What is Cailini?
Cailini is the Gaelic word for “girl.” Father Kelly started Cailini in 1976 as a way for female students to participate in an athletic competition during a time when they were excluded from the athletic world. Cailini consists of 12 events, which include volleyball, aerobics, gymnastics, arena art, and baking. Due to COVID-19, Cailini was temporarily modified to accommodate for social distancing. Senior Abby Juskiewitz recalls how in her freshman year, Cailini was on the football field. It consisted primarily of relays rather than the traditional events. There was a cook-off as an at-home activity as well. Cailini continues to reinforce STA’s message of inclusivity and excellence in the student body because it represents our school spirit.
What games does Cailini have?
Cailini has many events for students to participate in. These events include powderpuff, which is a modified flag football, a bake off, volleyball, a track relay, tug-of-war, dodgeball, t-shirt art, arena art, a mural, aerobics gymnastics, and high impact. Girls participating in the high-impact and gymnastics events had to undergo a try-out process. More information can be found in Canvas under Cailini by your courses.
What do the girls think of Cailini?
Freshman Anna Pitino says that she feels very excited for the fun tradition of Cailini and participating in games alongside other Lady Raiders. Lila De Almeida, a Junior, feels anxious for this year’s Cailini because she’s “always the first one to get out in dodgeball.”
Why should you join Cailini?
Girls should consider taking part in Cailini because of the opportunity for new friendships and fun. You can choose from multiple events. Cailini has been an ongoing tradition at STA for many years. There is a theme every year with each grade being assigned a different sub-theme to decorate and represent. Last year was Films, and this year is different genres of music. The Freshmen’s genre is disco, Sophomores’ is country music, Juniors’ is rock music, and Seniors’ is pop music. Students that have participated in the aerobics event said they had a lot of fun and enjoyed the music, dancing, and the opportunity to meet new people. Cailini is not limited to Lady Raiders; boys can still participate by attending and cheering on their female peers. On February 29th, make sure to tune in to this year’s festivities!
Cailini takes place in the Don Taft Arena at Nova Southeastern University. 3300 S. University Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328.
