PCL Announces The Addition Of Nazareth Academy For 2023-24 School Year
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PHILADELPHIA, PA - The Philadelphia Catholic League’s Board of Governors has voted to accept Nazareth Academy as its newest member, beginning with the 2023-24 school year.
“The Philadelphia Catholic League is thrilled to welcome Nazareth Academy as a new member. Their commitment to the student-athlete experience, strong familiarity with current PCL schools, and on-campus facilities will further strengthen one of the best leagues in the entire state. I commend my colleagues for their work during this very comprehensive and deliberate process” said Archbishop Ryan Principal Joseph McFadden, President of the Philadelphia Catholic League Board of Governors.
Nazareth Academy sponsors 12 varsity girls’ sports and is a member of the Athletic Association of Catholic Academies (AACA) as well as PIAA District I. The Pandas captured the 2019 District I 2A Cross Country and 4A Softball Championships and finished third overall at the 2022 District I 2A Swimming Championships.
“Steeped in tradition and true to its Catholic mission for over one-hundred years, the Philadelphia Catholic League is one of the most respected leagues in Pennsylvania and provides Nazareth Academy student-athletes the opportunity for increased exposure to showcase their talents while enhancing the school’s commitment and identity as a Catholic, independent school for girls. This move to the PCL also allows our teams to build upon existing rivalries within the league setting. We embrace the rich history of the PCL and are excited for Nazareth Academy student-athletes to add to its story,” said Nazareth Academy Principal James Meredith.
Along with Nazareth Academy, the league's membership includes Archbishop Carroll, Archbishop Ryan, Archbishop Wood, Bonner & Prendie, Cardinal O’Hara, Conwell-Egan, Devon Prep, Father Judge, Lansdale Catholic, La Salle College, Little Flower, Neumann-Goretti, Roman, St. Hubert, St. Joseph’s Prep, and West Catholic.
“I applaud the Board of Governors on a terrific addition to the PCL as we continue to enhance the league's commitment in furthering the mission of Catholic Education through interscholastic athletics,” said Jake Serfass, Director of Athletics, Father Judge High School and Chair of the Philadelphia Catholic League Board of Directors.
The PCL crowns champions in 29 sports: baseball, girls’ and boys’ basketball, girls’ and boys’ cross country, competitive spirit, girls’ and boys’ golf, softball, girls’ and boys’ lacrosse, girls’ and boys’ soccer, football, girls’ and boys’ swimming, girls’ and boys’ tennis, boys’ crew, girls’ and boys’ bowling, wrestling, girls’ and boys’ volleyball, girls’ and boys’ indoor track & field, field hockey, and girls’ and boys’ outdoor track & field.
During the 2021-22 school year, PCL member schools captured PIAA team titles in girls’ lacrosse (2A – Archbishop Carroll), golf (2A – Devon Prep), competitive spirit (2A Small Varsity – Lansdale Catholic), girls’ basketball (3A – Neumann-Goretti; 4A – Archbishop Wood; 5A – Cardinal O’Hara) and boys’ basketball (3A – Devon Prep; 4A – Neumann-Goretti; 6A – Roman), while an additional eight teams finished runner-up.
Golf is the initial PCL Championship of the 2022-23 school year and will be held Oct. 5 at Jeffersonville Golf Club in Norristown.
About Nazareth Academy
| Founded: |
1928 |
| Location: |
4001 Grant Avenue – Philadelphia, PA 19114 |
| President: |
Mrs. Denise LePera |
| Principal: |
Mr. James D. Meredith |
| Director of Athletics: |
Mr. Dan Bradley |
| Nickname: |
Pandas |
| Colors: |
Blue & Gold |
| Sponsored Sports: |
Basketball, Cross Country, Competitive Spirit, Golf, Indoor Track & Field, Lacrosse, Outdoor Track & Field, Soccer, Softball, Swimming Tennis, Volleyball |