Latest Boarding & Prep School News | The Hoosac School

36 Years and Counting... Faculty Spotlight: Michael Ryan

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 04:00:00 +0000

It is with profound admiration and heartfelt appreciation that we take a moment to acknowledge Michael Ryan, Athletic Director of Hoosac School, on his remarkable 36 years of dedicated service in nurturing and preparing student athletes for collegiate sports. Coach Ryan's unwavering commitment and tireless dedication to the development of young athletes have been instrumental in shaping the trajectories of countless adolescent lives. Beyond merely coaching sports, Michael has served as a mentor and guide, imparting invaluable lessons of discipline, resilience, and teamwork that extend far beyond the playing field. Take his Vocational Studies elective for example, where students learn a skill or trade by using a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training.

Throughout his tenure, Michael has been a pillar of strength and inspiration within the Hoosac School community, embodying the school's core values of perseverance and determination. His passion for fostering athletic talent and nurturing the personal growth of each student athlete has made him an indispensable figure in the lives of generations of students. Michael's legacy as a mentor and role model resonates deeply within the hearts of all who have had the privilege of crossing paths with him, leaving an enduring impact that extends far beyond his 36 years of service. As we celebrate this extraordinary milestone, we express our deepest gratitude to Coach Ryan for his unwavering dedication and congratulate him on this well-deserved achievement. In due time, we will likely be celebrating 40 years as Hoosac's Athletic Director!

Hoosac's Girls Hockey Season Characterized by Key Victories and Excellent College Commits

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Hoosac School's girls varsity ice hockey team has had yet another successful season, characterized by their outstanding performance on the ice and various college commitments. With a combination of skill, determination, and teamwork, they have emerged as a force to be reckoned with in both NEPSAC and the WIHLMA league. Throughout the season, the team has showcased their talent and dedication, securing victories and thrilling fans with their dynamic fast paced style of play. Coached by experienced mentors like Alli Sugar, who played Division 1 ice hockey herself, the players have grown both individually and collectively, culminating in a highly successful campaign.

Key victories this year for the Owls came again NMH, Vermont Academy, Morristown Beard and Rye Country Day. Looking ahead, the future seems bright for Hoosac School's girls varsity ice hockey team. With a solid foundation in place and a roster filled with promising talent, the team is eager to continue their pursuit of excellence. Through rigorous training, continued development, and a commitment to their goals, they aspire to reach new heights and make their mark in the competitive world of high school ice hockey.

Moreover, the senior class has already left an indelible mark on the program, with several students set to embark on the next chapter of their hockey journey at the collegiate level. Their dedication and skill have not only contributed to the team's success this season but have also garnered the attention of college recruiters. Already committed to play collegiate hockey next season are Erin Keville (New England College), Sofia Ierardi (Montana State) and Shoshana Lofstock (Albertus Magnus). As they move on to play college hockey, they carry with them the lessons learned and the memories forged during their time at Hoosac School, serving as inspirations for the students who follow in their footsteps. Other girls hockey college commitments will be announced following Spring Vacation!

Student Spotlight: Lily Czub '24

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Senior Lily Czub epitomizes the essence of Hoosac, showcasing excellence both on and off the field. Leading the Girls' X-Country Team to a triumphant NEPSAC Championship victory was just the beginning of her illustrious journey. Transitioning seamlessly to the basketball court, Lily's leadership propelled the girls' AA team to an impressive 6th-place finish in one of the nation's toughest leagues.

Yet, amidst her athletic triumphs, Lily's academic achievements shine even brighter. As a high honors student for three consecutive years, she embodies the perfect balance of scholar and athlete, exemplifying what it truly means to be a student-athlete. Her dedication and hard work have earned her admission to Swarthmore College, a feat made even more remarkable by the university's staggering 7% acceptance rate this year!

Lily Czub's journey from the courts to the classroom is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence, making her a role model for aspiring student-athletes everywhere.

Senior Night Terrors: Boys Hockey Plays Spoiler Throughout 2023-2024 Season

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 04:00:00 +0000

“Don't sleep on Hoosac” was a common phrase used this season to describe the many upsets that the AAA Basketball Team had this winter, but it was also true for the Boys' Hockey Team who made it their mission to ruin other team's home ice and give their seniors nightmares that would haunt their sleep for years to come.

Hoosac School's Boys' Hockey team pulled off an epic feat this season, crashing not one, but six opponent's senior nights with a dazzling display of skill and tenacity. Most schools look to schedule “cupcake games” on their senior night and that may have been the opposing teams’ recipe when they scheduled Hoosac, but the Owls had a different menu on their mind.

The visiting heroes turned rival arenas into their personal kitchen, cooking up goals and leaving a trail of defeated teams in their wake. The energy was electric as Hoosac's puck prowess stole the spotlight from Millbrook and NMH on the road and defended our home ice in a game against Austin Prep with a win. This brings the Owl's senior night record to 6 wins and 1 loss.

In an audacious move, Hoosac made the opposing teams' farewell nights their own, turning celebrations into showcases of their indomitable spirit. From breakneck goals to flawless defensive maneuvers, Hoosac's invasion was a spectacle that left fans on both sides in awe. The ice became a canvas for Hoosac's triumph, turning away teams with a mix of finesse and cheeky charm.

