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Varsity Indoor Track and Field Team Competes at NYSAIS
All Varsity Indoor Track
Posted on 03/05/2025
Last Friday, the Indoor Track and Field team toed the line at the New York Independent School State Championships (NYSAIS). The team had a record-breaking day, including countless PRs and new school records in the 600m and 1600m. The point-scoring charge was led by Gavin W., who finished 2nd in the men's mile. His time of 4:18.97 further lowers his school record, and his finishing place of 2nd qualifies him to represent Avenues at the New York State Championship this Saturday March 8th. He goes into the competition ranked 7th. Wish him luck on his quest to bring home Avenues' first State medal! Alex T. furthered the point tally, finishing 4th in the men's 600m. In a time of 1:24.99, he drives his school record further out of reach. His performance concludes a season of serious growth as he dropped 4 seconds from the indoor opener in December. Watch out as he looks to shatter the outdoor 400m record this spring. Insa A. held up the women's dist
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Varsity Squash Nationals Recap
Boys Varsity Squash
Posted on 03/05/2025
Contributor, Jesminder VegaThe Varsity Squash team headed to Philadelphia and competed in 2025 U.S. High School Squash Nationals! The team put on an incredible performance, and Coach Geovanny Mejia couldn’t be more proud of their effort. He described the team’s performance as “extraordinary,” emphasizing their energy and focus. “Since the first game until the last one, the energy the team brought to all of the games was felt, and it was amazing,” Coach Mejia said.One of the standout moments came when Penelope, who was down 2-0 in her match, made an incredible comeback. She won three games in a row, and Coach Mejia was particularly impressed with her mindset. “her mentality helped her overcome these challenges, and this led her to win,” he shared. “Penelope’s mindset is a great example of how the team was mentally prepared to go into the nationals, to be competitive, have fun, and fight to the end, giving your all”Coach Mejia also highlighted how well the team handled the pre
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Farewell, Coach Bunbury
Boys Middle School Grey Basketball
Posted on 03/05/2025
Farewell, Coach Bunbury: A Legacy of Growth, Character, and TeamworkContributor, Khairat TchakalaAs we close out the winter season we want to recognize a basketball coach that has been in our program for many years! After years of dedication, leadership, and mentorship, Coach Bunbury is moving on, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond wins and losses. His impact on student-athletes has been rooted in a philosophy that goes beyond the game—one that has shaped young athletes not just as competitors, but as individuals.Coaching Beyond the GameReflecting on his time at Avenues, Coach Bunbury shares the core philosophy that has guided him: the development of the whole person."I focus not just on improving athletic performance but also on nurturing character, teamwork, and resilience," he explains. "At Avenues, I aimed to foster an environment where student-athletes grow both on and off the court."This approach has been evident in every practice, every game, and every hud
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Athlete Spotlight: Kyla Guimaraes
Girls Varsity Basketball
Posted on 02/19/2025
Balancing It All: Kyla’s Approach to Juggling Varsity Sports and BandFor many students, balancing one varsity sport and academics can feel like a full plate. For Kyla, a senior at Avenues and a tri-season varsity athlete, the challenge extends far beyond that. Not only does she compete in basketball, lacrosse, and ultimate frisbee, but she’s also a Second Dan black belt in Taekwondo and a dedicated member of the Advanced Band, where she plays the alto saxophone.A Packed ScheduleKyla’s days are jam-packed, and her roles speak to her leadership and dedication. She co-captains the Girls Varsity Basketball team, plays defense in lacrosse, and is an active member of the ultimate frisbee team. In Taekwondo, a year-round commitment, Kyla competes in fall tournaments. Meanwhile, she’s also been a cornerstone of the Advanced Band since freshman year, having switched to the saxophone after years of playing piano and clarinet.When asked how she manages this demanding schedule, Kyla explained her
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Coach Spotlight: Yehia Ellis, MS Fencing
All Middle School Fencing
Posted on 02/19/2025
From World Cups to Middle School: Coach Yehia Ellis Shapes Future FencersContributor Jesminder VegaThis season, the Middle School Fencing team has grown in both skill and confidence with guidance from Coach Yehia Ellis. From their first match to their most recent practice, "The entire team has grown more comfortable and confident with their fencing styles," Coach Yehia shared. "They have also significantly improved their ability to focus and perform under pressure."As a professional athlete himself, Coach Yehia brings extensive experience to his role. He currently competes on the senior international level for Morocco as a member of their national team, participating in World Cup tournaments that showcase the top 12 fencers from each participating country. His dedication to the sport is evident in his rigorous training schedule – five to six sessions weekly with his coach, complemented by additional conditioning work. Recently, he achieved a personal best, placing 69th out of 345 compe
