Recapping a Memorable 2025–2026 in Sports

The 2025–2026 Athletics year wrapped up in spectacular fashion, marked by championship performances on the pitch, the court, and the links. Distinguishing this banner year was the addition of two new programs: Upper School Girls Flag Football and Grades 5–6 Girls Volleyball. Here are a few other fun facts about the year:

• 56% of Westmark students participated in the Athletics program, with 36% competing in multiple sports.
• Two teams achieved league championships: Grades 5–6 Flag Football and Grades 5–6 Soccer. Congratulations!
• Thirty-seven Lower and Middle School students received Lion Athletic Achievement Awards for playing at least two sports this year.
• Six members of the Class of 2026—Jack, Kharan, Lula, Layzsa, James, and Leo—received Dedication and Commitment Awards for playing at least one sport every year during their high school careers. 
• Logan was named Grade 8 Athlete of the Year.
• Jack was named senior Athlete of the Year.

As we get ready for a brand-new year in sports, join us as we recap the year that was. By all accounts, 2025–2026 was a resounding success for Westmark Athletics!

Fall

Upper School Cross Country

The  Upper School Cross Country team was small but mighty. Though sophomore Franki and senior James were our only two runners, Coaches Sean Magee and Val Mazzanti couldn’t have asked for two better students to represent the School. Franki finished the season placing eleventh in the entire league, showing an unheard-of level of improvement from her freshman year by grinding through solo five- to six-mile runs and stepping up as a leader for younger athletes. James was completely new to distance running, transforming from someone who found a single mile challenging into a tough, natural leader capable of running six miles without stopping (even fighting through asthma in 90° heat!).

Upper School Volleyball

Fully embracing a mantra of "three touches,” this remarkable, hardworking group started the season hot at 3-0, including an exciting comeback win at San Fernando Valley Academy. Through injuries and schedule changes, the team showed incredible heart, refusing to quit during a gritty five-set battle at Sequoyah and rallying from two sets down for an inspiring Homecoming victory. Led by our standout senior co-captain Layzsa and 2nd Team All-League honoree Sophia L., the squad leaned into repetition and specificity. Mika, Hunter, Lyra, and Devin brought hard work and patience to every single practice. Freshman setter Izzy and versatile playmaker Maxie injected energy and passion into the rotations, while Avery stepped into the setter role with confidence. Paige and Ari showcased all-around skill and athleticism, lifting their teammates at every turn. Backed by the competitive spirit of Honorable Mention recipient Sofia Z., the tireless dedication of co-captain and Coaches Award winner Kenzie, and the powerful hitting of MVP Sofie G., this team built a culture of excellence and fun.

Grades 5–8 Cross Country

The Grades 5–8 Cross Country season was a huge success, boasting our largest roster to date. Returning runners Jake, Neeloy, Auglin, Joy, and Brie all showed massive improvement, running longer mileage at a significantly faster pace. Newcomers Naomi, Charlotte, Asher, Alex, Tyler, Harold, EZ, Jackson, and Wilson showed immense resilience, sticking with the program through the demanding early weeks and tripling their mileage by the end of the year. The future of our program is incredibly bright because these Middle Schoolers are dedicated, tough, and ready to rise to any challenge.

Grades 7–8 Flag Football

This season will be remembered for the tremendous growth, effort, and character that this team displayed. With many athletes learning the sport for the first time, weeks were defined by building confidence and learning to compete. Logan served as the team's foundation, setting the tone with toughness and discipline, alongside key contributions from Noah, Leon, Max, and Grant. Joseph showed great leadership potential learning the quarterback position, while Duke anchored a relentless defensive pass rush. Mila and Emery made immense strides through outstanding effort, while Mason played with grit against older competitors.

Grades 5–6 Flag Football

A unique blend of experienced players and newcomers, this team embraced the challenge of learning the game and supporting one another. Apollo commanded the offense at quarterback with exceptional poise, backed by the pure speed of Mark and a powerful offensive line anchored by Mason and Emery. Sophie, Alisha, and Zac added spirit and agility to our offensive and special teams schemes. On defense, Chase, Charlie, and Leia brought relentless speed to the pass rush, while Iyari, Stella, Harper, Gigi, and Vivian developed into highly consistent, fearless playmakers. Backed by the great dedication of Roman and Pearl, and the key contributions of Ben, this group overcame every obstacle to finish an unforgettable, undefeated season as league champions!

Winter

Upper School Boys Basketball

This season was defined by achieving growth, stepping into new roles, and making history on our program's first cross-country trip. With key players taking on greater responsibilities and newcomers learning the game from scratch, the team always showed up to work hard and support one another through every twist and turn. Zadeh led the way on the court, consistently playing in attack mode to earn 1st-team All-League and Team MVP honors, while Ethan played with unwavering aggression and fearless shooting to lock down a 2nd-team All-League selection. Liam served as the ultimate unselfish connector to win the Coaches’ Award, while Eli stepped up in big moments with great on-ball defense and Dean brought valuable defensive tenacity to disrupt opponents at the point of attack. In the paint, freshman Ben B. used his physical size to make an immediate impact, while Preston remains a highly reliable asset to the program season after season. Our seniors set a phenomenal example, with Ben R. showing immense growth, high effort, and a deep understanding of the game from day one to the final whistle, while Aaron brought a fantastic attitude, giving his best effort as the team warmly took him in.

