Athletics is considered an important part of The O’Neal School curriculum. For the most part, students may begin participating on sports teams in the seventh grade. At the Upper School level, close to 90% of O’Neal students compete on a varsity or junior varsity team at least one season during the year.  

The athletics program consists of Fall, Winter and Spring sports. Sports include: Soccer, Track, Cross Country,Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball, Golf and Swimming. A cheerleading program takes place during basketball season.  

O’Neal teams play in the Cape Fear Independent Conference of the North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association and compete in the 2A division. The school has won the Wachovia Cup for overall athletic excellence seven times in the past twenty years.  

Involvement in the athletics program calls for a commitment. Practices and games are often held on school holidays and breaks as well as weekends from time to time. Players are expected to attend.