The Philadelphia Catholic League hasn’t grown much since its inception. In fact, the last “new” team to join the PCL ranks was Archbishop John Carroll High School in the 1960s. The PCL has actually gotten a bit smaller with schools such as Cardinal Dougherty, North Catholic and even Kennedy-Kenrick closing. So, Devon Prep really will be the new kid on the PCL block.

Beginning next year, however, Devon’s sporting activities will be subject to significantly greater scrutiny, thanks to a move from the Bicentennial Athletic League to the Philadelphia Catholic League. It’s a gigantic step up in competitive status, not to mention a big move forward in terms of sporting—and admissions—cachet. The BAL is akin to the Island of Misfit Toys. The league’s 18 schools span an eclectic geographic footprint and feature a remarkably diverse collection of schools. Phil-Mont Christian has a tiny enrollment (39 total students), and MaST Charter is a former Philadelphia Public League school that seceded from that confederation. There’s also a school in New Hope and one in Valley Forge, with outposts in Bristol and Newtown Square. The league’s personality could be described as anything goes, writes Michael Bradley for Main Line Today.

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In many ways, Devon Prep will be jumping from relative obscurity when it comes to scholastic sports, to the big time in terms of competition.

The Catholic League is perhaps the state’s best and most well known confederation—and its reputation extends beyond Pennsylvania’s borders, thanks to its rich history. Devon’s move to the PCL will bolster its reputation and put it together with schools that have similar missions and goals. “If this was solely about winning in the league, we wouldn’t be making the move,” says Pat Kane, Devon’s director of external operations. “This is about being part of a league and having major common factors with the other schools.”

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