Remontando el vuelo: un año en el atletismo de los Falcons

The Falcons finished the regular season undefeated, entering the playoffs as the No. 1 seed. They hosted fourth-seeded Marvelwood at home, and the Falcons came out firing, unleashing a goal-scoring frenzy that left their opponents stunned. In the semifinal, the boys recorded 33 shots and scored 10 goals.

Two days later, the boys played the championship match against the No. 2 seed, Oakwood Friends. A mild chill and overcast skies greeted the teams, with the sun slowly breaking through as the game progressed. The breakthrough came in the 26th minute when Taigascored on a half-volley rebound after a free-kick attempt from Sebastian. The Falcons entered halftime leading 1–0.

The backline consisting of: Riccardo (Italy), Jongha (South Korea), Youl (South Korea), and Leo (Japan)—held strong throughout the match, preserving the clean sheet. Goalkeeper Marcelo (Ecuador) delivered an exceptional performance, recording nine saves to keep the Falcons ahead. The final goal came in the 81st minute when a long punt from Marcelo created a loose ball at the top of the opponents’ 18-yard box. Phu pounced and slotted home the decisive strike, securing the Falcons the title of HVAL League Champions for the 2025–2026 season.

The boys’ varsity soccer team completed a highly successful year, finishing with a 12-3-3 record. Over the course of the season, they scored 79 goals and tallied 68 assists, averaging just over nine shots per match. The team’s leading scorer was Taiga, who also led in assists, finishing with 12 goals and 10 assists. Close behind were four additional double-digit scorers: Alvaro (11 goals, 9 assists), Enzo of France (11 goals, 8 assists), Sebastian (11 goals, 8 assists), and Phu (10 goals, 9 assists).

Team captains were Marcelo, Gari (Spain), and David (Spain). Six Falcons were selected to the HVAL All-League First Team: Marcelo, Enzo, Alvaro, Taiga, Riccardo, and Sebastian.

From the first whistle to the final celebration, the Falcons proved what dedication and unity can accomplish. This season will stand as a testament to their belief in one another and their passion for the game. As they look ahead, the team carries forward a championship mindset and a tradition of excellence.

The girls’ soccer season came to an end with a 4 - 1 victory over Storm King; a fitting finale to a great season. It was amazing to see how much we improved, both individually and as a team, over such a short period of time. This was the largest group of girls EF has ever had on the soccer team, or at least the largest in many years. The girls all came with different levels of skill, but each one brought enthusiasm and a desire to play. While the season had its ups and downs, the girls really came together and learned to play as a team and not just a collection of 11 individuals on the field. Sadly, we will be losing 10 players to graduation, some of whom have been with us for a number of years. Three of our seniors were presented with awards at a school assembly: Valentina was our team MVP, Bitty and Ronja received coaches’ awards for their amazing commitment to the team. All the girls leaving us will be difficult to replace, but hopefully, the enthusiasm we saw this year will carry over to the next season.

As is the tradition at EF Academy, the true finale to the season was the game against the staff; no need to provide details of the final score, suffice it to say that everyone had a great time, and it was a joy to see the smiles on the players’ faces as they walked off the field. 

I want to thank each of the girls for their work and dedication to the team. It was a pleasure serving as a coach. I am already looking forward to next year. - Mr. Bovone

Girls Volleyball has finally reached the end of the season, and with great news to report.  After an undefeated season among teams in our league, we played - and won - both our semifinal and final matches last week.  We went 3-0 against Storm King with scores of 25-10, 25-15, 25-10.  In the third set, all our served points were earned with setter Siv and outside hitter Valentina behind the service line.  

On Friday, November 7, we played Marvelwood for the championship.  We won in three sets: 25-13, 25-9, 25-20.  In the third match, ALL served points were earned while Valentina was serving.  Kill leaders for the day were outside hitters Mila and Iskra, and setter (and sometimes hitter) Anna.  Our ball-handling leaders for the day were Aerilyn and Mila.

Thanks to all who supported us during the season.  We hope to see you in the stands next year.

The cross-country season closed on a high note for what became the largest and most dedicated group of runners in our school’s history. With 27 committed athletes, the team proudly fielded full boys' and girls' squads, showing depth, determination, and heart at every meet. The girls' team dominated from start to finish, ultimately bringing home the HVAL Championship Trophy. Leading the charge was Emma, who delivered a truly historic season, winning every race she entered and consistently finishing in the top 10 overall among both boys and girls. Her leadership and excellence set the tone for the entire team.