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Avenues Fencing Shines at ISFL Individual Championships
All Varsity Fencing
Posted on 02/05/2025
Contributor, Aquinnah McGrathThe Avenues fencing team made an impressive showing at this year’s ISFL Individual Championships, showcasing both skill and resilience. The competition was particularly challenging, especially for the team’s incoming freshmen, many of whom only began fencing in November. Despite the tough field, the team performed admirably, with several fencers coming tantalizingly close to medal placements.Avenues entered 11 fencers into the ISFL Individual Championships, achieving outstanding results in a highly competitive environment. Caleb Bahk won the Bronze Medal in Boys’ Saber, while Noe Mathew placed 5th in Women's Épée. Additionally, four fencers—Lucas Harder (Men's Foil), Theo Kuehn (Men's Épée), Doris Shan (Women's Épée), and Javier Mendez (Men's Foil)—all had incredibly close matches, each losing 14-15 in the Direct Elimination Rounds. A single point separated them from advancing further and potentially earning medals.“We were very impressed with how our team
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Team Spotlight: Varsity Squash
Boys Varsity Squash
Posted on 02/05/2025
Team Spotlight Varsity SquashContributor Jesminder VegaThis month, we’re highlighting the Avenues Squash team, a group that’s been making impressive progress both on and off the court. Coach Sat Seshadri shared some thoughts on the team’s progress, emphasizing their hard work and strong bond.“The team is relatively new compared to other school programs,” Coach Sat said, “but in the past three years, they’ve significantly improved their rankings.” That kind of progress doesn’t happen by accident, it’s a testament to their dedication and commitment.But it’s not just about rankings. More than anything, this team has built a real sense of community. “They’re a very close-knit group,” Coach Sat said. “They organize team meetings and dinners regularly,” which helps strengthen their connection beyond just playing together.But what does Coach Sat love most about coaching them? “The wide variety of ages that make up this team and their motivation to get better each week,” he shar
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Coach Spotlight: Coach Whatley
All Varsity Indoor Track
Posted on 02/05/2025
Coach Whatley: Building Resilient Athletes On and Off the TrackContributor, Wavey ColeCoach Whatley is more than just a coach—he is a mentor, motivator, and advocate for both the physical and mental well-being of his athletes. His coaching philosophy extends beyond winning, focusing on effort, learning, and continuous improvement. His dedication to fostering both athletic skill and a positive mindset has shaped a culture of resilience within his team.Balancing Athletic Development with Mental Strength“For me, it’s not just about winning or perfection,” says Coach Whatley. “I emphasize effort, learning, and progress, both in skill development and mindset. This approach helps athletes stay motivated and resilient in the face of setbacks.”By reinforcing the value of improvement over results, he ensures that his athletes develop confidence and perseverance, setting them up for long-term success both in their sport and beyond.Injury Prevention and Recovery: The Importance of RestOne of
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Athlete Spotlight: Alex Tsitiridis
All Varsity Indoor Track
Updated on 01/22/2025
Breaking Records and Inspiring Futures: The Stories of Insa A. and Alex T. This week, Avenues celebrates not one but two extraordinary athletes who have etched their names in school history. Insa A. broke two school records in the 600M and 1500M events, showcasing incredible resilience after overcoming injuries last year. Her hard work, discipline, and ability to balance intense training with academic responsibilities have inspired us all. Meanwhile, senior Alex T. shattered the school record in the 600M event, a testament to his unwavering commitment to self-improvement. From grueling workouts to focusing on recovery and learning from setbacks, Alex’s journey highlights the power of perseverance and preparation. Both athletes exemplify what it means to push boundaries and achieve greatness. Let’s hear from Insa and Alex as they share their reflections on these remarkable milestones and what lies ahead. Dive into their interviews to hear firsthand about their journeys, t
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Athlete Spotlight: Insa Akcoglu
All Varsity Indoor Track
Posted on 01/22/2025
