Fall and Winter Seasons of 2023–2024 Include a League Championship

With 57% of students participating on eleven different teams—including eight All-League performers—the first two sports seasons of 2023–2024 were noteworthy for our Westmark Lions, culminating in one league championship!

We checked in with Craig Schoof, Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Wellness on how the year's gone so far. Read Mr. Schoof's coach's report below—the first of a new series of season recaps on our new Westmark website. Then watch for highlights of the spring 2024 season at the end of the school year.

Basketball

Led by Coach Jelani Kelly and Coach Lael Ryan, the Upper School Boys Basketball season was marked by tremendous growth and development. Coming off a championship season the year before, the Lions had a lot of holes to fill. Led by team MVP and 1st Team All-Leaguer Ellis L. and 2nd Team All-Leaguer Shane S., the team showed grit and determination throughout the season.

Grades 7–8 Girls Basketball battled throughout the fall, improving both their individual skills and team play. Guided by Coach Sean Magee and Coach Lael Ryan, the players just missed the playoffs behind the stellar play of Penda M., Ava L., Sofia Z., and Avery G.

Coaches Casey Cacitti, Josh Yukelson, and Nadia Kilcourse mentored our Grade 8 Boys Basketball players through an incredible season. The team clinched the VCAL league championship with a stunning comeback victory! Down by nine with less than ten minutes left in the game, our Lions ran off nineteen straight points behind the deft ball-handling of Jonah G., the inside play of Max S., and the shooting of Ethan W. and Julien T.

Playing up in an eighth grade league and boosted by Coach Erick Street and Coach Jacob Morales, Grade 7 Boys Basketball reached a playoff berth, thanks especially to the skills of Damien P., Ethan P., and Ryan D. Although the seventh graders lost in the semi-finals, competing head to head against Westmark’s own Grade 8 team, it was a season of major Lion Pride!

Although small in numbers, the Grades 5–6 Boys Basketball team, coached by Chris Lamica and Cindy Morales, played inspired and competitive basketball all season long. Led by the scoring and ball-handling of Miles S. and rebounding and defense from Joseph S., Jackson C., Owen H., and Zach G., the young Lions completed a terrific season.

Flag Football

The Upper School Flag Football team faced many challenges this season, and Coach Thomas Filbotte and Coach Megan Stark were very proud of how the team showed up every day ready to work hard, learn, and fight until the very end of every game, regardless of the score. Team MVP and 2nd Team All-League senior Gavin P. was a force on both sides of the ball while fellow senior Julian F. made Honorable Mention All-League. Coaches’ Award winner Eli J., provided much-needed support on and off the field.

Grades 7–8 Flag Football had a season of close calls and near misses. Missing the playoffs by just one game, the team made every last second count, with five games decided in the fourth quarter. Coach David Burns and Coach Cacitti got excellent effort from all twenty-one players. Especially noteworthy were the performances of Ethan W., Max S., Dean R., and Ethan P.

With many playing for the first time, the Grades 5–6 Flag Football season was one of learning and growth. Coach Kelly and Coach Erin Shapiro guided the defending league champions within one game of the league championship. With Miles S. running wild and supported by Evan B., Jackson C., Logan D., and Joseph S., the Lions had a memorable campaign.

Soccer

Battling injuries, illness, and rainy weather, the Upper School Soccer team came together, never gave up, and ended the season on a high note with their best game: a thrilling one-goal victory against Gorman. Coach Burns and Coach Magee gave props to how the team faced up to adversity all year and bonded into a cohesive supportive unit. Team MVP and 1st Team All-Leaguer Alex A. dominated the midfield while 2nd Team All-Leaguers Julian J. and Skyler K. manned the defense.

Our Grades 7–8 Girls Soccer players demonstrated great improvement and tenacity throughout their season. Despite being outnumbered in every game, they never gave up and fought to the end of every contest. The outstanding play of Sophia Z., Sophia L., and Avery G. helped Coach Filbotte and Coach Abbey Lenzie make it a season to remember.

Volleyball

Coming off a CIF playoff appearance, the Upper School Girls Volleyball team had high expectations for the season. First-year Head Coach Erick Street and Assistant Coach Jacob Morales were not disappointed as the team bonded, worked hard, and improved every day. Team MVP and 1st Team All-Leaguer Lark S. was the most consistent player; 2nd Team All-Leaguer and Coaches’ Award winner Dejah T. dominated with her powerful serves; and Honorable Mention All-Leaguer Ari Y. provided stability.