🎉 Exciting News for Aviator Athletics Fans! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new website! 

**What's New:**
🌐 Modern and User-Friendly Interface
🔍 Improved Navigation for Easy Access
📅 Brand New Calendar Layout
📸 Stunning Visuals and Galleries

Click this link to learn more about the site.  

Team Spotlight: Girls Varsity Volleyball (A) (1/8/25)

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

Coach Spotlight - Coach Len Battifarano (1/8/25)

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. 

Athlete Spotlight - Brady Yang (1/8/25)

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

Student Athlete Spotlight - Gavin W. (12/11/24)

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

Coach Spotlight - Coach Cruz (12/11/24)

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

Team Spotlight - Girls V Basketball (12/11/24)

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

All Middle School Fencing vs. Horace Mann School

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!