Racing Into History: Insa A.'s Record-Breaking ComebackContributor, Jesminder Vega, Chair of Communications This week celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our community, and this week is no exception! Meet Insa A., whose grit and determination have rewritten the record books. Insa has not just broken one but two school track records, leaving her mark in the 600M and 1500M events. From overcoming setbacks to finding joy in her comeback, Insa’s journey is a powerful reminder that resilience and hard work pay off. Let’s dive into her story and hear from Insa about what this milestone means to her, how she balances academics and athletics, and what’s next on her horizon.Avenues Athletics celebrates an incredible achievement by Insa A., who broke not one but two school track records! Insa’a outstanding performance in the 600M event set a new record, and she followed it up with another record-breaking run in the 1500M event. When asked about her accomplishment, Insa sh
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TEAM SPOTLIGHT: On the Rise: A Glimpse into a Championship Season: Boys JV Basketball
Boys Junior Varsity Basketball
Posted on 01/22/2025
The Boys JV basketball team is on an incredible journey guided by Head Coach Shirod and Assistant Coach Brodnax, and led by captains Shaw McGrath and Luke Lawrence. With a blend of veteran leadership, fresh talent, and unwavering determination, the team has grown leaps and bounds from last season. From memorable victories that showcase their improvement to a focus on confidence, teamwork, and preparation, this season is shaping up to be one for the books.Shaw has stepped into his leadership role with grace, fostering connections and inspiring his teammates through hard work and dedication. Meanwhile, Coach Shirod’s emphasis on energy, discipline, and consistent effort has set the foundation for their success. With eyes on an undefeated season and a championship title, the team is not just playing to win—they’re playing to grow.Read two interviews to dive deeper into the highlights, strategies, and lessons that are shaping this standout season.Interview: Coach Shirod, Boys JV Head Coach
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Rising to the Challenge: Coach Bunbury Reflects on the Boys MS Greys Thrilling Match Against Heschel
Boys Middle School Grey Basketball
Posted on 01/22/2025
Contributor, Wavey Cole, Student Body LiasionWe’re excited to bring you an exclusive interview with Coach Adrianne Bunbury following the Boys MS Basketball Greys electrifying matchup against Heschel. The game went into overtime and was an incredible matchup! This game wasn’t just another contest; it was a showcase of resilience, teamwork, and the power of believing in one another.In this interview, Coach Bunbury shares his reflections on the team’s performance, from the intense final moments to the standout plays that shifted momentum. He also offers insights into the team’s growth this season, the challenges they faced, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Click here for a video on the last couple minutes of the game!This is a glimpse into what happens on and off the court—how the game builds not just skills, but character, focus, and trust.So, let’s dive in and hear from Coach Bunbury as he highlights the incredible effort of our athletes and the memorable moments
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Team Spotlight: Girls Varsity Volleyball (A) (1/8/25)
All Varsity A Volleyball
Updated on 01/08/2025
A Peek into the Volleyball Team’s OffseasonContributor: Sarah Chen, AAC Chair of Athletic EventsVarsity volleyball at Avenues is much more than just a fall sport–it's a year-round passion for many of the team’s players, fueled by their participation in competitive club volleyball. Team A’s Coach Wilson, who also runs NYC Juniors volleyball club, shares how this helps her players grow.“Club volleyball is a completely different experience,” she explains. With the longer season, age-specific teams, and high-level competition, players can focus on building their individual skills and compete against the best athletes in the area. The season runs from November through May, with top-tier teams traveling across the country, showcasing their skills to college coaches. This extensive training pays off during the school season, where players bring sharpened skills and better strategies into the Avenues gym.While the school season is short–just 8 to 10 weeks–it’s packed with games and team-o
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Coach Spotlight - Coach Len Battifarano (1/8/25)
All Varsity Fencing
Updated on 01/08/2025
Interview by - Jesminder Vega, Chair of Communications Avenues’ fencing program isn’t just about individual skill. It’s about building a strong, cohesive team. This year, fencing coach Len Battifarano implemented a mentorship program focused on making a difference. After tryouts revealed a mix of experienced and brand-new fencers, Coach Len drew inspiration from his own experience mentoring at Columbia University’s Graduate School. Coach explained, “I just had the idea of mentorship in my head,” and decided to pair upperclassmen with freshmen and sophomores. The program’s goals are threefold: To foster team unityTo improve the skills of younger fencers, and To enhance the awareness of older fencers. As Coach Len said,“If I’m trying to teach you foil fencing…and I’ve been doing it a long time, I’ve got some bad habits.” By mentoring, the older fencers refine their own techniques while providing invaluable guidance to their younger teammates.
