Some highlights: Varsity Swim rose to the top of the ACIS League, with the girls capturing the championship title and the boys securing their best finish in Dwight history as runners-up! 

Our Varsity Fencing team clashed fiercely throughout the season, adapting to tough opponents and demonstrating incredible skill and strategy. Their season culminated in a strong showing at the NYSAIS Championship — despite it being their first ever.

Read on to discover the standout moments from each team this Winter Season!

Varsity Swim | Coaches Elizabeth Heiss, Brandon Saavedra, Tessa Winkleman, and David Gleason

The Varsity Swim team made history this year, continuing their dominance in the ACIS League. The girls’ team swept the regular season, winning every ACIS meet, and then capped it off by clinching the ACIS Championship! The boys put up an equally impressive fight, winning two of four ACIS meets and securing second place in the ACIS Championship — the best finish for the boys’ team in Dwight history! The team’s efforts also translated into a record-breaking number of athletes qualifying for the NYSAIS Competition (where top Independent School athletes from across New York compete to see who’s the best in our state) — a reflection of just how much the program has grown in recent years. Swimmers Naila Broening-Chai '26 and Max Paltridge '30 had an exceptional performance as they claimed 2nd place in their respective events. 

A particularly bittersweet moment for the coaching staff was realizing that one-third of the Varsity team will be graduating. These seniors have dedicated themselves to the program since their freshman year, leading by example and helping Dwight’s swim culture thrive. Their passion and commitment have paved the way for younger swimmers, inspiring the next generation of Dwight athletes to chase greatness in the pool.

With a legacy of champions and a future full of promise, there’s no doubt that Dwight Swim is just getting started! Looking ahead to next year, the boys will remain hungry for their first ACIS League Championship, and the girls will be determined to defend their title for the third year in a row. Both teams have their sights set on even stronger performances at NYSAIS.

MS Swim | Coaches Brandon Saavedra, Elizabeth Heiss, Tessa Winkleman, and David Gleason

The Middle School Swim team made strides this season, as they pushed themselves in competitions to always perform at a higher level. Competing in a total of four meets, the team started strong but faced a tough early loss to Dalton. Instead of letting the setback define them, they channeled their energy into improving, placing first in two of their four meets, often outpacing multiple teams at once. Though they didn’t place first in their final meet, the progress they displayed was irrefutable — and a very proud moment for the team. 

With so many dedicated and eager young swimmers, the future of the program looks bright. We can’t wait to see what this growing team accomplishes next season!

Varsity Fencing | Coach Alex Hurtado

Showcasing a high level of resilience, adaptability, and skill are the members of our Varsity Fencing team, who finished the season with an 85-51 record and earned a spot in the NYSAIS Competition! 

Coach Hurtado shared, “One of the biggest challenges the team faced was adapting to more experienced opponents, but throughout the season, our Lions showed their ability to act and think swiftly whether it was modifying their grip, refining their stance, shifting to a more aggressive style, or taking advice from teammates. This adaptability was a key factor in our success.” 

This adaptability even translated to how well the Fencing team did at the very end of the season, as our Lions really got to put all that they learned to the test by competing on the grand stage of the NYSAIS Competition. The épée (points scored with hits from the tip of a heavier thrusting weapon) team won first place, and the sabre (points scored with hits from the tip and sides of a shorter and more flexible weapon) team finished in second place. Individually, Jamie Knox ’25 finished the tournament with the best overall record for épée, Kitt Starkie ’27 secured the fourth best record for épée, and Jonas Broening-Chai '27 had the fourth best record for sabre. This was the first time our Varsity Fencing team ever competed in NYSAIS, and we couldn’t be more proud of their debut performance!

The leadership displayed by several seniors also contributed to what made this season memorable for Coach Hurtado. “Jamie Knox '25 brought invaluable tournament experience, mentoring teammates through tough bouts,” he said. “Vi Wong '25 displayed sheer endurance and mental toughness, winning every bout in a grueling back-to-back-to-back competition as our sole foil representative against Avenues. Dexter MacManus '25 fostered a sense of community by engaging teammates in conversations beyond fencing, such as discussing films. Juan Pablo Gomez '25 set the standard for accountability, communication, and time management, qualities that strengthened our team dynamic.”