The boys ended the season with an impressive 8-8-1 record in NEPSAC finishing 27th out of the entire league, ahead of schools like Milton, Taft, and Westminster, and 7th out of the independent schools in NEPSAC.

Hoosac Girls Basketball Earns Nod as Founding Member of NEPSAC AAA

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Hoosac's 2023-2024 girls AA basketball season has officially come to an end. The Owls, having finished with a 16-7 record overall, ranked 6th overall in NEPSAC, the best prep school league in the country. The season was highlighted by tenacious defense and high volume three-point shooting.

Led by seven seniors, Rylie Rosenberg, Mariah Luke, Marasia Dyes, Hannah Richardson, Zoe Richardson, Lily Czub and Bojana Radnjic, the team showed great perseverance all season long. The season began with two convincing wins over Putnam Science Academy (70-23) and Storm King (71-48). All season long the Owls continued to improve, and the mix of seven seniors, four juniors and one sophomore gelled as a family. They went on a eight game win streak beating top tier programs like NMH (53-49), St. Andrews (53-43) and Worcester Academy (66-52).

Winning both home and away games against AA opponents such as MacDuffie, Winchendon, Storm King and Marianapolis helped Hoosac make the playoffs for the first time as members of the AA NEPSAC league. Junior Carolina Williams lead the team in scoring with 14 points per game and senior guard Rylie Rosenberg was second in scoring with 11 points per game. Seniors Mariah Luke, Hannah Richardson and sophomore Uliana Doronina were a combined force on the boards all season averaging between five and six rebounds per game. Bojana Radnjic, Lily Czub and Ava Mamone were huge sparks coming off the bench to give Hoosac an added spark during the eight game win streak.

Radnjic lead the Owls in assists per game with three and steals per game with two. Senior Guards Marasia Dyes and Rylie Rosenberg both hit milestones in their high school careers, reaching 1000 points scored.

While the season ended in a quarterfinal loss to Tilton, there was much to still be excited about. Junior guard Carolina Williams and senior guard Rylie Rosenberg were each selected to play in the AA NEPSAC All-Star game at the “Super Sunday". Head Coach Julie McBride was also selected as the coach of the East Team.

Hannah Richardson committed to Division 1 St. Bonaventure, Zoe Richardson committed to Division 1 Siena College, and Rylie Rosenberg committed to Division 1 Merrimack College. Marasia Dyes committed to Division 2 Goldey-Beacom and Lily Czub committed to Division 3 Swarthmore College. Mariah Luke and Bojana Radnjic remain undecided. Coach McBride stated that she is "excited for the future of Hoosac girls basketball being a part of the first AAA league".

For the first time in Hoosac's girls basketball program history, they were able to have a second team that competed against other NEPSAC schools in class D. This team, also highly competitive, finished #1 overall with an 11-4 record on the year. Practicing with and watching the AA team helped this young team grow and learn. The D team consisted of only three seniors, Rana Alahdab, Natalia Cervera Zorrilla and Evelyne Cote, and one junior, Julia Alvarez. The remaining students were all much younger playing up a level.

This team won their first six games, and even went on to win the championship at the Hyde School Tournament. Junior Julia Alvarez lead the team in scoring with 12 points per game while senior Rana Alahdab and 8th grader Hannah Seeberger was second in scoring with nine points per game each.

Other highlights from the season were beating Class D Runners Up Vermont Academy twice. The first game at Vermont Academy, Hoosac was down 18 points in the second half and rallied back to win 65-62. In February, Vermont came to Hoosac and everyone on the team contributed to this 64-49 win.

A final highlight was against St. Andrews D team, with Mikaila Vandenburgh leading the way with 17 points, and Amelia Mowlik with 11 of her own. Down by six with one minute to go, the girls rallied back with a barrage of three-pointers and clutch free throws to force overtime and eventually win the game. Coach McBride states that it was "great team effort and comradery all season!"

Hoosac Boys Basketball Builds Off Another Successful Season

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Hoosac School's AAA basketball team finished the 2023-2024 year with arguably their best season yet.

Many in the world of NEPSAC basketball didn't have high expectations for the Owls' AAA team, but collectively the boys had something else in mind. The season started with a huge win away against the back-to-back National Prep Champions, Putnam Science Academy. Leading the way with a history performance was Alex Pachucki, who knocked down 14 three pointers en route to 48 total points. The highlight of the game came from Leo Ryott, though, who hit a buzzer beater to seal the win.

As the season progressed, the team had some ups and downs as one might expect. While there were some performances they wish they could take back, there were also some that were the definition of Hoosac's culture. The story of the season quickly became defeating #1 ranked teams.

When the game tipped off against St Thomas More, they were ranked #1 in the country. A couple of weeks later, Vermont Academy, also ranked #1 in the country, fell to Hoosac. The owls stayed true to their gameplan and knocked off both powerhouses, shocking NEPSAC.

