The Basilica School, once known as Mary Immaculate, has been accepted into the Sunshine State Athletic Association (SSAA).
Four years ago, the Basilica School restored Catholic high school education to Key West for the first time since the 1980s. This past spring, the Mariners graduated their first senior class in a generation. Now, the school’s athletic program takes its next step by joining one of Florida’s fastest-growing athletic associations.
Membership in the SSAA will allow Basilica student-athletes to compete for conference and state championships while expanding opportunities for meaningful regular-season and postseason competition. The Mariners currently compete in volleyball, cross country, golf and basketball.
The Basilica School is committed to giving every student-athlete the opportunity to compete. Through Key West High School, Basilica students may participate in sports that are not currently offered at the Basilica School. Over the past several years, Mariners have competed for the Conchs in football, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, swimming, track and field, tennis and softball. Several Basilica students have become standout athletes at Key West High School.
This past year, Basilica celebrated another milestone when Gloria Slavik became the school’s first student-athlete to earn an NCAA volleyball opportunity, signing to continue her academic and athletic career at Cedar Crest College in Pennsylvania.
“Our hope is that membership in the SSAA will provide these student-athletes with greater opportunities to compete for championships while continuing to build something special here at Basilica,” Principal Robert Wright said.
Athletic director Clark Cascio has worked with the school leadership to expand programs, recruit coaches and build a culture centered on discipline, teamwork and character.
In August, the Mariner volleyball team will welcome Amber McCray back to Key West for two days of advanced player development. McCray is a celebrated figure in collegiate volleyball with an outstanding career as both a player and coach. As an opposite hitter at the University of Florida, she earned AVCA Second-Team All-American honors, was a two-time First-Team All-SEC selection, and was recognized as an ESPN Academic All-American. She later enjoyed a successful collegiate coaching career.
The free camp, available exclusively to Mariner student-athletes, will run each day from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by an afternoon match session from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
“We recognize we’re still the newer program in town,” Wright said. “In many ways, we’re the David to Goliath. But we also know how that story ends. Every year our enrollment grows, our programs become stronger and our student-athletes gain more opportunities. We are trying to build a school that will serve Key West families for generations to come.”