Grades 7–8 Basketball

This season was a resounding success defined by resilience, teamwork, and growth. Logan anchored the paint with immense toughness, while floor general Barkly skillfully ran the offense alongside the elite skills of Leon. Noah utilized his great versatility to fill whatever role the team needed, while Julian strengthened team chemistry with his infectious enthusiasm. Joseph became a defensive cornerstone, while Jackson provided a strong physical presence inside, and Neeloy served as the team’s definitive glue. Together this group learned that true success comes from playing unselfishly, focusing on the little details, and trusting your teammates.

Grades 5–6 Boys Basketball

Watching this group grow as leaders and teammates was truly inspiring. Mason and Roman fueled the squad with intense passion and competitive energy, while Emery and Asher injected grit and determination onto the court. Elijah provided an unforgettable milestone by knocking down his first basket in the opening game, while Mark showed elite resilience to finish as one of our top three-point threats. Floor general Barkly displayed an impressive skill set, while Leon grew tremendously as a leader who constantly lifted up those around him. Backed by the great skill development and support of Iyari and Ben, this remarkable group achieved the feat of having every single player on the roster score a basket this season.

Grades 5–6 Girls Basketball

The fifth and sixth graders on this team were dedicated to improving their skills and supporting each other, starting the season hot with two hard-fought victories. Alisha served as our fearless leader running the offense, with Naomi making smart decisions to keep the ball flowing and Vivian generating steals as our most disruptive defensive player. Sofia stayed highly aggressive, contributing crucial baskets in the paint, while Harper, Gigi, Stella, and Charlie worked tirelessly to drastically improve their shooting, ball-handling, and overall confidence. Backed by the fantastic defensive aggressiveness of Sosie and the relentless energy of Aviya, this team fully embraced teamwork to play the game the right way.

Spring

Upper School Golf

Our Upper School golfers narrowly missed their third Omega League title in five years, finishing just short in a hard-fought championship match. Led by four-time 1st Team All-League honoree and team MVP Jack, alongside 2nd-Team All-League selection and Coaches’ Award winner Zuma, the Lions battled until the final green, but couldn't get the crucial putts to fall. While the graduation of three seniors marks the end of an era, a strong foundation is set as the Lions look to rebuild next year.

Upper School Girls Flag Football

In a historic debut season, the Upper School Girls Flag Football team executed a flawless, undefeated run with a roster of twelve trailblazers—almost all entirely new to the sport. Led by team MVP Sydney. and Coaches’ Award winner Sophia, alongside stellar play from Sofia, Hunter, and Lula, the Lions brought unmatched energy to every matchup. This perfect inaugural record sets an incredibly high bar as the program looks to build on its success next year.

Grades 7–8 Girls Volleyball

The theme of this year’s Grades 7–8 Girls Volleyball team was simple: have fun. Bringing incredible energy, effort, and positivity to every match, this group showed impressive growth, with many players brand-new to the sport. Co-captains Romy and Maren provided outstanding leadership, steady play, and excellent communication all season long. Supported by the strong serving of Charlotte and Andi, excellent setting by Marlowe, and the sheer determination of most-improved players Maddy and Paige, the Lions never lost their enthusiasm. They finished the season on a high note by winning their final two matches—including an exciting all-school community event—leaving everyone proud of their hard work and genuine love for the game.

Grades 5–6 Soccer

The Grades 5–6 Soccer team had a dominant season, going undefeated to capture the league championship. The unstoppable offensive contingent of Tyler, Apollo, Roman, Max, Elijah, and Ben led the way in scoring, putting relentless pressure on opposing defenses. Meanwhile, the lockdown goalie duo of Zac and Sosie allowed only two goals the entire season, backed by the high-IQ and disciplined defensive line of Emery, Iyari, Mila, and Mason G.. Demonstrating remarkable adaptability on the fly, Mark, Matthew, and Asher executed new formations, while wing backs Ben, Sosie, and Mason B. provided tireless hustle. It was a golden season of championship-level execution and dedication.

Grades 5–6 Girls Volleyball

In their debut season, Westmark’s Grades 5–6 Girls Volleyball team set a high bar for the future. Embodying fearlessness while frequently challenging athletes two to three years older, the Lions embraced every setback as a chance to learn. The team relied heavily on the formidable talents and court awareness of Harper and Vivian, alongside Alisha’s superstar performance in their thrilling win against North Hollywood Christian. Fueled by Shira’s powerful hitting, the competitive energy of Aviya, and the positivity of Sophie and Leia, the squad rapidly improved day by day. With a clear developmental pathway now established, the future of Westmark volleyball is incredibly bright.

Year-Round

Equestrian

Talk about flying under the radar! Our Westmark equestrian, Sydney, achieved something truly extraordinary in the equestrian world this year. Competing against highly experienced regional riders, Sydney and her horse, Dark Before Dawn, earned one of the sport's highest honors by being named the USEF Horse of the Year Champion in Region 1 for Arabian Sport Horse In-Hand. Representing Westmark with pride across the competitive circuit, Sydney's dedication, discipline, and intensive training with a relatively new horse have already produced championship-level success. This historic medal and jacket mark a magnificent milestone for a partnership that is truly just getting started.