Other key victories came over Newman Academy, ranked #3, and South Kent. Led by the the captain from Turkey, Kani Topuz, a tough Serbian combo of Relja Vranesevic and Milos Sarenac, relentless rebounding by Efstratios Kalliontzis of Greece, and the already mentioned Pachucki (Canada) and Ryott (Sweden), the boys took down some legendary programs, getting nicknamed "The Giant Slayers".

The help of the faithful Hoosac Ultras, the cheering section in Coach Ryan Court, was definitely huge for all three teams (AAA, AA and A), making Hoosac's gym the loudest in the council. Ultimately, the AAA team'sseason ended in the quarterfinals with a loss to New Hampton School.

Hoosac's AA basketball team finished 6th in the NEPSAC Power 5 AA Conference, just under .500 on the year with a record of 12-16. Key wins came against St. Thomas More (72-61), Redemption Christian Academy (74-63), Winchendon NYC (92-78), Springfield Commonwealth (81-69) and Busche Academy (76-74). They made it to the quarterinals but were eliminated by Our Saviour Lutheran in the Bronx.

Sarp Deha Gokberg led the team in points per game (14.3), rebounds (5.6) and assists (4.4).

Hoosac's A team had a bit of a bumpier season but nonetheless laid the foundation for many of these younger players to eventually move up to the AA team in future years. Some key double digit victories came over New York Military Academy, who they defeated by 19 points, as well as Winchendon, who they beat by 15.

Hoosac's AAA Basketball Defeats Brewster, Vermont Academy, St. Thomas More, NMH & Putnam Science Academy in Dominant Run

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 05:00:00 +0000

The first big win this season was against reigning National Prep School Champion Putnam Science Academy, on their home floor where we've never won. Led by Alex Pachucki's Steph Curry-esque performance with 14 3's and 48 points, our team secured a historic 103-102 victory.

The second notable win was against NMH, a well-established program producing Ivy League players for two decades. A team effort, highlighted by Relja Vranesevic's long-distance shooting, Milos Sarenac's smart play, and Kani Topuz's leadership, resulted in a significant accomplishment for our young basketball program.

In January, we overcame Brewster Academy on their home court, a strategic battle where Pachucki's 6 3's in the second half and Stratos Kalliontzis' double-double contributed to a 77-62 win.

The fourth win came against the top-ranked St. Thomas More, known for their talent and three D1 commits. Kani Topuz's defensive effort against a highly recruited player, Milos Sarenac's all-around performance, and Relja Vranesevic's offensive coordination led us to a hard-fought 76-73 victory.

The most recent win was against Vermont Academy, previously ranked first nationally. Led by Kani Topuz's defensive prowess and 20 points, combined with a stellar team effort from players like Relja, Stratos, Milos, Pachucki, and Unai, we secured an 83-76 victory, taking down another top-ranked team.

Hannah & Zoe Richardson '24 Each Sign National Letters of Intent to Play NCAA Division 1 Basketball

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Hannah Richardson '24 and Zoe Richardson '24 of Auckland, New Zealand have each signed National Letters of Intent to play NCAA Division 1 basketball! Hannah will be continuing her education while playing for St. Bonaventure while Zoe will be staying local and attending Siena College.

The news comes right as the NEPSAC AA season is set to kickoff. With a few other NCAA Division 1 commits on the roster, Hoosac is poised to make a championship run.

Many other NCAA commits to come! Stay tuned to see where our VIth Formers decide to continue their education!

Hoosac AAA Basketball Downs National Champs Putnam Science Academy on Opening Night

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Hoosac's AAA basketball team began the 2023-24 season with an incredible 103-102 victory over the defending, four time national prep champions Putnam Science Academy! Aleksander Pachucki '24 led the way for Hoosac, connecting on 14 three pointers and totaling 48 points.

The game came down to a last second buzzer beater for Hoosac as Leo Ryott '25 came through in the clutch!

Hoosac hosts Our Savior Lutheran at 6:00pm this Saturday on Coach Ryan Court.

Sofia Gurgel '21 and Cecilia Gurgel '25 Win Best Innovative Solution Film at Cannes Film Festival

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000

We are so pleased to share with you the news that the documentary film, created by and based on the work of sisters Sofia Gurgel '21 and Cecilia Gurgel '25, both proud former Hoosac students, has won the Best Innovative Solution Film at the Cannes Film Festival! The documentary, "The Seeds of Tomorrow," tells the story of the Gurgel sisters' work to develop a successful reforestation program in Brazil.

However, "The Seeds of Tomorrow" is more than just a documentary about reforestation. It's a love letter to nature, a manifesto of hope, and the journey of two young women who see in the Jurema Preta, Mulungu, and Catingueira trees more than mere foliage: they see life, history, and the promise of the future.

In their daring mission to plant over 10,000 native trees, Sofia and Cecília strive to reconnect their homeland with its deep-rooted origins. Yet their aspirations know no boundaries. With their gaze fixed on the horizon, they aim to weave together both national and international roots, expanding their ecological mission and forging partnerships that bridge lands and seas.

If you'd like to learn more about the project, their book of the same title was just released and is available here! Congratulations Sofia & Cecilia!