According to Oxford Languages, the definition of the word rivalry is “the competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field.” 

Since 1933, Bolles has been one of the “top dog” schools in the Jacksonville area. But being one of the best doesn’t come easy. Bolles has developed spirited rivalries with schools like Episcopal, Bishop Kenny, Raines, Trinity Christian, and many others. 

But, which one of these schools is our true rival?

Mallie Brackin ‘28 is a freshman and a member of the varsity volleyball team. The volleyball team just finished their season, ending their campaign with a winning record. When asked who is Bolles’ true rival, she answered quickly,  “Definitely Episcopal… no matter how good Bolles is or how bad Episcopal is, beating Episcopal is always so satisfying.”

Coach Kelly Stevenson is the varsity basketball coach who has been coaching at Bolles for 18 years. Coach Stevenson is no stranger to Bolles rivalries. Her brother, Michael Stevenson ‘93, played basketball at Bolles under the legendary Coach Ward. When asked about her favorite rivalry, Coach Stevenson said, “Bishop Kenny. Kenny has been a solid program in every sport, but especially basketball these past couple years. I think the relationship between Bolles and Bishop Kenny especially helps this rivalry. But, there is definitely always some tension.”

Jordan Alexander ‘25 is a senior that has been attending Bolles his entire high school career. Alexander is a member of the football team, playing defensive back for all four years. He thinks that it’s impossible to choose only one rival. Alexander said, “Raines… or BK. BK because of what happened to our bus. I’ll never forget at halftime, I remember someone said, ‘Bro, they wrote on our bus!’.. And then we saw the pictures, so for sure. Raines, I respect them. They will always give you their all, till the fourth quarter.” 

So, when everything is said and done, there is no clear cut answer to the one true rival. No matter who you ask, what equation you run or experiment you conduct, the answers will vary. 

Legendary Duke Basketball coach Mike Krzyzerski once said, “Great rivalries aren’t built on hatred. They’re built on respect, on a respect for excellence.” Rivalries encourage us to embrace tradition while also leaving a legacy for many students to come. 

Episcopal? Kenny? Raines? It doesn’t matter, they are equally respected. But before you get caught up in the heat of one of these rivalries, always remember, “Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.”