A Life-Changing Education: Athletics at Milton Hershey School
By Morris Marshall, MHS Senior
At four years old, on the shrunken field of my youth league team, I kicked a soccer ball for the first time. Fourteen years later, I played my last season of high school soccer on the grass field at Milton Hershey School where I grew to be the man I am today.
In fifth grade I enrolled at MHS, but after a few months, my homesickness pulled me back home. I transferred to a public middle school where—unlike MHS—sports fees, equipment costs, and transportation weren’t covered. Because of that, I was unable to play competitively or seriously practice for three years. Regardless of not being on a team, my love for soccer never faded, and I would play for fun whenever I could.
When I reenrolled at MHS the summer before my freshman year, I set my sights on joining the soccer team. However, due to my lack of structured training and confidence in my skills, I was only offered a position as a team manager. Instead of giving up, I practiced diligently every day, determined to earn my place on the field. One of my teammates advocated on my behalf to Coach Chris Spinogatti ’07, ultimately securing me the opportunity to play in the upcoming season—a gift that I would not waste.
My team quickly became my family. That’s what makes sports at MHS so different; they’re not just about the game. Many of my teammates were in my student home which was designated as a soccer-theme home. We didn’t just play together. We lived together, held each other accountable, and looked out for each other like brothers. Coach Spinogatti ’07 even asked the whole team to wear shirts with the phrase “One Team, One Family” to be a constant reminder of the bond our team had. Without trying, my teammates and Coach Spinogatti ’07 taught me many lessons that I plan to carry with me throughout life.
Juggling the responsibilities of an athlete with the coursework of a student is not an easy task, but one that is achievable. Coach Spinogatti ’07 also wants us to prioritize our education, so he adjusted practice time to take place after tutoring hours, giving us a chance to take advantage of the educational support MHS provides.
Coach Spinogatti ’07 wants the whole team to be the best version of ourselves and has committed himself to pushing us to work hard on and off the field. When I first joined the team, I was out of shape, but Coach Spinogatti ’07 quickly changed that. His conditioning exercises were intense, but they prepared us for the physical and mental demands of the game. We learned to push through our discomfort and to keep going even when it was challenging. That grit is something I carry with me off the field and the reason I believe Coach Spinogatti ’07 shaped me into the man I am today.
Teamwork is truly the most valuable skill I gained from playing soccer and one of the reasons I fell in love with the sport. There is something so inspiring about seeing everyone coming together to achieve a common goal. Soccer is not only a physical game, but a mental game, as well. This past season, I was captain, an honor that I did not take lightly. Without a strong leader, morale plummets which is shortly followed by performance. I take pride in being a leader on the field because I get to motivate my teammates and help them persevere through tough games. These teamwork and leadership qualities are transferable far beyond sports. As I enter the business field, I know I’ll need to collaborate and lead, but thanks to my MHS teammates and coaches, I feel confident that I’m ready.
What Athletics Has to Offer Our Students
The Milton Hershey School Athletics program provides students with exceptional opportunities—all at no cost to families. Here are some of the ways the Athletics program is Raising the Bar!
- World-Class Facilities: The MHS campus is home to many state-of-the-art athletic facilities and equipment, including a 7,000-seat stadium with a multi-sport artificial turf field, grass practice fields, baseball and softball diamonds, lighted tennis courts, multiple indoor and outdoor basketball courts, outdoor all-weather track, three weight rooms, an indoor track, a newly renovated indoor competition pool and diving well, as well as many other incredible resources. These facilities are open to any MHS student who wishes to improve their physical fitness, join a team sport, or simply to enjoy recreational activities.
- Comprehensive Sports: MHS offers a wide range of athletic opportunities, including interscholastic, club, and intramural sports. During the school year, students in 7th grade and above can participate in any of the 15 PIAA junior varsity and varsity sports with daily team practices and regular competitions against nearby high schools. Students can also join off-campus club teams and travel leagues, playing alongside students from other schools. Elementary and Middle Division students are able to join intramural leagues where they can enjoy friendly competition with classmates.
- Athletic Wellness: MHS is deeply committed to the physical well-being of its student–athletes. The school employs an array of highly trained coaches and certified athletic trainers who provide expert care. Injuries can be common among athletes, but MHS ensures every student receives prompt treatment and support to help them get back on the field. Focusing on injury prevention and recovery, MHS ensures students can perform their best on and off the field.
Learn More About Athletics at MHS
