Home Court, Homecoming

On Monday, September 8, the Chatham Hall Varsity Volleyball team stepped onto their home court for the first time in three seasons—and made it a week to remember. With a thrilling tie-breaker victory over The Burlington School on Monday and another win with three straight sets on Wednesday against Halifax Christian, the Turtles not only opened their season strong but also brought an unforgettable spark of energy back to campus.

What made this game even more special? It was the very first competition inside our newly named Wagoner-LaDuke Center for Athletics, Health and Wellness. After years of anticipation and construction, the building came alive with cheers from students, families, faculty, and staff who packed the stands to support the team.

The Wagoner-LaDuke Center isn’t just a gym—it’s a vibrant hub for student life, designed to promote physical health, mental well-being, leadership development, and holistic growth. Its name honors two extraordinary members of the Chatham Hall community: Jeanne Wagoner and Cathy “La” LaDuke, whose combined 74 years of service and mentorship shaped generations of Turtles.

Both Jeanne and La nurtured a culture of excellence, teamwork, and self-care, lessons that continue to echo across campus today. The naming of this facility ensures that future Turtles will grow and thrive in a space that embodies their values of integrity, courage, wellness, and community.

The Varsity team’s win was the perfect way to launch a new era of athletics at Chatham Hall. The buzz in the stands made it clear: our Turtle pride is stronger than ever. The game brought together not just players but an entire community, celebrating resilience, teamwork, and the joy of being back home.

And the excitement doesn’t stop there! On Friday, September 12, both the Junior Varsity and Varsity Volleyball teams will take on Eastern Mennonite right here at home. We hope to see the same energy, spirit, and support as we continue this exciting season.

The opening of the Wagoner-LaDuke Center is just the beginning. Additional celebrations and opportunities to honor Jeanne and La will be shared in the weeks and months ahead. For now, we’re grateful to all who filled the stands, cheered for our athletes, and helped mark this historic milestone for Chatham Hall.

Here’s to many more victories—on the court and beyond.