Looking ahead, the Varsity Fencing program is excited to welcome new faces, reconnect with returning athletes, and continue competing against top-tier schools. 

Varsity Girls Basketball | Coaches Chiené Jones and Kenny Pendergast

The Girls Varsity Basketball team finished their season by placing 5th in the ACIS standings. Though this was not the outcome they had worked so hard for, the real victory of the season was the shift in their mindset, as the team embraced a hard-nosed, never-back-down approach to the game mid-season.

Coach Jones shared, “One of the most unforgettable moments was Dwight Lion Pride Night, where the energy in DSAC was electric. Faculty, staff, and students packed the stands, creating an atmosphere that fueled our team like never before. The overwhelming support and excitement showed just how much our program is growing and how much heart this team has.” 

Through every challenge — whether balancing demanding academics or facing fierce opponents — our players showed up, competed, and gave their all. Seniors Elle Brown, Grace Capiraso, Danielle Reische, Jordanna Gallucci, and Lina Thompson played a crucial role in building a foundation for the future of the program, bringing energy and leadership that will serve as a model for younger players.

When asked what is on the horizon for next season, Coach Jones said, “Preseason training will be key in further developing skills and strengthening our foundation. The mindshift into this never-back-down attitude will also serve the program well, and I’m excited to see more of that in the future.”

JV Girls Basketball | Coaches Dallas Lee and Tyrrell Bradford

The Dwight JV Girls Basketball team had an exciting season filled with remarkable growth. After a tough loss in their season opener, the team bounced back in spectacular fashion, winning three consecutive games and building confidence with each victory.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Dallas Lee, the team honed their conditioning and fundamentals every day in practice. But more importantly, they showed up with energy, passion, and a commitment to learning and supporting one another. Their hard work paid off, earning them a well-deserved spot in the ISAL Playoffs.

Though their season ended in the ISAL Semifinals, this young squad — made up primarily of eighth and ninth graders — has laid the foundation for what is sure to be an exciting future.

MS Girls Basketball | Coaches Josh Kigel and Sarah Benton

The Dwight Middle School Girls Basketball team finished with an impressive 8-2 record, showcasing just how much progress this group made from the opening tip-off to the final buzzer. At the start of the season, the team was filled with beginners. But within a few months, the team was consistently competing and winning games, stepping onto the court with determination and confidence!

The most memorable test of their resilience was the game against Avenues, a strong team. Every single player stepped up, played well, and contributed to an incredible win with no subs and no breaks — just hustle and teamwork. It was a defining moment that proved just how far this group had come.

Varsity Boys Basketball | Coaches Dave Brown and Jason Posser

The 2024-25 Dwight Lions Varsity Boys Basketball team were ferocious in their approach to the hardwood.

The growth of sophomore Captain Adrian Sadelain and the steady hand of freshman point guard Milan Foye laid the foundation for the team's ACIS winning record. Junior Jake Sender and sophomore Sam Schagrin led the team in scoring with range from three all season. 

We’re sad to say goodbye to our seniors. Zac Boult made meaningful contributions all season. And although Antoine Vandewiele missed most of his final year due to an injury, he will continue his basketball career at Muhlenberg College.

Coach Brown tells us, “The team finished 4th in the ACIS, a marked improvement from the 2023-24 year — and with 4 of 5 starters returning next year, I am confident about the future of the program. It is promising and they can only go up from here.”

JV Boys Basketball | Coaches Mia Marcus and Jaylen Anderson

The JV basketball team had a season filled with growth, resilience, and teamwork, highlighted by several hard-fought games that tested their skills and determination. From the first tip-off to the final buzzer, players focused on improving their fundamentals, strategic decision-making, and on-court communication.

Throughout the season, the team faced tough competition, securing impressive wins through strong defense and fast-paced offensive execution, while also learning valuable lessons from close losses. A standout moment came in a thrilling overtime victory where the team showcased their resilience, making clutch plays down the stretch. Despite challenges, the team’s ability to adjust and work together proved crucial in key matchups.

