About Us

The District of Columbia Public Schools Department of Athletics oversees all athletics for grades 4-12. DCPS students play within the District of Columbia Interscholastic Athletic Association (DCIAA). The office is responsible for verifying eligibility, scheduling events and transportation, and the coordination of officials.

Additionally, the DCIAA is responsible for maximizing the student-athlete experience by providing opportunities that extend beyond their athletic teams. This includes but is not limited to panel discussions, high level sporting clinics, and our DCIAA Student Leadership Council.

Mission

The Department of Athletics is committed to having a sound interscholastic athletic association. DCPS will: (1) reinforce the concept that interscholastic athletics is a vital, integral part of the total school educational program; (2) emphasize standards of scholarship, sportsmanship, and amateurism; (3) promote and develop educational leadership, physical fitness, athletic excellence and sports participation; (4) initiate, stimulate, and conduct interscholastic athletic programs for student-athletes and strive to promote equal opportunity to members of both sexes interested in participating in the athletics program.

Our Goals

The DCIAA works vigorously to provide the following for our student-athletes in grades 4-12:

• A comprehensive athletic program
• Appropriate game officials and security
• Athletic health care services
• Proper and safe athletic equipment and supplies
• Sport clinics to assist student-athletes and coaches in refining their skills and techniques
• Safe transportation

Consent to Participate

Prior to participation in athletic programs, students (18 years of age or older) and the parents/guardians of minor student athletes are required to sign this: 

• Consent to Participate in Athletics form
• Emergency Information Sheet
• Universal Heath Certificate (included in school enrollment packets)

Contacts

Executive Director of Athletics
Mrs. Diana Parente
(202) 729-3289
diana.parente@dc.gov

Deputy Director of Athletics
Mr. Dwayne Foster
(202) 729-3799
dwayne.foster@dc.gov

Compliance Coordinator
Mr. Michael Bryant
(202) 671-2104
michael.bryant5@dc.gov

Assistant Athletic Director
Ms. Dionne Johnson
(202) 671-3026
dionne.johnson@dc.gov

Assistant Athletic Director
Ms. Shanice Abrams
(202) 729-3298
shanice.abrams@dc.gov

Athletics Program Coordinator
Mrs. Peggy Branch-McCaskill
(202) 729-3288
peggy.branch-mccaskill@dc.gov

Athletics Program Assistant
Mr. Gerard Cobb
(202) 730-0618
gerard.cobb@dc.gov

Lead Athletic Trainer
Ms. Jamila Watson
(202) 671-3008
jamila.watson@dc.gov