Throughout the fall season, student-athletes on our ten teams made progress on an individual and group level – winning hard-fought victories, learning more about their sport, and displaying camaraderie through it all. Two claps for our fall teams!
Varsity Girls/Non-Binary Students Volleyball
The Varsity Girls/Non-Binary Students Volleyball team had a strong season, building on the progress from last year. According to Coach Leszek Stankiewicz, a moment that stood out was the team's first conference game against Columbia Prep, which they won. As he writes, "That victory gave us confidence that the conference championship is attainable and showed us that the teams dominating last year are now within our reach. It also demonstrated how much we’ve improved as a team this year, starting this season at a much higher level than before." The team won all games that went to five sets – Lycée (home and away) and UNIS (home). The student-athletes did an overall good job leading together, and benefited from a lot of time on the court. At the close of the regular season, the team finished in second place in the conference – setting them up to aim for first place next year.
Varsity Boys/Non-Binary Students Soccer
The Varsity Boys/Non-Binary Students Soccer team showed a lot of progress throughout the season. Coaches George Nantwi and Kerfala Sylla cite the team's first league game against Loyola as one of the highlights. After an early lead, they conceded two preventable goals; for the entire second period, they played in Loyola's half of the field and scored to tie the game. The coaches considered the game "one of the best performances" they have seen in two years. Ben S. '25 "played every minute of every game as a centerback, even though that was not his preferred or natural position. He never complained, led by example and helped the younger ones adapt." Overall, the younger players contributed greatly to the team; the coaches think the future of the soccer program looks promising.
Varsity Girls/Non-Binary Students Soccer
Members of the Varsity Girls/Non-Binary Students Soccer team had a good group dynamic. This was on fully display during the team's second league game against UNIS, which they won. As Coach Meghan Chidsey describes, "Players were locked-in, positive, and brave. The defensive shape was consistently strong, with our wing-backs working to fly back and cover. Our center-mids did an excellent job controlling the middle and distributing wide. Our wing-backs also did a great job flying forward to become offensive threats, creating meaningful crosses through the middle. Our strikers ate up the box. Finally, our keeper had a very brave match as well – punching a corner kick out of the box and quickly using her hands." Phoebe A. '25 led particularly well throughout the season.
Varsity Girls/Non-Binary Students Tennis
The Varsity Girls/Non-Binary Students Tennis team showed camaraderie in practices and matches. One of the highlights of the season included the team's second game against Grace Church, where everyone played well and the "vibes were great," according to Coaches Nicole Massa and Cody Davis. Another standout moment was the team's final game of the season, an out-of-league match against Leman. Leila B. '27 showed great leadership throughout the season – from carrying the baskets to ensuring the rest of the team was in good spirits. As Nicole and Cody write, "She really set an example for everyone else to follow and both coaches recognized that consistently." As the season progressed, the coaches noticed a positive shift in the players' engagement and overall team spirit. "A strong team dynamic and camaraderie amongst each other was one thing we really strived for, and I think we reached that point by the end of the season."
Varsity Cross Country
The Varsity Cross Country team, led by Coach Prince Gomes, had a great season with a series of strong individual performances. Student-athletes raced in several meets in Van Cortlandt Park, and were represented at the NYCAL Championship and Invitational meets to close the season. As Prince describes, "multiple athletes PR'd with their distance times, marking a successful progression for the year." Monte G. '25 led well consistently, pushing his fellow teammates to strive for more. The team will look to keep their momentum in the indoor track season.
Junior Varsity Grey Girls/Non-Binary Students Volleyball
The Junior Varsity Grey Girls/Non-Binary Students Volleyball team notched three wins throughout the season. One of the highlights was when the team played Sacred Heart. As Coach Brooke Carbajal writes, "Everyone communicated and supported each other throughout the game. The level of teamwork was amazing and allowed us to stay strong from start to finish. The team gave it their all, hustling for every ball and showing resilience under pressure." Bea B. '27 shined in her new position as a setter. "She led the team very well," says Brooke.
Junior Varsity Green Girls/Non-Binary Students Volleyball
The Junior Varsity Green Girls/Non-Binary Students Volleyball team made considerable progress as the season unfolded and team members became closer. Coach Madeline Snyder considers the last game of the season – a win against Mary McDowell Friends School – a standout moment. "I think the athletes started putting together what they learned and played really well." All team players displayed leadership qualities, and Lucy P. '28 and Kayla M. '28 led well throughout the season.
Middle School Soccer
The Middle School Soccer team was led by Coaches David Profitt and Gabriel Bustamante. They both consider the team's game against Grace Church as one of the top moments of the season, reflecting on how "the players started to put together passing moves." For the coaches, "It was the first time we saw them utilizing some of the parts we've worked on during practice and it gave us satisfaction to witness." Seth A. '25 scored five times throughout the season. Leonardo S. '30, Sadie G. '29, and Rowan K. '29 led well during practice and games. Max G. '30 was most improved – his shot stopping, bravery and general understanding of playing as a goalkeeper developed greatly throughout the season. The team included several players new to the sport, and they all benefited from a lot of in-game experience. Despite facing more technically advanced opponents, the student-athletes did not give up and kept playing. Overall, the coaches helped the players to gain understanding of how games are played tactically, the rules and regulations of the game, and conduct during practice and games.
Middle School Girls/Non-Binary Students Volleyball
The Middle School Girls/Non-Binary Students Volleyball team spent the fall season developing their passing, serving, setting and hitting skills and learning what it means to wear a Calhoun jersey. They set personal and team-wide goals, related both to their athletic skills and living in alignment with Calhoun Athletics' mission and values. Some players were brand new to volleyball, while others had some experience on the court – creating opportunities for leadership and peer mentorship. The team finished the season with a big win against Avenues! Coaches Mary McCarty and Arisa Hirabayashi are particularly proud of the 8th graders for their leadership and the 7th graders for learning what it means to be a part of a team and support each other. A team highlight was the opportunity to share the court for a cross-team volleyball practice with our JV and Varsity athletes.
Middle School Cross Country
The Middle School Cross Country team raced in six meets in Van Cortlandt Park, including a special Homecoming meet in late September. Student-athletes worked hard in practices and were able to improve their personal bests with each meet. Louisa R. '29 and Nico J.-Y. '29 led well during practices.