Parkview Baptist School marked the fall sports season with a remarkable accomplishment: state championships in volleyball and girls’ cross country, and a state runner-up finish in girls’ swimming. The achievements represent months of preparation, resilience and teamwork – and highlight the culture of excellence across Parkview Baptist athletics.
Kate Cramer, head cross country coach and assistant swimming coach, said the championship moments were the culminations of long journeys that began well before the first races.
“We start summer training in the beginning of June, then the seasons go through November,” she said. “Because it is so long, you’ve got to add in some fun with the hard work. We’ll do games in the pool. We do boot camp weeks. We go out as a team to dinner, or to the movies, or to play pickleball. We’ll make a running practice a scavenger hunt. Those activities help the teams grow together.”
The Parkview Baptist girls’ cross country team won its first state title in more than 20 years in 2024. With six scoring runners returning from that lineup and an influx of motivated underclassmen, including two freshmen, Cramer said the team entered the season with confidence and determination.
“We knew that if we could get our young runners having success, we had a chance. They all bought in and put in the hard work,” she said.
Betsy Bernhard, assistant coach for girls’ cross country, said the success stemmed from a shared sense of purpose and commitment.
“What makes them a special group is their love for one another. They truly compete, not just for themselves. They run for each other,” Bernhard said. “The most rewarding part is seeing the girls set goals for themselves and achieve those through hard work and discipline. That will carry over to every aspect for them later in life.”
The same can be said for the girls’ swimming program, which Head Coach Billy Newport said was a combination of talented club swimmers, multisport athletes and high school seasonal swimmers.
“What made them special was their work ethic and competitive fire. They remained dedicated throughout the entire season,” Newport said. “Practice attendance was steady. Coachability and adaptation to increased demand was excellent. The ability to handle academics and other sports or extracurricular activities did not waver.”
Newport also credited the program’s success to a collective effort, including Cramer, Faculty Liaison Caitlyn Klingman and parents who were ready to do anything that was asked.
“The combination of athletes of great character and all ancillary support all were part of the season’s success,” he said.
That theme extends across all Parkview Baptist athletics, where family involvement plays a central role. Bernhard said the cross country parents play a vital role in helping with transportation, event setups, snacks and drinks, and helping student-athletes maintain training and recovery schedules.
Cramer added that fellow Parkview Baptist students are also key in the athletic support system. Even early childhood and elementary students got in on the action, giving the teams sendoffs to their state championship contests, while middle and high schoolers led pep rallies throughout the seasons.
“You have so many students who come to support us. We hope we’re inspiring those little ones to be on these teams one day,” she said.
That support was key during volleyball season, where Head Coach Allison Leake guided the team to the program’s fourth state championship and its first since 2005. Leake was optimistic when the team played exceptionally well during a summer camp in Orange Beach. But, challenges emerged once the school year began.
“When you’re trying to get into a routine with classes and homework, it’s not as relaxing as the summer. The kids have more to think about. That affected us a lot,” Leake said. “It was very evident that it was more mental than physical.”
At one point, the team was 8-8 and ranked 21st in its division – a disappointment for a team that entered the season with high expectations. Leake knew coaches and players needed to pivot.
“I typically follow the power rankings and how the other schools are doing. I stopped doing that,” she said. “I needed to focus all of my attention on our team, our practices and our gameplay. It didn’t matter what anybody else was doing. That mantra took over our season. I was constantly telling the girls that it didn’t matter who was on the other side. We had to take care of our side.”
Leake said coaches and players emphasized progress over perfection, encouraging aggressive play and resilience rather than the final outcome. The team’s four senior starters bought in, leading their younger teammates and helping them grow in confidence.
“When you watch our games, you see the team holding hands on the court, hugging each other and talking to each other. Those little things really help to calm everybody’s nerves,” Leake said. “We saw them start to play with each other and for each other.”
As Parkview Baptist celebrates its historic fall, coaches have an eye toward upcoming seasons. With strong returning rosters, committed families and a school culture that values effort and unity, the teams are positioned for continued success.
“I really feel like our programs have strong futures,” Cramer said. “It’s so fun to watch the kids who start in junior high or as freshmen and the progress they make once they are juniors and seniors. You see a real transformation in their mindset, leadership and maturity. It’s incredible to watch their growth and see them become young adults.”
Parkview Baptist has 17 varsity teams competing in 15 sports. Coaches emphasize good sportsmanship, Christ-like attitudes and a servant spirit. At the end of the 2024-25 school year, 20 Parkview Baptist athletes signed on to play at the collegiate level. Parkview Baptist athletes have earned $33 million in scholarships in the last four years. Visit http://www.parkviewbaptist.com to learn more.
