The Spring Season was defined by growth, perseverance, and plenty of memorable moments. As we close out another outstanding year of Dwight Athletics, we celebrate the accomplishments of our Spring teams and the dedication they demonstrated throughout the season.

A few highlights: Varsity Rugby captured the New York Metropolitan Division 2 Championship for the first time since 2018, then went on to claim the New York State Division 2 Championship! Varsity Golf captured the ACIS Regular Season Championship and advanced to the NYSAIS State Championship playoffs, while Varsity Boys Tennis earned both the ACIS Regular Season and Playoff Championships before competing at the NYSAIS State Championships. 

Varsity Boys Volleyball added to Dwight’s championship success by claiming the ACIS Regular Season and Playoff Championship. Varsity Outdoor Track & Field rounded out a strong postseason showing by qualifying athletes for the NYSAIS Championships, continuing a proud tradition of postseason success.

Across all sports, athletes embraced challenges, celebrated achievements, and supported one another along the way. We are incredibly proud of everything our teams accomplished this season and look forward to seeing what they achieve in the year ahead.

Continue reading for more on how our Lions went above and beyond in the final season of the 2025-26 school year:

Varsity Boys Volleyball | Coaches Jan Gallao and Katherine Duquiatan

Excellence defined the Varsity Boys Volleyball team's extraordinary season. Despite entering the year with just three returning players after losing a large senior class, the team rebuilt from the ground up, and the results were nothing short of remarkable.

The team finished their season with a 7-0 record, capturing both the ACIS Regular Season and ACIS Playoff Championship, and claiming the top spot in the ACIS standings. They also advanced to the NYSAIS Tournament, reaching the Quarterfinals. 

A favorite memory of the season came in their match against Trevor, when the team found itself down 0-2. They dug deep, reversed the score, and won 3-2 in a thrilling comeback. It was that moment that showed the coaches just how special this group could be.

The run was even more impressive due to a young roster with no seniors and three eighth graders, who consistently competed against and defeated more experienced opponents.

“I’m incredibly proud of what this team accomplished,” said Coach Gallao.” To go undefeated with such a young group, against the competition we faced, is a tremendous achievement.”

The team looks forward to carrying this momentum into next season and returning ready to defend their title.

Varsity Boys Tennis | Coach Mark Clemente

The Varsity Boys Tennis team delivered an outstanding season, finishing undefeated and claiming first place in the ACIS standings before going on to win the League Championship. The team also competed in the ISAL standings, finishing fifth, and advanced to the NYSAIS State Championship playoffs. Martin Acosta-Stuehmke ’28 qualified for the NYSAIS tournament as the No. 5 seed, while Jaylen Chang ’29 and Martin Srpon ’27 earned the No. 1 seed in the doubles bracket.

What set this team apart wasn’t just their record — it was their resilience. Coach Clemente said, “Faced with a young roster and key injuries along the way, players stepped up and delivered when it mattered most.”

Favorite memories from the season included matches tied 2-2 that came down to a deciding fifth set, with younger players rising to the occasion and contributing at crucial moments. Capturing the championship once again was an exciting way to cap off a great season. 

Off the court, the team’s chemistry was just as evident. Huddling together to strategize, bond, and prepare for each new challenge, the Lions carried a collective sense of purpose throughout the spring. 

Varsity Softball | Coaches Anthony Rodriguez and Abby Buchmeyer

The Varsity Softball team closed out their season with a 3-4 record, placing 4th in the ACIS standings.

A favorite memory of the season came from Senior Captain Kathryn McMahan, who nearly sent the ball over the fence three times in a single game, a highlight that had the whole sideline on their feet. That energy was a defining feature of this team all season long. 

Coach Rodriguez said, “Isabella, Kathryn, and Sophia brought enthusiasm to the bench, keeping the team loud and energized through every inning. Their leadership through chants and encouragement helped set the tone and kept the spirit high throughout the spring.”

With a young and motivated group gaining valuable experience this season, the team heads into the offseason with clear goals: to strengthen aspects of their game and make a strong push toward the ACIS Championships next year.

Varsity Baseball | Coach Jonathan Ascher 

The Varsity Baseball team earned a spot in the ACIS Semifinals after finishing the regular season with a 5-4 record and 4th place finish in the ACIS standings. Throughout the spring, the team continued to develop both individually and collectively.

One of the team's greatest challenges came late in the season when a key player was sidelined just one week before playoffs. Despite the setback, the players remained focused and competed at a high level, demonstrating the perseverance and adaptability that defined this group throughout the year. 

The season was also shaped by the leadership of seniors Theo Cornick, Luke Jackson, and Julian Nacht. Having coached all three athletes for four years, Coach Ascher saw firsthand the impact they made on the program. “Their leadership, experience, and dedication helped guide the team throughout the season and set a positive example for their teammates,” he said

Looking ahead, the Lions are excited about the strong core of returning players who will continue to build on this season’s success next year.

Varsity Golf | Coaches Christie Kim and Scott Rawbone

The Varsity Golf team had an incredible season, finishing undefeated with a 6-0 regular season record and capturing the ACIS Regular Season Championship. The team also advanced to the NYSAIS State Championship playoffs.

