Our Program

Athletics

Live Oak Athletics aims to continue to help students develop sport-related skills, sportsmanship, and the type of teamwork-related skills that are transferable to other aspects of life. Complementing skills developed in physical education, student-athletes learn what it means to work together, support each other, and push themselves to gain new skills and levels of fitness. By participating in different sports, students are given the opportunities to gain communication skills and to learn what it means to be a good teammate.

Live Oak Middle School Athletics

The year starts with both volleyball and cross-country. Students (fifth through eighth grades) can sign up for cross country and students (sixth through eighth grades) can sign up for volleyball; both sports will have practice twice a week. Cross country has two divisions: 5th/6th and 7th/8th. The cross-country team participates in four or five 1.5-mile races held at various venues in the city and the volleyball teams will participate in six games at their home gym at UCSF and opposing schools.
After the fall sports season, we will begin basketball the week after Thanksgiving; that season will end after the second week in February. There are both varsity and JV volleyball, basketball and futsal teams and the coaches will place students on the team that best meets their needs.
Finally, in the spring, students can participate in futsal. This season runs until the second week of May. Students in grades sixth through eighth grades can sign up for futsal.
We welcome and encourage all students to participate in sports at Live Oak. Building a supportive, caring environment that promotes both fun and challenge provides students with an opportunity to develop new skills and learn how to be a cooperative teammate. Every year we look forward to seeing our students both welcome these new challenges and celebrate the success that accompany them.

Live Oak Lightning

In the fall of 2023, Live Oak's middle school athletics adopted the Lightning mascot. Previously, Live Oak was known as the Green Devils. The Lightning calls to mind the natural energy that generates among our vibrant community, sparking powerful action. Each bolt of lightning is unique in its capabilities and carries incredible potential for impact. On and off the court or track, Lightning student-athletes are energetic competitors and collaborators, building up mental and physical strength before striking with intentional power.

ATHLETICS FAQ

List of 4 items.

  • Can lower school students play sports at Live Oak?

    A variety of sports are available for lower school students through our Roots & Branches Program, which is part of our Extended Care offerings. Though not official Live Oak sports, Roots & Branches partners with Potrero Project Play to offer valuable sports programs as part of our students' extracurricular experience. Popular Roots & Branches sports for grades K-5 include soccer and futsal.

  • How long does the season last?

    Each of the three middle school sports seasons (Fall, Winter, Spring) typically run 8-10 weeks in length. 

  • What is the weekly time commitment of sports?

    Teams generally practice 1-2 days per week and/or play 1-2 games each week. There are usually no more than two team practice/games per week. We intend for athletics to supplement our students' experience, while allowing time for other extracurriculars, academic work, and personal pursuits.

  • Where do they practice/play their games?

    Volleyball, basketball, and futsal teams practice and play home games at the fitness center on the UCSF Mission Bay campus (1675 Owens Street). The campus is approximately a 10 minute walk from Live Oak School.

    Cross country practices at Jackson Park directly across from the Live Oak campus and competes at courses in the city, like Golden Gate Park, MacLaren Park, and Crissy Field. Coaches transport students to all home games. Parents are required to help transport students to all away games.

Recent Athletics Highlights

Below is a list of San Francisco Athletic League championships that Live Oak teams have won since 2015.

List of 9 items.

  • 2024-25

    7th/8th Boys Cross Country
    7th/8th Girls Cross Country
    Varsity Girls Basketball
    7th JV Boys Basketball
    JV Girls Basketball

  • 2023-24

    5th/6th Boys Cross Country
    5th/6th Girls Cross Country
    7th/8th Boys Cross Country
    7th/8th Girls Cross Country
    Varsity Girls Basketball

  • 2022-23

    5th/6th Boys Cross Country
    5th/6th Girls Cross Country
    7th/8th Boys Cross Country
    JV Girls Basketball
    JV Boys Futsal

  • 2021-22

    5th/6th Boys Cross Country
    7th/8th Boys Cross Country
    Varsity Girls Basketball

  • 2019-20

    JV Volleyball
    Varsity Volleyball
    JV Girls Basketball

  • 2018-19

    Varsity Volleyball
    5th/6th Boys Cross Country
    Varsity Girls Futsal

  • 2017-18

    5th/6th Boys Cross Country
    7th/8th Boys Cross Country

  • 2016-17

    Varsity Volleyball
    7th/8th Boys Cross Country
    JV Boys Futsal
    JV Girls Futsal

  • 2015-16

    5th/6th Boys Cross Country
    JV Boys Futsal

Questions About Athletics or PE?

Reach out to Robbie Smiley, Athletic Director, robbie_smiley@liveoaksf.org with questions about middle school athletics and/or the Live Oak PE program. Also, feel free to explore the Athletics Handbook below for more information. 

Admissions

1555 Mariposa St.
San Francisco, CA 94107

415 861-8840
info@liveoaksf.org
Live Oak School welcomes and admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, citizenship status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and faith to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities of Live Oak School. Live Oak School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, citizenship status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and faith in administration of its educational policies and programs, admissions policies, Adjusted Tuition program, and athletic and other school-administered programs.