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This Fall Season, they’ve made their mark once again! From record-breaking performances, to championship triumphs, this season has been nothing short of spectacular.

We are thrilled to share that our Varsity Girls Volleyball team claimed the ISAL Playoff for the fourth consecutive year in a row! Our Varsity Boys and Girls Soccer teams also both claimed back-to-back consecutive championship titles. Varsity Boys were crowned the champs of the ACIS, while the Varsity Girls Soccer team were awarded the title of the ISAL. 

Varsity Cross Country raced to new heights this season, with several of our runners even participating in the big NYSAIS Meet. In the final game of the season, our JV Girls Volleyball team had a great showing at the ISAL Championship, taking home the gold for the first time in years.

Most importantly, this year’s Lions have proven that greatness is not a one-time achievement — it’s the result of hard work, relentless determination, and unwavering team spirit. 

Continue on to read about the sparks and stories behind each team’s success this Fall Season!

Varsity Girls Soccer | Coaches Jonathan Ascher, Alicia Thoresen, and Brandon Saavedra

What an incredible season for the Girls Varsity Soccer Team! With a record of 12-0-3, these athletes went undefeated, dominating both the ACIS and ISAL leagues, and clinching back-to-back ISAL Playoff Championships. 

This year’s team showed what true teamwork looks like. Seniors Bailey Lasky ’25, Ia Utmelidze ’25, and Sydney Kirschner ’25 stepped up in every way, not only leading by example on the field, but also mentoring and guiding the younger players who had to adjust to bigger roles.

Looking ahead, the future is bright for this team. With nine returning starters and only three seniors graduating, Coach Ascher says, “I am excited to see where this team can go next season!” He aims to continue pushing the program along on the road to greatness.

Varsity Boys Soccer | Coaches Ra Ung and Regis Enama

Finishing with an impressive 12-2 record, taking first place in the regular season standings, and making it to the NYSAIS Quarterfinals is our Varsity Boys Soccer team.

Despite the injuries that plagued the team, they rallied and persevered. Non-starters stepped up when called upon, playing crucial roles that kept the team competitive. One of the most memorable moments of the season came after the big playoff win, when the entire team celebrated together on the bus, singing Adele’s “Someone Like You” with unbridled joy. It was a perfect reflection of the team’s close bond and shared sense of accomplishment.

To the coaches, what made this season stand out was the team’s grit and winning mentality. They pushed harder, learned from every match, and worked together to overcome setbacks. They weren’t just skilled athletes, they were passionate players.

The Varsity Boys Soccer program will continue to fuel the team's drive to succeed, developing a team that can compete at the highest level.

JV Boys Soccer | Coaches Casey Keith, Reginald Ofori, and Alex Hurtado

The JV Boys Soccer team finished third in both the regular season and playoffs. Though their final standing didn’t fully reflect how much they grew this year, the journey they took together was what truly made this season memorable.

There were ups and downs, and moments when the boys struggled to find their rhythm, but as the season progressed, they began to gel, learning how to play with and for each other. Once they did, the team was able to show just what they were made of.

One memorable moment came during the halftime of a playoff game, when Coach Keith taught the team a new formation, which they ended up executing flawlessly. They created more in-game opportunities as the game progressed and defended the goal with tenacity — needless to say, they were truly hungry for it. It was a moment that served as a testament to their growth.

“We have some incredibly talented players who are just beginning to tap into their full potential, and I know next season is going to be even more exciting, as they continue to develop and grow,” says Coach Keith. The focus next year will be on building on this season’s lessons — maintaining that team-first mentality, and making a strong push for an even better finish. 

MS Boys Soccer | Coaches Patrick Keirnan-Ramirez and Peter Harrison

This Fall Season, our Grade 8 Middle School Soccer team was electrified by the excitement of first-time players discovering the joy of the beautiful game. Seventh graders stepped onto the field with an enthusiasm that transformed our team's dynamic throughout the season.

Coach Keirnan-Ramirez says, “It was a delight to see the seventh and eighth graders who started as strangers become a tight-knit family, supporting each other during practices and matches, sharing laughs during bus rides to games, and building connections that extended far beyond the soccer field, demonstrating how soccer can be a powerful catalyst for creating meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging here at Dwight.”

