Quaker Matters: Scott Clothier Reflects on Championship Seasons and Student-Athlete Success
It was an incredible year for the WFS field hockey and girls’ soccer programs, led by head coach and longtime WFS faculty member Scott Clothier.
On the latest episode of the Quaker Matters podcast, Coach Clothier discusses his coaching philosophy, the similarities and differences between the two programs, what it meant to share both championship moments with his daughter, Sara, and why each team was able to accomplish the ultimate goal (hint: it's always the players).
Coach also reflected on the difference between a classroom assignment (like a history test) and a public performance (like a musical or a soccer game), highlighting the mental toughness WFS student-athletes develop. As he put it, “The play? The musical? The soccer game? That’s public. You have to be ready to go out there and publicly execute because people are watching…”
He also praised the dedication of WFS student-athletes, noting how they balance demanding academic schedules with athletics—studying on bus rides, putting in the work in the classroom, and then giving everything they have once they step onto the field. “I am impressed with how much they can accomplish.”
While visiting Paris, Jimmy Butterfield ’20 and Liam Hudgings ’20 enjoyed a reunion at Fête de la Musique, the global free music festival held each June 21 to celebrate the summer solstice.
1st grade teacher Sia Willie won the Black Author Award from the Black Authors Association (BAA) for her children’s book, “Liberian Rice Bread. Be on the lookout for her book as it will be featured in Times Square later this summer. Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment, Sia!
Students traveled on a WFS Language Trip to Spain, exploring the country's rich history, culture, and regional diversity through experiences in Madrid, Granada, Córdoba, Sevilla, and the small town of Dílar.
What makes our school so special? Sometimes it's the people who choose to come back. Did you know that 15 members of 2025-2026 Wilmington Friends School faculty and staff are also WFS alumni?
Former WFS art teacher and parent of alum Cynthia Mellow returned to campus this spring, stepping in as a substitute for Teacher Teal and working with students in grades 1–5.
WFS staff member Javier Rodriguez stopped by 1st grade Spanish class where he taught them a traditional Mexican song and explained the origin and history of the piñata. After this, students had a blast taking turns swinging at the piñata. Thank you, Javier!
5th grade ukulele players took their music on the road during the final week of school, visiting classrooms to share a short performance and a little joy.
During the final week of school, 2nd and 3rd graders took their learning beyond the classroom, participating in hands-on experiences that brought history and social studies to life.
Statement of Nondiscrimination as to Student Enrollment
Wilmington Friends School admits students of any race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of these schools. Wilmington Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.