The Road to Sports Night 2026 – A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Emma Berardelli '26

Sports Night 2026 is set for Sunday, March 22, at Wagner College. The excitement is truly building up! With practices, performances, and class spirit in full swing, the event – as always – promises to be unforgettable.

What is Sports Night?

For the few who may not be aware of what Sports Night is, here is a quick rundown. It is one of Fontbonne’s long-lasting traditions, where each grade year creates a 14-18 minute themed routine involving tumbling, dance, a special song, mural, and a skit, followed by relay, volleyball, and basketball events to score points. Each year’s captains coordinate all props, costumes, music, choreography, and more alongside their coordinator(s) to bring home the win!

Mrs. Bruzzese, one of the math teachers at Fontbonne, plays a significant role in Sport Night’s success. She is the Senior Year Coordinator as well as the Sports Night Coordinator, meaning she organizes and executes the big event. After speaking with her regarding this year's Sports Night, she shared,

“Sports Night season is officially underway! All classes and their coordinators are working diligently to develop their routines and skits as they prepare to compete for the coveted trophy. We are also thrilled to once again host this year’s event on a college campus. Wagner College adds a special touch to this treasured tradition. We look forward to seeing what the Fast & Furious Freshmen, Shipwreck Sophomores, Junior Miss, and Showman Seniors have prepared for an exciting and spirited evening.”

Behind the Scenes

Each grade has been hard at work, spending hours in the gym, attending roughly 12 practices each to craft and perfect their routines. In addition to this, students also participate in a Sports Night Spirit Week, proudly sporting their year’s jersey that reflects their theme and color while decorating the entire school for a day. There are only around 9 practices left – and anticipation is rising – so let’s hear from the captains themselves.

One of the Senior Dance Captains, Gabrielle Parisella ‘26, shared, “I always anticipate Sports Night season nervously, while still being excited. This year, everyone has really stepped up like never before. I cannot wait to see the final result of all our work together!”

One of the Junior Tumbling Captains, Francesca Moore ‘27, added, “Being a captain comes with immense pressure – creating routines, costumes, and music – but it is so rewarding to watch everything click every year.”

For the Sophomores, the overall captains, Mia Ledesma and Violet Warnock ‘28, shared that Sports Night is special to them because of the memories they make!

Finally, Freshman Costume Captain (and my Freshman Sister) Jenna Ghorra ‘29, when asked how her first Sports Night Season was going, said, “Things are going really well on the freshman side. Being the costume captain has felt seamless, and I already feel bonds and memories forming within my year.”

This is a time to look forward to by every grade, and I am especially excited for the Freshmen to experience their first one. I am personally one of the Overall Captains for the Senior year, alongside Katelyn Kmiotek and Tess Khulmann for the second year in a row. Last year, we were the Jumanji Juniors, and that Sports Night reinvigorated the spirit in our grade. I feel that same energy so far this year in practices, and I am eager to see how the big “show” pans out for my fellow showman seniors and me.

This year is surely a Sports Night not to miss. Whether you're cheering for your friends, enjoying the healthy competition, admiring the costumes, or taking part in the event yourself, it promises to be an unforgettable celebration! Tickets for Sports Night are available here. Doors open at noon. See you there!