UCDS Varsity Prep Ice Hockey

Where High-Level Hockey Meets Academic Excellence

Our Varsity Ice Hockey Program at Upland Country Day School combines a challenging academic curriculum with competitive, high-level hockey, fostering personal growth, character development, and leadership skills. Join us in an environment that sets high expectations and supports your success both academically and on the ice.

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Serious athletes, serious students.

Upland Country Day School’s ice hockey program sets high expectations and supports your student’s success both academically and athletically.

Athletics Director Taylor Swarter describes the wide-variety of resources and opportunities available to students who are a part of Upland’s premiere ice hockey program. 

Join the tradition.
Embrace the Excellence.

Our varsity hockey program is all about raising the bar. We set high expectations for every student – because we believe in your student's potential. Here, your student will learn the value of effort, the importance of character, and the true essence of leadership. It's not just about winning on the ice; it's about winning in life. At Upland Country Day School, your student has access to:

"There is a certain magic about the Upland hockey experience. I believe this is created through the life long friendships, moments, history, and special traditions that are born inside the walls of the barn ice rink."

Keith Campbell ’07
The Lawrenceville School | Tufts University 

Meet the Coaches

Ben Weston

Boy’s Varsity
Head Coach

Taylor Swarter

Athletics Director & Girls’ Varsity
Head Coach

Court Dunn

Boys’ Varsity
Assistant Coach

Judson Morris

Girls’ Varsity
Assistant Coach

Taylor Cullen

Girls’ Varsity
Assistant Coach


John M. Cleveland Ice Rink

Named in honor of Upland’s Head of School from 1963-1981, the John M. Cleveland Hockey Rink is located on the lower portion of our 23 acre campus, just a short walk down the hill from our academic buildings. In addition to an NHL size sheet of ice, the rink includes locker room facilities for our boys’ and girls’ programs, as well as for visiting teams, a warm room, and snack bar. The rink is home to daily practices and games, multi-state invitational tournaments as well as the Chester County Skate Club.

Our Other Facilities

At Upland Country Day School, our expansive campus boasts a range of top-notch athletic fields, where student athletes can hone their skills and thrive in a competitive environment. From the meticulously maintained fields, to the multipurpose indoor gymnasium and NHL-size ice rink, our facilities ensure that our student-athletes are prepared for any sporting challenge. With a commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics, we provide the ideal setting for student athletes to push their limits and achieve greatness both on and off the field.

Upper Fields

Varsity Soccer, Field Hockey, Lacrosse
420 West Street Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348

Lower Fields

JV Soccer, Field Hockey and Lacrosse
619 Byrd Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348

"The Barn" Gymnasium

Lower School P.E., Upper School Sports Activities, Community Gatherings
420 West Street Road Kennett Square, PA 19348

Explore Our Academic Programming

We believe children rise to our highest expectations, thrive on meaningful challenges, and never deserve anything less. Explore the multidimensional growth experience specifically designed to prepare each student for the future in each of our core schools:

BeeSchool

(Preschool)

Learning to spread your wings and fly.

Primary Center

(PreK – 1st)

Pairing unbridled enthusiasm and boundless curiosity.

Lower School

(2nd – 5th)

A focus on active, hands-on, inquiry-based work.

Upper School

(6th – 9th)

Building 21st century leadership and interpersonal skills.

Y9 Experience

(9th Grade)

Developing as role models and leaders for an entire student body.

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Ben Weston

Boys' Varisty Head Coach

Ben received a B.S. in History and International Business from West Chester University. He has deep roots in high-level hockey, both locally and nationally. He played Tier I youth hockey with clubs in the Philadelphia area before playing at the prep school, junior, and college levels. As a coach, he has worked with several of the premier programs in the Mid-Atlantic regions, including the Philadelphia Junior Flyers and New Jersey Devils Youth programs. In addition to coaching, and his Assistant AD work, Ben has roles in teaching and advising.

Taylor Swarter

Athletics Director

Taylor Swarter works with all Upland hockey teams as Athletics Director in addition to his duties as a Mathematics Teacher on the Upland faculty. Swarter played NCAA hockey and lacrosse at Castleton State University in Vermont, and has quickly gained a reputation as one of the region’s preeminent power skating and skill instructors.

Court Dunn

Boy's Varsity Assistant Coach

Boys’ Varsity Assistant Coach Court Dunn has coached hockey at Upland for over forty years. In his decades behind the bench at Upland, Dunn has coached scores of Upland hockey players who have gone on to compete at prestigious prep school programs like Avon Old Farms, Canterbury School, Cushing Academy, and the Hill School, and at the NCAA level including the University of Connecticut College, Hobart College, UMass-Boston, the University of Maine, New England College, and The Ohio State University. His players have also matriculated locally to Tier I programs like the Little Flyers, Jr. Flyers, and Team Comcast.

Judson Morris

Girls' Varsity Assistant Coach

Judson Morris has over 25 years of hockey coaching experience, working with all ages and skill levels. At Upland, he acts as the Girls Varsity Prep Assistant Coach as well as Upper School History teacher. Coach Morris grew up in Massachusetts, where he played Division 1 High School Hockey at St. John’s before playing ACHA hockey at Duquesne University. Coach Morris focuses primarily on working with Girls Varsity Prep’s defense and goaltending.

Taylor Cullen

Girls' Varsity Assistant Coach

Taylor, an alumna of Upland, earned a dual degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Neumann University. During their time at Neumann, Taylor also excelled on the ice, competing in NCAA hockey. Currently, Taylor is deeply involved in education and athletics, serving as the Assistant First Grade Teacher while also coaching lacrosse during the spring season.

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