SARASOTA, Fla. — October 5, 2026 — From the youngest Thunder fans to alumni returning to campus, The Out-of-Door Academy (ODA) celebrated Homecoming with a week of school spirit culminating in ThunderFest and a commanding 49–14 football victory over Southwest Florida Christian Academy on Friday, October 2.
Homecoming spirit stretched across ODA’s campuses throughout the day as the school’s pep band took its show on the road, visiting each campus to bring students of all ages into the celebration. By Friday evening, the Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch was filled with ODA families, students, educators and alumni for ThunderFest, featuring food trucks, face painting, bounce houses and plenty of Thunder spirit before kickoff.
“Homecoming is one of those special moments that reminds us what it means to be part of the ODA community,” said Head of School Dr. Deb Otey. “Seeing our youngest students alongside our Upper School students, educators, families and generations of alumni is such a wonderful reflection of the connections that make ODA special.”
The evening showcased students from across the school. Middle School musicians joined Upper School students in the drumline, ODA’s concert choir performed the National Anthem, cheerleaders energized the crowd and the 60-member pep band provided the soundtrack for the evening.
Homecoming also welcomed alumni back to campus, including graduates who are now ODA parents and educators themselves. Among those featured during the celebration were 2006 graduate Hannah Bowers Parker, who attended with her two sons, including current ODA third grader Jack, as well as 2019 graduates Robert Peterson and Kiley Cassis, who have returned to ODA as educators.
The celebration continued at halftime with the recognition of the Homecoming Court, including Senior Queen Julia Dillingham and Senior King Cash Murphy, and Junior Queen Starla Jackson and Junior King Gage Fisher.
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Then, the Thunder delivered on the field.
ODA entered the game undefeated and improved to 7–0 with a decisive 49–14 victory over Southwest Florida Christian Academy, continuing an outstanding season for Thunder Football.
Sophomore wide receiver Dominic Reddick delivered a season-best performance with 129 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while senior quarterback Jaxon Lawhun threw for 188 yards and four touchdowns. The Thunder defense was equally impressive, recording eight sacks on the night. Other standouts throughout the season have included junior Kingston Kokoefer, one of the team’s defensive leaders, and senior Jake Beasley, a leader in sacks for the Thunder defense.
The Homecoming victory capped an evening that was about much more than the final score—a celebration of students, families, alumni, educators and the shared traditions that connect the ODA community across generations.
With the win, the Thunder remain undefeated as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.