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Athlete Spotlight - Brady Yang (1/8/25)
Boys Varsity Squash
Posted on 01/08/2025
Varsity Squash program continues to Grow Our varsity squash team has grown in leaps and bounds. Not only in numbers but continued in spirit, teamwork and collaboration. This year we were also excited to be able to offer an all girls team since our program has been growing. During the 2023-2024 season we brought up 8th grade athlete Andrew Reitler, who was an experienced squash player, so it was no surprise to repeat that for this year inviting 8th grade, Brady Cooper, brother of a senior on the team, to join our roster. For this edition's spotlight, we highlighted Brady Yang on his experience. Click here to read the interview! Interview by: Wavey Cole, AAC Student Body Liason Q: What was your initial reaction when you found out you made the high school varsity team as an 8th grader?A: A large reason I joined the team was because both the coach and many seniors on the team asked me to join. Furthermore, I've played the game for a while.Q: How does being on
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Student Athlete Spotlight - Gavin W. (12/11/24)
All Varsity Indoor Track
Updated on 12/11/2024
Interview by Jesminder Vega, AAC Chair of CommunicationsGavin Shines at Federation MeetIn this issue, we’re thrilled to spotlight one of our exceptional athletes, Gavin W, who recently competed at the prestigious Federations meet. Reflecting on the experience, Gavin shared, "It was very fun and an honor to take part in. It was a really special way to end my high school cross-country career." Competing alongside some of the top athletes in the state, Gavin embraced both the challenge and the moment.Preparation for such a high-stakes meet requires intense focus and effort. "It was hard," Gavin admitted, but he credits his success to a well-structured training plan. "I worked very closely with Coach Krupa, our head cross-country coach, to prepare for a meet like this." His regimen included early morning runs, cross-training, and building the mental toughness needed to perform at his best.For Gavin, success has been a team effort. He highlighted the incredible growth of
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Coach Spotlight - Coach Cruz (12/11/24)
Girls Varsity Basketball
Updated on 12/11/2024
Interview by Wavey C, Student Body LiaisonSpotlight on Coach De La Cruz: Vision, Values, and Building a Unified TeamThe basketball season is off to an exciting start as the Girls’ Varsity Basketball team, led by Head Coach De La Cruz, takes on the challenge of merging programs and pushing toward a championship. In a recent interview, Coach Cruz reflected on her personal journey in sports, the lessons she’s learned, and her vision for this season.From the Diamond to the Court: A Journey of PassionCoach Cruz’s introduction to basketball wasn’t typical. “Baseball was my first sport,” she shared. “At the end of a baseball season, during a team picnic, I noticed a group of girls playing basketball at the park. They invited me to join, and not long after, I started playing on their club team. I’ve been in love with the game ever since.”Though Cruz began basketball in sixth grade, she quickly found her stride. Her high school years proved pivotal, where she shined as an MVP, leading her team
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Team Spotlight - Girls V Basketball (12/11/24)
Girls Varsity Basketball
Updated on 12/11/2024
Interview by Wavey C., Student Body LiaisonGirls Varsity Basketball: A Season of Growth, Unity, and SuccessThe Girls Varsity Basketball team is making waves this season, starting undefeated and showing immense potential both on and off the court. With the recent merger of JV and Varsity, the team has embraced change, growing stronger as a unit. To get an inside perspective, we sat down with Kate, one of the players who has been part of both teams, to discuss the transition, team chemistry, and their journey so far.Transitioning to a Unified TeamThe merger of JV and Varsity has brought new dynamics to the team. Kate reflected on the experience, noting, “It’s been interesting to see how the differences in maturity create a great learning environment. Younger players can learn from those who’ve been on the team longer, and everyone contributes in their own way.”With four dedicated coaches (Coach De La Cruz, Coach Jacob, Coach Booker and Coach Luttinger), the team has benefitted from
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All Middle School Fencing vs. Horace Mann School
All Middle School Fencing
Posted on 12/06/2024
The boys squad won with 10 victories to Horace Mann's 6. The girls/mixed squad also won with 12 victories to Horace Mann's 4. An overall victory of 22-10. Well done Middle School Fencing!
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