Appeal Panel Preserves Championship Opportunities for Ursuline Student-Athletes

A unanimous ruling by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Appeal Panel has preserved championship opportunities for The Ursuline School's student-athletes.

The panel overturned a Section One amendment that would have excluded existing non-public member schools from sectional championship competition against Section One public schools beginning with the 2027–2028 school year. The decision allows Ursuline student-athletes to continue competing for Section One championships and the opportunity to advance to New York State championship competition.

The ruling follows a joint appeal filed by The Ursuline School, Albertus Magnus High School, and Keio Academy of New York. After a July 20 hearing, the three-member panel unanimously upheld the schools' appeal, concluding that the amendment exceeded the authority granted to Section One under the NYSPHSAA Constitution.

“This decision affirms the importance of fairness, consistency, and due process in educational athletics," said Dr. Colleen Melnyk, President of The Ursuline School. "We are grateful to the Appeal Panel for its careful review and to Albertus Magnus and Keio Academy for their partnership throughout this process. We now look forward to moving ahead in a spirit of collaboration and continuing to provide meaningful opportunities for all student-athletes."

"We are grateful to the Appeal Panel for its careful review and to Albertus Magnus and Keio Academy for their partnership throughout this process. We now look forward to moving ahead in a spirit of collaboration and continuing to provide meaningful opportunities for all student-athletes."

- Dr. Colleen Melnyk, president

Dr. Melnyk also expressed appreciation to the students, families, coaches, faculty, staff, trustees, alumnae, and supporters who offered their encouragement during the appeal process. She recognized attorney John McGowan for his leadership and counsel in representing the three schools.

For nearly five decades, The Ursuline School has embraced educational athletics as an extension of its mission, where competition builds confidence, teamwork fosters leadership, and perseverance shapes character. The school looks forward to continuing its longstanding partnership with Section One and its member schools while providing meaningful athletic experiences that prepare young women for success both on and off the field of play.

Related Story: Fairness in High School Athletics Should Not Be Up for Debate in Section One