Our philosophy regarding athletics is simple and is based on the belief that physical exercise is an important part of any education. Each student participates in an afternoon activity during each of the three yearly seasons. That activity can be a traditional sport, riding, or one of the Outdoor Program options (kayaking or rock climbing). We want students to get out and participate to the best of their ability and have fun. From those who aspire to college athletics to those who are more reluctant about organized sports, there is a place for each person and level of ability. We hope that Thacher students leave with the lasting impression that physical activity is good for the mind, body, and soul.

Although all entering ninth graders must complete one year of the Horse Program, Thacher offers all freshmen the opportunity to play on sports teams provided that they meet their weekly horse requirements. Several “freshmen-only” teams meet two or three times weekly for practice and games. Freshmen can also play on JV level and Varsity teams if they meet the qualifications. The vast majority of our ninth graders choose to participate in sports throughout the year in addition to riding. Students who enter as sophomores or juniors need complete only one season of riding during their time at Thacher which can be done anytime before the senior year.

For a small school, Thacher has a wide range of athletic opportunities at every level. We offer 13 varsity sports for both girls and boys. Varsity programs are for students who have achieved a certain range of success within a given sport and wish to compete at a highly competitive level. Top athletes often go on to compete at the college level. We also offer each of our sports at the JV level for students who would like to become more proficient and work on their skills. Several sports also offer a Third Team option, which is more participation-oriented and is for student who like to learn and build skills while having fun, but would prefer a lower level of interscholastic competition. We welcome the most experienced of athletes as well as those who have never participated in organized sports. Everyone must participate on at least one athletic team before graduating.

After students have completed their horse requirement and the one-season team sport requirement, they may apply for an Independent Afternoon Project. This program allows students with a particular talent or field of interest to pursue that endeavor at a higher, more individualized level. Due the independent nature of such projects and the responsibility and self-discipline required to complete the project, these are only rarely granted to sophomores and are most often granted to juniors and seniors. Between six and seven students each season are granted Independent Projects.

The vast majority (11 of 13) of our varsity coaches played their sport at the college level. Many earned All-American and All-Ivy distinctions and some have even played at the professional level. All of our coaches, regardless of the level that they coach, have played their sport at a competitive level and most pursue further education in their sports through summer clinics or mentoring. Thacher works very hard to hire the most talented and experienced coaches possible in order to provide athletes with a superior experience.

Thacher sports are as competitive as players want them to be. There is a level appropriate to all students' desires and experiences. Our very top athletes go on to play college athletics. These students will help with guidance on training, competing, suggesting summer skills camps, and contacting college coaches in support of athletes' candidacy.

Typically, teams have games on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons to allow for traveling time to the various schools against whom we compete. Those include the Condor League schools (Cate, Ojai Valley School, Dunn, Midland, Laguna Blanca, and Besant Meadow) as well as other independent and public schools. Varsity teams that compete against bigger public and private schools also have additional games during the course of the week.