Middle School Girls Soccer | Coaches Ger Flood and Aggie Bisselle

The Middle School Girls Soccer team embarked on an exciting and challenging journey, one that began with forming a team where none had existed before. The growth these players showed — both individually and as a team — was nothing short of inspiring.

Each player improved technically and tactically, regardless of their starting point. Whether it was learning how to pass, understanding positioning, or simply finding confidence on the field, every player made tangible progress. But what really stood out to the coaches was the level of support each player provided one another. Whether it was a tough moment on the field or a challenging play, each of these Lions always stepped in with encouragement and positivity.

Coach Ger Flood shares, “I  was impressed by the great qualities the team possessed overall.” When it came to flexibility, Romy Guzman ’29 and Parker Rice ’29 stepped up to play in goal, while players like Evelyn Charecky '30 adapted to anything requested by the coaches. In terms of leadership, eighth graders Jazmin Novick '29 and Grace Allen '29 demonstrated a great care towards their teammates and went into every game with a high level of intensity. Bia Marcondes '30 exemplified determination in many moments, most notably in a run down the right wing on Randall's Island to set Chloe Norrington '30 up for a goal on her comeback appearance after an injury! Alice Kigel '30 and Mackenzie Green '30 picked up coaching cues quite easily due to being so open-minded.

Coaches share that looking ahead, the continued development of the seventh grade players is a priority, as they develop their leadership skills and welcome new players onto the team.

Girls Varsity Volleyball | Coaches Tiam Chuck, Aaron Colon, and Tessa Winkleman

Marked by epic plays and fueled by some intense competition, the Varsity Girls Volleyball team had another remarkable season, and another amazing championship run. 

The championship stage was filled with tense air as these Dwight Lions found themselves up against the LREI Knights once again in a fight for the title. LREI was applying the pressure, but our Lions didn’t falter. Our Lions proved to have more heart and resilience in the end, securing the title of Playoff Champions of the ISAL for the fourth consecutive year in a row!

The core team dynamic stayed the same this year, but there were some new additions to the team that added to the already impressive presence the team had out on the court. Newcomer Selin Sevil ’28 joined the team with a great level of excitement, equipped with a strong sense of the fundamentals, and a clear understanding of what it means to be a good teammate. She dominated the right side position and filled in for the team as a middle when needed. Selin Aydemir ’26 was another newcomer who contributed with a stellar float serve coupled with precise swings and strategic placement of the ball that helped exploit the opposing team's weaknesses. Danielle Reische ’25 helped maintain the team’s defensive presence as a Libero this year. Between her serves, receives, and digs, the ball was kept in play and allowed for points to be made. Both Chloe Cross ’25 and Lulu Deyer ’25 served as the team’s middles once again. Chloe had some strong blocks this season and well placed tips. Lulu displayed a great amount of ball control. In addition to some strong blocks of her own, Lulu also had some carefully thought out open-handed tips, great swings at the ball, and solid defensive plays. Sabella Faccio ’27 had some great digs and passes, being sure to cover open spots on defense. Mia Van Eickels ’25 was flexible in her role on the team as she played outside, middle, and right side throughout the season, and throughout her time on the court this season, she had some big swings along with some terrific saves as she helped keep out-of-system balls in play. Grace Capirasco ’25 once again orchestrated the team’s offense, which allowed the team to gain momentum in several dire and crucial moments. Although Grace did set this season, she had some kills of her own along with great IQ plays that allowed her to directly contribute to the score. biEver since she was a freshman, Lina Thompson ’25 was very eager to contribute and make her mark in our volleyball program here at Dwight, and she accomplished that. Lina will go down in history as the first volleyball player that was part of a championship winning team all four years of her high school career. She started out as a middle, then a setter, then finished off her high school career as an outside hitter. Lina’s skill and execution of the game is easily recognizable. Ava Stratopoulos ’25, Melissa Purovic ’25, Maya Kimyagarov ’25, Eloise Oppy ’26, Giselle McCraw ’26, and Maddie York ’26 all provided positive energy to the team, and whenever they stepped onto the court, they added an extra dynamic of fun.

These Lions have laid it all out on the line, especially the seniors! With such a big group of seniors graduating from the program, they will undoubtedly be missed, but the coaching staff and younger teammates look forward to seeing what awaits them in the future.