With each game, they demonstrated growth, leadership, and a competitive spirit that will serve them well in the future. We look forward to watching!

Middle School Boys Basketball Grade 8 | Coach Jonathan Ascher and Jan Gallao

Progress and camaraderie were the big takeaways for the Middle School Boys Grade 8 Winter Season, as they walked away from the season with the core value of teamwork securely in place.

One of the most rewarding moments for the coaches was seeing every single player on the team score at least one point. This accomplishment wasn’t just about numbers — it was a testament to their development — proving that each athlete grew in confidence, skill, and understanding of the game. Watching them celebrate each other’s successes and embrace their roles on the court was truly inspiring.

Coach Ascher shares, “The team walked away better than when they started overall, both as basketball players and as young athletes. We all look forward to seeing how our young Lions develop.”

Middle School Boys Basketball Grade 7 | Coach Peter Harrison and Ra Ung

This season was all about “trusting the process” for our 7th Grade Basketball team — the challenges were real, but so was the progress. Many of our players stepped onto the court for the first time, learning the fundamentals of organized basketball while facing tough competition. Despite the early struggles, the team never stopped working, improving with each game.

The highlight of the season for the coaches was the team’s first home win. After battling through tough losses, that victory was proof that the process works, that hard work pays off, and — most importantly — that the team was having fun while learning the game. Watching them celebrate that moment was a testament to their resilience and dedication.

The coaches also shared that the most rewarding part of the season was seeing the players gain confidence. It is their hope that the confidence that started to grow within our Lions continues to flourish and spread out into other aspects of their life, not just in basketball.

Varsity Indoor Track | Coaches Holly Nohavitza and Shanna Bess

Our Varsity Indoor Track team had an exciting season, participating in five meets. Among the many highlights, one moment stood out above the rest: junior Hugo Newman’s inspiring final two races of the season. He left everything on the track, pushing himself to the absolute limit in a display of pure heart and dedication to the sport.

The coaches are excited to build on the program with hopes of a larger team and more personal records broken. Next season promises even greater competition, camaraderie, and accomplishments. 

Middle School Cross Country | Coach Rachel Soyk

This season was all about pushing limits, breaking mental barriers, and proving  that we’re stronger than we think. From the first practice to the last race, our athletes showed incredible perseverance, hitting milestones they had never reached before. Chloe Norrington ’30 crushed the 1500M in 5:48.60 and the 600M in 1:59.91, proving her endurance and determination. Evelyn Charecky ’30 put up a 6:19.33 in the 1500M, and 

Ainsley Camporine ’30 sprinted to a 55.19 in the 300M and 9.15 in the 55M, showcasing their competitive spirit.

But this season wasn’t just about times — it was about mindset. These athletes pushed through discomfort, fatigue, and self-doubt. Coach Soyk said, “Seeing them break through those mental barriers was one of the most rewarding parts of coaching. And nothing beats the pure joy on their faces when they hit a new personal record…or maybe when they get post-workout snacks!”

A special shoutout to Evelyn, whose discipline and consistency kept the team on track. She showed up, put in the work, and made sure her teammates stayed focused, proving that great leadership starts with accountability. 

Varsity Jiu-Jitsu | Coach Doug Sklar

This season was a promising period of growth for our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team, with students refining techniques built upon strong foundations. Vivien Jan ’28 stood out for her dedication, mastering key guard transitions, submissions, and demonstrating impressive control during partner drills. Momo Yamashita ’27 showed remarkable progress in his takedown entries, defensive strategies, and consistent improvement in his timing and footwork.

The team participated in their first Jiu-Jitsu tournament, laying the foundation for future competitions. Together, the athletes fostered a positive, supportive environment that emphasized skill development and mutual respect.

This Winter Season was filled with hard-fought challenges, but through teamwork, and with passion in their hearts, our Lions rose to the occasion! 

We can’t wait to see what the Spring Season brings.

Go Lions!