What made the season special were the memories made along the way. Highlights from the senior class included Paul Wilpon coming within inches of a hole-in-one on the fourth hole, Jackson Shell sharpening his chipping skills at a team clinic, and William Scibilia drawing laughs before the season began with the question, “How many people are going to be on the team? My mom would like to know.” 

Captain Paul Wilpon ’26 captured the team’s spirit well, saying, “This season’s team was filled with animated players, all with great passion for the game. We had great team chemistry and the collective goal of winning every time we stepped on the course.” 

Off the course, the team worked just as hard, navigating academic demands alongside their athletics commitments. With another season of experience behind them, the Lions are eager to return next season and build on this year's success.

Varsity Rugby | Coaches Heidi Rubenstein and Arnold Chavis

Dwight Varsity Rugby delivered a historic spring season, finishing first in the Rugby NY Division II standings with an outstanding 6-1 record before capturing the first state championship in program history. The team set winning the Division II State Championship as their goal from day one and approached it one game at a time. They stayed committed, supported one another, and worked hard to reach their goal.

What made this team special wasn't just the outcome but the journey that led to it. Many of the seniors have been playing together since grade 8 or 9, helping build the program from the ground up. Captains Ilan Rivera ’26 and Vicente Ribeiro ’26 led with intensity and a passion for the game. Ilan earned All-Star honors and the Trust Award from his teammates, a reflection of his role as the vocal leader who brought people together and held the squad together over the years. Vicente brought a calm, composed presence that grounded the team in critical moments and earned him the Heart of the Lion Award. Lorenzo Capra ’26 combined natural athleticism with a relentless work ethic, earning him All-Star honors and Most Valuable Player of the State Championship match. Peter Ullman ’26 finished as the team’s leading scorer. Alberto Garcia Haddad ’26 and Hugo Newman ’26, both with the program since grade 8, were dependable presences throughout their careers, while Alessandro de Rossi ’26 was among the first to join as a ninth grader. Seniors Riccardo Toigo, Hunter Newman, and Daniel Born de Andres joined this year and fit in immediately, playing key roles in the team’s success.

Coach Rubenstein reflected on the season, saying, “Seeing these young men develop not only as rugby players, but also as leaders and teammates, made the journey every bit as rewarding as the title.”

Eight of the twelve seniors are committed or interested in playing rugby in college, and the team looks ahead with excitement to the challenge of a rebuilding season next year.

Varsity Track & Field | Coaches Rachel Soyk and Jamal Sharpe

Perseverance and personal achievement defined the Varsity Track program’s Spring Season, with standout results at both the team and individual levels. The Women’s team earned a 2nd place finish at the ISAL Championships meet, while the Men’s team placed 7th. 

Five athletes further distinguished themselves by earning invitations to compete at the NYSAIS Meet: Chloe Norrington ’30 (1500m & 3000m), Clyde Riffaterre ’28 (800m & 1600m), Camilo DeGeest ’28 (100m & 400m), Astrid Brinzer ’28 (800m & Long Jump), and Leo Meier ’29 (100m). 

Balancing rigorous academics with the demands of Track wasn’t easy, but athletes continued to compete, support one another, and carry themselves with pride. Coach Soyk’s favorite memory of the season was watching the team step up at meets and deliver personal bests: proof that dedication pays off. Her message to the team said it best: “It never gets easier, you only get stronger.” 

Looking ahead, the program is excited to keep building on this foundation. With many experienced returners coming back, the team aims to foster a positive culture, push for more personal bests, and translate this year’s growth into even greater success next season. 

MS Tennis | Coaches Erik Kanzer and Marcus

The Middle School Tennis team had a great season built on teamwork, good attitudes, and a love for the game. Though the season was shorter than hoped, the team rose to the challenge by staying positive, supporting one another, and making the most of every opportunity.

The highlight of the season was a trip to New Jersey to compete against other schools. For many players, the chance to travel together, compete, and spend time as a team outside of the normal school day made it a truly memorable experience.

Coach Erik noted that "this season was marked by fantastic coaching," pointing to Coach Marcus as a steady presence who kept players motivated and helped them grow both on and off the court.

Looking ahead to next season, the team has its sights set on sharpening their skills with a particular focus on developing stronger serves. If this season is any indication, they will carry the same energy and enthusiasm into next year. 

MS Track & Field | Coaches Rachel Soyk and Alex Hurtado

Determination and team spirit defined the Middle School Track program’s Spring Season. Despite facing challenges with practice attendance during an especially busy stretch of the academic year, the athletes showed up when it counted and delivered strong performances at the MS Medal Meet, with the Girls’ team placing 2nd and the Boys’ team placing 3rd.

What made this season memorable wasn’t just the results, but the growth that happened along the way. Coach Soyk enjoyed watching athletes step up at meets and achieve personal bests, a testament to the fact that hard work and perseverance pay off, even during a demanding season. “The middle schoolers competed hard, supported one another, and represented the team with pride throughout the spring, showing resilience and camaraderie all season long,” she said.

Looking ahead, the team is excited to continue building the program and helping athletes develop both their skills and confidence. The focus for next season will be on fostering a positive team culture, and seeing even more athletes reach new personal bests.