What began as one athletic director’s dream two decades ago has grown into a cherished tradition connecting Ursuline students across the country. This fall, Ursuline Academy of St. Louis hosted the second annual Sister Schools Volleyball Games—part of a 20-year legacy of sportsmanship, travel, and lifelong friendship among Ursuline sister schools.
Athletic Director Jen Brooks recalls how the idea first took shape. “Before coming to Ursuline, I worked at Villa Duchesne, where they held Sacred Heart Sister School Games,” she said. “I loved the concept and wanted to bring something similar to the Ursuline community.”
When Brooks arrived at Ursuline in 1994, she eventually launched the first Sister Schools Games in lacrosse—then a non-state-sanctioned sport that allowed more flexibility for travel. With generous support from the Woodling family, the inaugural event brought together Ursuline schools from St. Louis, Wilmington (Delaware), New Rochelle (N.Y.), and Dallas (Texas).
The tradition took off. Each year, a different school host rotating between cities. Students travel on Thursday, explore their host city, shadow classes on Friday, and compete through the weekend before wrapping up with Mass and a “Taste of…” celebration featuring local foods—like St. Louis gooey butter cake and toasted ravioli.
“It’s amazing,” Brooks said. “We’ve had students become college roommates or even find jobs through connections they made at these games. One of my favorite full-circle moments was when my daughter Nora, then an assistant coach, competed against another alum who’s also coaching. They first met through the Sister Schools Games years ago.”
What began with lacrosse has expanded into a multi-sport exchange. Basketball now includes teams from St. Louis, Dedham, and Dallas. Volleyball brings together St. Louis, Dedham, Wilmington, and New Orleans. Tennis teams meet in Ohio, and field hockey players compete against Sacred Heart Louisville.
This year, St. Louis hosted the volleyball event, welcoming visiting teams for a weekend of competition and connection. On Friday, student-athletes shadowed classes, while athletic directors and coaches met for their own professional exchange. “It’s a safe space,” Brooks explained. “We share the same mission and values, so we can talk openly about ideas, challenges, and best practices.”
That evening, the group headed to the City Foundry for games and an escape room adventure before returning to campus Saturday for more matches and a celebratory Mass at St. Peter Church in Kirkwood, where Ursuline sisters joined in worship.
Organized by an enthusiastic team of volleyball parents, the weekend concluded with the traditional “Taste of St. Louis,” featuring local favorites—Imo’s pizza, toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and Ted Drewes frozen custard.
“The parents were incredible,” Brooks said. “Their generosity and support made the weekend special for everyone.”
As the teams look ahead to next year’s gathering, Brooks says the highlights never change: “Seeing these girls go from strangers on Friday to hugging and laughing by Saturday night—that’s what it’s all about. The sisterhood is real.”
