There are many aspects of a school that make up the sinews of community. From academic rigor to cultural exposure, DGM strives to provide an exceptional and well-rounded experience for our students and families. This year we are excited to bring back the DGM Athletics program! The Gila Monsters are ready to come back with a robust, competitive, and comprehensive athletics program.

Sports are not only an important aspect of culture in education in the United States, but as a developmental tool, they are a vital outlet for students to build camaraderie and to learn valuable mechanics of teamwork, adversity, and pursuing a common goal.

Gautham Balasubramanian
Athletic Coordinator

Mr Gautham is our Athletic Coordinator and a member of our Student Support Team. He obtained a B.S. in Community Health from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master’s in Social Work, with a concentration in schools, from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Mr Gautham has learned wellness and mindfulness from our very own Dr. Dave and incorporates it into his own lifestyle. He believes in the importance of promoting mindfulness to students and the benefits it encompasses. Another important aspect of Mr Gautham’s life is sports! He hopes to share his love for sports with all the students at Desert Garden. In his free time, Mr Gautham loves to spend his time outdoors, specifically playing spikeball, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.

Fall Sport – Pickle Ball

Ages:  Coed – Elementary and MYHS (1st-12th Grades)

Season: Fall Dates are Sept. 8th – Nov. 5th

Cost: $220 per athlete *includes athletic gear (pickleball jersey) and training

Equipment: Athletes will need to purchase a pickleball paddle and wear appropriate athletic attire and shoes.

Practice: Mondays/Wednesdays for Elementary & MYHS from 3:30-6pm (coaching and conditioning)

Location: DGM

Tournament: Bring a Ringer Doubles Tournament on Saturday, November 8th from 8am-12pm

Fall Sport – Flag Football

Ages:  Coed for UE & MYHS (4th-8th)

Season:  Fall Dates are September 9th – November 14th

Tryouts:  Wednesday, September 3rd from 3:30-5pm.

Cost: $250 per athlete *includes registration fee for AZ Premier League, jersey and training

Equipment:  Athletes will need to wear appropriate athletic attire and shoes.

Playoffs:  Details will be announced later.

Practice Times: Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:30-5pm

Practice Location: Desert Garden Montessori

Game Day Location:  Specific Saturdays at Tempe Sports Complex.

Winter Sport – Spartan

Ages:  Coed – Primary, Elementary, & MYHS (Ages 5 and up)

Season:  Winter Dates are Dec. 1 – Feb. 11

Cost: $220 per athlete *includes registration fee, Mud Monster gear, and training

Equipment:  Athletes will need to wear appropriate athletic attire and shoes.

Spartan Trial:  This will take place during the school day on November 17th for 3rd Primary, Elementary and MYHS.

Practice: *ONLY Mondays during December. Monday and Tuesday during January and February. Primary will be from 2:30-3:10pm, LE from 3:15-4pm, UE & MYHS from 4-5pm.

Practice Location: Desert Garden Montessori

Pre-Race Parent Meeting:  February 11th @ 5:00pm

Race Date: February 15th – Location TBD

Spring Sport – Golf

Ages: Upper Elementary and MYHS (Coed) (4th – 12th Grades)

Season: Spring Dates are Mar. 18th – May 13th

Cost: $220 per athlete includes Gila Monster Golf Polo and Hat and training

Equipment: Athletes will need to wear proper attire and shoes.

Practice: Mondays/Wednesdays 3:30-5:00PM

Practice Location: Will alternate between DGM Campus and Ken McDonald Golf Course.

Transportation: Desert Garden will provide transportation to the golf course.  Parents will need to pickup from DGM.

Tournament: Top Golf on May 13th from 2:30-5:15pm

Spring Sport – Flag Football

Ages:  Coed for UE & MYHS (4th-8th)

Season:  Tentative Dates are March 17th – May 12th

Tryouts:  Wednesday, February 18th from 3:30-5pm.

Cost: $250 per athlete *includes registration fee for AZ Premier League, jersey and training

Equipment:  Athletes will need to wear appropriate athletic attire and shoes.

Playoffs:  Details will be announced later.

Practice Times: Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:30-5pm

Practice Location: Desert Garden Montessori

Game Day Location:  Specific Saturdays at Tempe Sports Complex.