This spring, Chapin student-athletes across Badminton, Golf, Lacrosse, Softball and Track & Field made memories and broke records throughout their competitive season. They played with heart, spent countless hours smashing it on the courts, sinking it on the greens, cradling on the field, tracking flyballs in the diamond and pushing limits on the track. By embracing every practice and technical challenge, our athletes unlocked new levels of endurance, mastering the mechanics while learning to support and elevate those around them.

Our Badminton team is powerful on and off the court. They played another outstanding season, showcasing mastery of the sport and camaraderie. Coach Kimani Elliott spoke of the team’s heart and grit, saying, “Coaching this team, I get to lead a group of students who bring joy, competitiveness and energy into the gym every day. I love watching them grow throughout the season, not just in their skills, but in their confidence, leadership and ability to support one another. This team made coaching fun. They pushed themselves, celebrated each other and created a culture where everyone wanted to get better.” That spirit led to another championship  season because, once again, Chapin’s Badminton team took home the regular season title and won the Athletic Association of Independent Schools (AAIS) championship! This marks the 13th consecutive win of both regular season and tournament titles for the team. In total, they hold a collective 41 season titles and 18 tournament titles. 

When reflecting on the team’s talent and determination in the final, Coach Elliot said, “The championship match against Nightingale was not easy — we had to fight for that one — but the team stayed together, kept believing and found a way to rally when we needed it most. That match showed our growth, our toughness and our trust in each other. It was the kind of win that you remember because everyone had to bring something to the table.” 

Golf coaches Betsy Matthew and Connor Jones spoke about how incredible it was to watch the Varsity team flourish and what it means to be part of the program. For Coach Jones, “Coaching the Varsity Golf team is about building relationships and helping students discover what they are capable of achieving. Golf provides a unique opportunity to teach accountability, perseverance and confidence because — while it is a team sport — it requires independent performances.” 

A new Chapin record was set by senior Eve K. when she secured a first place win in a sudden death playoff at the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) Golf Championships and was named the NYSIAS Individual Champion! Eve is the first to reach this milestone at Chapin and she will go on to represent the School and compete in the New York State (NYS) Federation Championship later this month. Alongside Eve, Class 9 student-athlete Sophia Y. also participated in her first post-season competition! Not only was this the first time our athletes competed in these tournaments, this was the first ever season for Chapin’s Varsity Golf team.

Coach Matthews applauded her team’s accomplishments when she said, “Playing our first 9 holes at Sleepy Hollow and celebrating our sole senior Eve was definitely the highlight of the season [for me]. It was one of our last matches and I saw so much improvement from our first. Not only did the girls score better, but they were more prepared, organized and professional. They supported each other, they congratulated their opponents and we ended up tying one of the best schools in NYSAIS.” Congratulations to the Varsity Golf team for an incredible inaugural season. 

Over on the Lacrosse turf, student-athletes worked hard as a team, building a strong rapport and honing their individual skills. Coach Chris Spaterella said of his experience with the Chapin team, “Coaching Varsity Lacrosse means a great deal to me because I truly love the game and, even more importantly, I love watching the players come together as a team and improve throughout the season. Seeing the growth in their confidence, communication and commitment to one another is incredibly rewarding.” 

Ending their regular season strong, Varsity Lacrosse advanced to play in the post-season playoffs by defeating Brearley in the first round of AAIS semi-finals. After a strong showing this spring, their season came to a close in the next round against Marymount. Celebrating the team’s growth over the course of the season, Coach Jane Anne Randolph said, “Our team was very young this season and to see them grow and come together from February to May was impressive to watch. I'm most proud of how this team wasn't willing to give up no matter the score. The way they doubled our win total from last season and advanced to the semifinals is proof of their grit and determination.” Next season promises to be one to watch as many of the players will return, continue to advance in Chapin’s lacrosse program. 

In the diamond, Chapin’s Varsity Softball team has been hard at work mastering their technical skills. Whether it's fielding, hitting or stealing bases, this team is dedicated to improvement and supporting one another with energy and spirit. Coach Alex Holowach said, “Our team has become a close knit family. We work hard, learn every day, celebrate each other in our best moments and support each other through the tough ones. I am so proud of this team and the players they have become both on and off the field.” Embodying this is senior captain Mariam A. who stepped in when her team needed a pitcher. Coach Holowach shared, “This was [Mariam’s] first season learning how to pitch, and she took the mound each time with determination and confidence. Her first game pitching for us was also our first win of the season!” Over the past few seasons every member of the Varsity Softball team has helped to build momentum and develop their skills. When this team steps up to the plate again next spring, we know they will be hungry for more.

Out on the track, more student-athletes were taking strides and breaking records. Varsity Track & Field had another exemplary season. At the AAIS Championship, the team broke seven records across a variety of events including the 200m, 400m, 800m, triple jump, 4x100m relay, shot put and discus. Coach Maya McDuffie-Maxis shared insight into the mindset that helped the team succeed this season. The team’s mantra, she said, was “Why not Chapin?” They brought this idea to each practice, refocusing on their goals for the next meet. She elaborated, saying, “Throughout the season I was able to witness our captains, upperclassmen and seasoned athletes rally their teammates before a meet or rushing to embrace each other at the end of a race.” This camaraderie amplified the team’s energy alongside their training and preparation.

Their work culminated in a major win when they earned the NYSAIS Championship title — the second state title in the School’s history! Nineteen Chapin athletes competed in the Championship, four of whom medaled in their events. Those four will advance to the NYS Federation Championship later in the month and compete again. Coach McDuffie-Maxis said  how much she admires her athletes' support of one another and her delight when the team secured not only one, but all three of the Long Jump medals in the AAIS Championship. 

Looking back on their season, fellow coach Elizabeth Bulat noted, “It is an honor to serve as a mentor to my distance runners and to help them grow not only as athletes, but also as resilient, confident and motivated young women. My goal as a coach is to inspire these athletes to set bold, courageous goals, develop a lifelong love of running and leave the team feeling as empowered as possible.”

Congratulations to every student-athlete who completed on a Chapin team this spring for an incredible season of accomplishments and growth!