At SPIRE Academy, 2025 was a year defined by progress — on the field, in the classroom, and across our growing campus. While these highlights represent only a few of the achievements from the past year, they capture the momentum, impact, and direction shaping SPIRE’s future.
From record-breaking performances to bold innovations, SPIRE continued building one of the nation’s most dynamic environments for student-athletes.
SPIRE athletes — and coaches — delivered big! Soccer standout Sammy Harvey signed with the Seattle Sounders, reinforcing the pathway from SPIRE to the professional ranks. As Head of Player & Coach Development & Director of Women’s Soccer Paul Smalley noted,
“Samuel Harvey’s progression into the professional ranks clearly illustrates the opportunities and player development pathways for all players that join SPIRE.”
Wrestler Jason Dube surged to No. 5 nationally, swimmer Erkhes Enkhtur set 12 national records for Mongolia, and SPIRE’s girls 4×400 team captured a national title at the 2025 Adidas Track & Field National Championships.
SPIRE Women’s Basketball program maintained national prominence, featuring two Top 100 athletes, including nation’s No. 1 overall prospect Saniyah Hall and Ariyana “Peanut” Cradle. The program continues to build its national profile and develop talent.
SPIRE Volleyball continued its growth in 2025, completing its second academic season and transitioning into the club model under SPIRE Volleyball Club. The program is set to compete against top regional and national competition while launching a search for a new Director of Volleyball to lead the next era of both the academy and club programs.
SPIRE Men’s Basketball elevated its competitive edge with the addition of legendary coach Kevin Boyle, whose championship pedigree continues to attract elite talent and raise the program’s national profile.
SPIRE’s new cross country program found success immediately.
“Launching our inaugural season and seeing it succeed right away speaks to the culture we’re building — one rooted in commitment, growth and belief,”
said Director of Track Tim Mack.
The SPIRE Lacrosse program marked a major victory, defeating Arizona’s top-ranked Brophy Prep.
SPIRE strengthened its academic foundation in 2025 — earning international accreditation through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), advancing AP and college-prep offerings, partnering with Hiram College to conduct on-site post-graduate classes, and expanding hybrid learning models.
“Students no longer have to choose between academics and athletics,” said Director of Academy Trish Johnson. “We’ve built a complete system designed to help them thrive.”
Innovation accelerated with the launch of SPRI — the SPIRE Performance Research Institute — bridging performance, research, and applied technology. The inaugural SPRI Tech Summit brought together coaches, doctors, and technology industry leaders to explore emerging tools in athlete development.
“Our mission with SPRI is to bridge research and real-world application,” said Bobby Kaleal. “We want coaches and athletes to leave with tools they can use immediately.”
SPIRE continued expanding its national footprint with strategic partnerships and campus investments. The academy launched its first fourth-meal programs with Chick-fil-A and Waffle House and partnered with National Football League legend Donald Driver to launch SPIRE’s first flag football program.
The campus welcomed key leadership hires, including Adam Taylor as Head of Content and Media, Amy Liles as Head of Partnerships and Tournaments, and Matt Cohen as Assistant Athletic Director and General Manager. The new Wingate by Wyndham Geneva opened on campus, enhancing accommodations for visiting teams, families, and event attendees.
SPIRE also hosted multiple premier national events, including the NCAA Division III Track & Field National Championships, USA Artistic Swimming, the Big East Conference Swim Championships, and USA Wrestling’s U20 National Championships, reinforcing its status as a national destination for elite competition.
College placement remained a central focus. SPIRE celebrated more than 40 student-athlete commitments — including 20+ to Division I programs — reflecting the academy’s dedication to preparing students for success beyond high school.
As CEO Steve Sanders shared,
“This year was about building momentum with intention — strengthening our core, investing in innovation and positioning SPIRE for long-term growth.”
SPIRE enters 2026 focused, energized, and committed to developing student-athletes who succeed — in competition, in the classroom, and in life.
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