JV Girls Volleyball | Coach Jan Gallao and Katherine Duquiatan

The JV Girls Volleyball team had their sights set on taking home the gold this season, and they delivered by finishing with a 14-1 record and capturing the ISAL Championship with an undefeated playoff run! 

The season started strong, but it was a loss to Berkeley Carroll — their first and only defeat — that gave the team a wake-up call. This eye-opener exposed both the team's potential and the areas where they needed to improve. Although it was a tough pill to swallow, it lit a fire within the team, and each member made a strong effort to learn from their mistakes and correct their weaknesses.

“Winning the ISAL Championship was the ultimate reward for the team’s hard work and resilience. Their energy, skill, and drive were contagious, making this season one of the most enjoyable I’ve ever been a part of,” says Coach Jan.

Middle School Girls Volleyball Grade 8 | Coach Sarah Benton

Our Grade 8 Volleyball team steps off the court in good spirits with a record of 5-3 this season. These athletes not only worked hard each day, but had fun while doing so!

One of the most unforgettable moments came during a game against Avenues. Coach Benton shares, “In the first set, the team lost, but instead of getting discouraged, they kept their cool and came out in the second set with an unwavering determination.” They played their best, fought hard, and scored points. Even though they did not come out victorious, Coach Benton was pleased to see how the team remained focused and encouraged each other under pressure. What made this moment even more special was that, despite the competitive nature of the game, the girls never forgot to have fun — their positivity and energy were contagious.

Overall, the team was very mature, as they celebrated victories and accepted losses with grace, viewing each experience as an opportunity to learn and improve. This type of mindset is rare, especially for such a young team, and it helped them grow both as players and as people. In fact, because of their mindset, the team was able to begin working on some more advanced aspects of volleyball early on.

Coach Benton is excited to see members of this year’s team advance and develop — and she eagerly awaits working with next season’s team.

Middle School Girls Volleyball Grade 7 | Coach Shana Bass

The Grade 7 Volleyball team’s season showcased the power of perseverance and determination. Throughout the challenges they faced, they remained focused and never gave up, proving that with hard work and resilience, success is always within reach. Their dedication and teamwork were truly inspiring!

There were moments when it would have been easy to get discouraged or give up, but the girls stayed focused and kept working. And that’s what made their first win — in the final game of the season — so incredibly special. It wasn’t just a victory on the scoreboard; it was a victory in spirit. “That win was a testament to their perseverance,” says Coach Shana, “and the joy that filled the gym was something I’ll never forget.

Varsity Cross Country | Coaches Doug Sklar and Holly Nohavitza

From the very first race, our Varsity Cross Country team has been putting their best foot forward, and we couldn’t be more proud of their efforts.

The coaches loved seeing each member of the team work towards a new personal record (PR). In fact, the coaches share that watching runners like Max Nawrocki '27, Camilo DeGeest '28, Clyde Riffaterre ’28, Kitt Starkie ’27, and Vicente Novoa ’27 continually smash their personal records week after week was quite rewarding. Additionally, senior Matteo Ruiz ’25 earned a top 10 finish at the NYSAIS Championship Meet, which qualified him for the New York State Federation Meet.

The team was also fortunate to have great leadership this season from captains Svetlana Stephanopoulos '27, Bella Fakhouri '26, Daniel Barnes '26, and Hudson Pritchard '26.

Middle School Cross Country | Coach Mia Marcus

The Middle School Cross Country season has come to an exciting close, and we couldn’t be prouder of everything the team has accomplished. One of the standout moments of the season was the phenomenal performance of Anouk van der Paardt '30 at the Girls ISAL Conference, where she secured an impressive second place finish. Anouk’s dedication and determination set an incredible example for the rest of the team and demonstrated what is possible with hard work and focus.

Beyond individual achievements, every member of the team displayed tremendous effort and progress throughout the season. Whether it was shaving seconds off their personal bests, tackling challenging courses, or pushing through tough practices, the growth was evident in both performance and character. They built strong friendships rooted in mutual support and encouragement. Every race and practice showcased their determination — not just for individual success, but for lifting each other up as a cohesive unit.

Congratulations to all our runners for their perseverance and passion, says Coach Mia, “You’ve truly made this season memorable!”

 

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This Fall Season was definitely one to remember, as our Lions put their all into each game and meet — their valiant efforts will surely set the stage for the rest of the year! That said, we wish our Winter Lions good luck and much success this season!