity at all times with an awareness of the impact these actions can have on the behavior of others.
Montverde Academy is a full-participating member of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) offering a wide variety of athletic opportunities to both male and female student athletes. As an institution, we strive to provide the same level of world-class instruction on the field of competition as we do in the classroom. While we understand the value of competition and the desire to win, it is not what defines us as a college preparatory school. Our athletic philosophy revolves around the idea that sport can be the ultimate teacher about the game of life focusing on core values such as teamwork, sacrifice, motivation, and family.
MVA Athletics Core Values
Excellence - Eagles are committed to reaching their maximum potential
Accountability - Eagles are cognizant of and take ownership of their actions
Growth - Eagles take every opportunity to learn and grow through their diverse experiences
Leadership - Eagles lead through their actions, showcasing passion and focus in all they set out to do
Education - Eagles develop the knowledge and skills needed to achieve excellence in all that they do
Sportsmanship - Eagles give 100% effort while showing respect and compassion for teammates and opponents
Our Athletic History
The Montverde Industrial School first opened its doors in 1912. In the 1920s, sports teams became increasingly popular and more for the enjoyment of the athletes and spectators alike. In 1924, The Montverde School created its first soccer team and shortly thereafter in 1926, football officially began. These particular teams joined the athletic department which already consisted of boys and girls basketball and baseball.
During the 1930s, both the football and soccer programs ended due to a lack of interest and financial difficulty of the times brought on by the Great Depression. Boys and girls basketball remained functional as did the boys and girls tennis teams. In 1944, the athletic programs were struggling. Boys and girls basketball and baseball were prohibited from outside competitions. They instead formed two teams and played against each other for all competitions. This format lasted for approximately four years. By the late 1940s, the athletic department was starting to get back on its feet. Girls basketball was reintroduced in 1948 after four years of absence. Cheerleading was also available to girls in the 1940s as Montverde Academy was once again actively competing in sports. By the early 1950s, boys baseball was introduced as a competitive sport at the varsity level.
MVA saw a spike in its athletics during the 1970s. Boys basketball and cheerleading now consisted of both junior varsity and varsity programs. In addition, Montverde Academy began cross country, track and field, swimming, volleyball, and tennis at the varsity level. In 1976, Montverde Academy celebrated its bicentennial and constructed a new athletic complex. The new complex consisted of a soccer field and track area with refurbished tennis courts. The late 1980s also proved beneficial to the athletic teams at Montverde Academy. The school implemented girls softball as well as horseback riding. The 1990s and early 2000s saw an athletic staff that was dedicated to taking Montverde Academy athletes above and beyond what was expected of them. During these years, athletics began developing and growing at a rapid rate resulting in the modern era of Montverde Academy athletics.
With National Championships in boys varsity basketball, girls varsity basketball, boys varsity tennis and boys varsity soccer, in addition to various state and region championships throughout our 110 year tradition, Montverde Academy continues to demonstrate its strong support of athletic opportunity at the highest level in order to promote our overall institutional mission of knowledge, character, and community. 2012 marked the 100 year anniversary of Montverde Academy and with state-of-the-art athletic facilities, some of the finest coaches the country has to offer, and an ever growing athletic department, the sky is the limit for MVA athletics!
About Montverde Academy
Montverde Academy is one of the top-ranked schools for diversity in Florida (niche.com) with students representing 70+ nationalities. We offer a strong curriculum consisting of 32 AP classes, SAC programs, honorary societies including Cum Laude, Distinguished Scholars Program, and National Honor Society. Our distinctive programs and partnerships include performing arts conservatories, and sports academies for basketball, soccer and tennis. MVA offers 1:1 individual meeting with college counselors, and 100+ college admissions representative visits in a nurturing, engaging environment.
Our athletics programs have earned notable distinctions that include 18 national championship titles and more than 100 student-athletes are playing professionally. We offer 20+ varsity sports programs and elite programs for boys’ basketball, boys’ soccer, tennis, golf, swimming, and girls’ soccer. Montverde Academy offers a strong, competitive athletic program and belongs to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). Athletic programs at Montverde Academy have achieved considerable local, regional, and national success.
MVA Fine Arts is among the best arts programs in Florida, allowing talented students to focus on their passion for music, theatre, and the arts. Media Arts have earned two National Student Emmys and a Scholastic Gold Medal in 2019. Since 2018, Theatre has earned 31 Critic's Choice awards, Top Honors at State contests, and Dr. Phillips Applause Awards. Our Music program has two All-National vocalists, 28 All-State musicians, and three musicians who earned the honor of performing at Carnegie Hall.
