How TanenbaumCHAT Athletics Nurtures Character, Community, and Lifelong Success
At TanenbaumCHAT, the school day often begins long before the bell rings. By 6:15 AM, the gym lights are glowing, athletes are geared up, and the rhythm of a thriving athletics culture is in full swing. “With a wide range of sports and teams, students begin practices in the gym at dawn and have games after school,” says Head of School Dr. Jonathan Levy. While TanenbaumCHAT is renowned for its academic excellence, it also boasts a vibrant, competitive, and inclusive sports environment that is deeply integrated into the student experience. “But the athletics program isn’t just about competition. It builds character, community, and confidence,” says Levy.
The banners that line the school gym walls proudly attest to the longevity, spirit, and success of decades of teamwork, triumph, and tenacity by TanenbaumCHAT’s various teams.
Under the leadership of Athletic Director Adam Chaim, the program continues to grow every year. Last year, about one-third of the student population took part in more than 28 competitive teams, and this year, that number has surpassed 30, a figure even higher when including participation through intramurals. “Our athletics program includes extracurricular teams that compete in the Toronto District Catholic Athletic Association (TDCAA),” explains Chaim. “We also run a lively intramural program where students can play socially or compete in a variety of sports and activities during lunch hours. We have a fitness room where students and staff can exercise under proper supervision. And we even have international tournaments where students get to compete with athletes from Israel, across Canada, and the United States.”
From cross country and curling to golf, volleyball, basketball, ice hockey, softball, badminton, and skiing, to name a few, the opportunities are extensive. “With so many ways to be active and competitive, everyone has a chance to find themselves by participating in some way,” says Chaim. “It’s incredible to watch our students become great teammates, close friends, and build experiences they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.” Whether a seasoned athlete or a new enthusiast, students of all skill levels are encouraged to participate, discovering new talents, developing confidence, and experiencing the joy of belonging to something bigger than themselves.
For many students, the impact of TanenbaumCHAT athletics goes far beyond the scoreboard. It’s a dynamic environment that teaches invaluable life lessons, preparing students for future success in post-secondary institutions and beyond. “Even when we don’t win, our students work hard and play hard,” says Levy. “Sports provide them with an outlet from their studies while teaching interpersonal skills, leadership, teamwork, resilience, and how to win or lose gracefully.”
Current student Abby C., a multi-sport athlete who plays senior girls basketball, varsity ice hockey, softball, badminton, and senior flag football, embodies that spirit. She earned multiple MVP and sportsmanship awards and was named Junior Athlete of the Year in Grade 10. “Our academic schedule is always busy, so sports give me a chance to connect with friends, meet new people, and take a break from schoolwork while still doing something active and meaningful,” she says. “I’ve learned to manage my time efficiently and stay organized. As one of the older players now, I also focus on collaboration and inclusivity—making sure younger teammates feel valued and included.”
Current student Jacob Z., a two-time basketball captain, volleyball player, and Athlete of the Year, also credits athletics for shaping his growth on and off the court. “Competing gives me the opportunity to proudly represent TanenbaumCHAT, work as part of a team, and learn valuable lessons and important life skills, including discipline, collaboration, resilience, and time management,” he says. “I learned how to lead by example, support and motivate my teammates, and make decisions under pressure—skills that I have applied to my life and will continue to put into practice beyond graduation.”
“Sports provide them with an outlet from their studies while teaching interpersonal skills, leadership, teamwork, resilience, and how to win or lose gracefully.”
Dr. Jonathan Levy
Athletics at TanenbaumCHAT extend well beyond players. Students can also get involved through leadership and support roles that keep the spirit of sport alive.
Current student Aidan V. is a proud member of the Athletic Council, which meets weekly to organize events, plan and run the school’s intramural program, lead the scorekeeping team, run the dedicated Athletics social media accounts, and encourage an overall healthy lifestyle through sport. “The Council definitely got me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to lead and contribute to a group,” he says. “It’s taught me to speak my mind and value teamwork.”
Current student, and fellow Council member Dahlia D-L. has been active in athletics since Grade 9 and always admired the confident leaders who came before her. “I felt motivated to foster the TanenbaumCHAT spirit within the school, and to share the special warmth of TanenbaumCHAT athletics with everybody,” she says. Recently, the Council raised $1,800 for the Terry Fox Foundation, demonstrating the program’s broader impact. “This is the true power of TanenbaumCHAT athletics,” says Dahlia. “It’s a dynamic environment that brings students together to collaborate, lead, and thrive.”
The school’s connection to sport continues long after graduation. Alumni return to both participate in and spectate athletic events, maintaining bonds forged years earlier.
Josh Sugar ’90, a former Athlete of the Year, participated on several teams as a student and fondly remembers the camaraderie, early morning practices, tournaments in other cities, and learning how to juggle academics and sports. “But most of all, I remember being with my teammates,” says Sugar, who has stayed involved in the school through the Israel Becker Basketball Tournament in memory of his former classmate Israel Becker ’88 z”l. “It’s an honour to give back to the school and pay tribute to our friend.”
Now a TanenbaumCHAT teacher, former Athlete of the Year, Lainie Sugar ’91 now coaches the flag football team with colleague and fellow alum Josh Sable ’90, who was also an Athlete of the Year. “I have so many great memories from my time as a student-athlete,” she says. “Now, as a teacher, I tell my students that while they may not remember every lesson they learn, they will remember meaningful experiences—like being on a team.”
Madeleine Venn-Mitchell ’09 says her involvement in athletics was a highlight of her high school experience. “It taught me so much about commitment, discipline, determination, leadership, mentorship, and teamwork,” she says. “The expectation to focus, work hard, be present, on-time, and give it my all during every game and practice in order to be the best I can be—I live by these lessons and qualities in everything I do from my family to my investment banking career.” As just one example, Venn-Mitchell, along with her husband and sibling-in-laws, co-chaired the UJA Walk with Israel in 2024 and contribute to various Jewish and Israeli philanthropic causes.
Ashley (Kochman) Bahar ’03, now National Athletic Director for Maccabi Canada and board member, echoes that sentiment. “Sports were my life,” she says.
“Basketball itself was a big part of who I am. It allowed me to do things in life, and took me places.” Bahar says the athletics program was “robust” and that the coaches were wonderful people who took an active interest in female sports. “I genuinely don’t think I’d be the same person or do what I do without those experiences.”
Even recent graduates share the same feelings. Logan Shnier ’23, now at Western University’s Ivey School of Business, says sports taught him invaluable life lessons. “You learn a lot about putting yourself out there and taking chances. You learn about commitment and showing up—it’s not just about talent or skill,” he says. His teammates remain close, even returning to play against the current volleyball team, illustrating the lasting bonds forged through competition and the everlasting connection to TanenbaumCHAT.
From fostering teamwork and leadership to developing time management and resilience, athletics at TanenbaumCHAT are about much more than winning. They’re about building character, community, and connection. “Our athletics program embodies the values we strive to teach in every part of school life,” says Levy. “Teamwork, responsibility, discipline, respect—these are Jewish and human values that students carry with them long after graduation.”
At TanenbaumCHAT, athletics isn’t an extracurricular—it’s a cornerstone. It energizes the school day, builds lifelong friendships, and teaches lessons that echo long after the final whistle blows. Some student-athletes go on to play professionally. Others take the lessons they’ve learned and bring them into boardrooms, classrooms, and communities around the world.
