This year marks an exciting middle school milestone; our first-ever after-school sports league at Kavod Charter School. Leading this groundbreaking initiative is Coach McKerring, whose decade-long dedication to Kavod’s PE and Athletics program has helped countless students discover their potential both on and off the court. We sat down with Coach McKerring to shine a spotlight on Kavod’s new athletic programming and the Coach himself.
Tell us a bit about you:
I moved to San Diego at 18 to attend San Diego State University, and I’ve made it my home ever since. I currently live here with my wife, Rita, who works as a school psychologist, and our three children: Logan, Aidan, and Mickele. Our oldest son, Logan, attends the University of San Diego and plays on their lacrosse team. Aidan, our middle son, is a high school senior who has competed on the varsity swim team for four years and will be pursuing film school. Our youngest, Mickele, is in 8th grade and is active on a competitive cheer team.
Sports and education play a significant role in our family’s life, and they’ve helped shape who we are. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, staying active through workouts, and spending quality time with my family.
What exciting developments are happening this year in Kavod’s athletics program?
This year, Kavod has partnered with Athlead Advantage to launch our first-ever middle school after-school sports league. We’re starting this fall with volleyball, which will run through December, followed by basketball beginning in January. The program includes boys, girls, and co-ed teams at different skill levels, with practices and games taking place in our new gymnasium. There’s also discussion about expanding to include cheer and soccer in the spring.
What is the value of an athletic program and why is it important?
This new opportunity provides our students with more than just the chance to play sports – it allows them to build teamwork, leadership, and school pride in a supportive environment.
Having an after-school league helps strengthen our school community by giving students, families, and staff something to rally around together. It also creates space for students of all skill levels to grow, challenge themselves, and represent Kavod in a positive way, both on and off the court.
What do you love most about your role at Kavod?
Being a PE teacher truly is the best job on campus. PE is often a preferred subject for many students, and while we certainly have a lot of fun playing games and staying active, it goes far beyond that. PE gives me the unique opportunity to really get to know students in a different setting than the traditional classroom. It’s a space where kids not only work on their physical skills, but also learn important social skills like teamwork, communication, and, most importantly, sportsmanship. Watching students grow both as athletes and as individuals makes this role incredibly rewarding.
What stands out about Kavod’s athletic program?
What makes Kavod’s PE and Athletics program stand out compared to many traditional schools is the experience and consistency we bring to our students. I’ve been a PE teacher at Kavod for over 10 years, and along with my background as both a coach and a youth sports board member, I’m able to provide students with a well-rounded athletic experience that balances fun, skill development, and character growth. While some schools may have more organized sports, our program focuses on giving every student – regardless of their skill level – the opportunity to play, learn, and grow through athletics. My goal is to help students build the confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship they need not only for our after-school leagues, but also to prepare them for the possibility of trying out for their high school teams.
Although we just started our volleyball league, I’ve already received an overwhelming amount of interest from both students and parents/guardians, which shows how excited our community is about these opportunities.
At Kavod, athletics aren’t just about competition, they’re about creating lasting opportunities for students to feel supported, included, and proud of what they can achieve. As we continue to expand our after-school sports offerings we’re not just building athletes; we’re nurturing confident, collaborative leaders who will carry these values far beyond their school years.
Thanks Coach McKerring!
Ready to join the Kavod athletics family? Whether your child is a seasoned athlete or just discovering their love for sports, our programs welcome students of all skill levels. Learn more about our enrollment opportunities, or contact us directly to discover how your child can become part of our growing athletics community!
About Kavod
Founded in 2013, Kavod is a tuition-free public charter school in San Diego committed to growing the next generation of bilingual, globally aware leaders who will make the world a more respectful place. We offer modern Hebrew and Spanish to diverse TK-8th graders alongside a rigorous curriculum, the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, and enriching electives. As a non-religious, dual language elementary and middle school, we are consistently ranked as a top 5% charter school in California and across the country. Kavod means respect – we believe respect makes a world of difference. Enroll with Kavod today!
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