The boys' team also rose to the challenge, showing steady, powerful improvement as the season progressed. Their hard work paid off as they earned a first-place trophy and finished second overall in the HVAL Championship, a remarkable accomplishment built on grit and growth. HVAL recognized several of our standout athletes: Emma, Yara, Giulia, Gustavo, and Nathan, for their exceptional contributions. The top three runners, Emma, Yara, and Gustavo, advanced to the Nike XCR, where they battled muddy, slippery conditions and still delivered performances to be proud of. Emma's finish in the top 10% cemented her status as perhaps the most dominant runner our school has ever seen. 

This season’s awards reflect the strength of our program: MVP honors went to Emma and Gustavo, while Coaches’ Awards recognized the leadership and dedication of Yara, Giulia, and Taehyun. From first-time runners to seasoned competitors, every athlete contributed to a season defined by passion, perseverance, and pride. This group not only made school history, but they also set a new standard for what teamwork, heart, and commitment can achieve.

One last message from the coaches: “Your dedication and resilience are powering every stride—keep running with heart and never stop believing in what you can achieve.

El equipo de baloncesto masculino tuvo una exitosa temporada de invierno, registrando seis victorias y solo una derrota en los partidos de liga, antes de caer finalmente en el partido por el campeonato. El equipo creció a lo largo de la temporada, con aportaciones de muchos jugadores distintos. El base de segundo año Lewis lideró al equipo en varias categorías, incluyendo anotación (10,8 puntos por partido), triples anotados (29 en total) y robos (42). El alero de tercer año Blake fue el máximo reboteador del equipo (8 por partido), mientras que el base de segundo año Takeru dirigió el juego y promedió 3,1 asistencias por partido, la cifra más alta del equipo. Los Falcons aspiran a continuar su éxito el año que viene a pesar de perder a dos destacados alumnos de último año: el capitán Kotaro (7,1 puntos por partido y ganador del premio al estudiante-atleta masculino del año) y el alero Nathan (2.º del equipo en robos y rebotes). Con dedicación y disciplina constantes, solo hay una dirección hacia la que irá este equipo... Siempre adelante y hacia arriba. ¡Vamos, Falcons!

The EF Academy Girls Varsity Basketball team put together an exceptional 2025–26 season, finishing with a 10-1 overall record and closing the year on an impressive nine-game winning streak. The Falcons ended their season in dominant fashion, defeating Oakwood Friends 54-10 in the final game of the year. It was a fitting conclusion to a season defined by relentless defense, unselfish teamwork, and a commitment to improving every time they stepped on the court. During their nine-game winning streak, EF Academy won by an average of 33.6 points per game, a testament to the team’s growth, consistency, and collective effort throughout the season.

 Success came from every corner of the roster. In the season finale, Emma led the Falcons with 16 points, while Valentina anchored the defense with nine steals. Over the course of the season, Emma finished as the team’s leading scorer with 77 points, followed by Anna with 56 and Ayano with 48. All three earned First Team All-League honors for their outstanding performances. Hanna Blach contributed 23 points on the season while providing invaluable leadership and experience. Together, the Falcons combined a balanced offensive attack with relentless defensive pressure, helping them finish undefeated in league play with a perfect 4-0 record.

One of the most unique aspects of this year’s team was its diversity. Representing 11 different countries, the Falcons reflected EF Academy’s international community, bringing together players from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds who united around a shared goal. Team captains Emma (Austria), Anna (Russia), and Hanna(Poland) led by example throughout the season, setting the tone with their work ethic, dedication, and commitment to the team’s values. Their leadership helped foster a positive and supportive environment where players challenged each other to improve while building lasting friendships along the way.

Coaches Adrian Burgess and Kelley Hodgman-Burns are extremely proud of everything this group achieved. While the wins and accolades were certainly earned, what stood out most was the team’s willingness to support one another, embrace challenges, and grow together as student-athletes. As the season unfolded, the Falcons developed tremendous chemistry, confidence, and resilience that fueled their success on the court and helped shape meaningful experiences off of it. This team leaves behind a strong legacy and has laid an excellent foundation for the future of EF Academy Girls Varsity Basketball. The future is bright, and the accomplishments of the 2025–26 Falcons will be remembered as a special chapter in the program’s history.

The Girls Varsity Tennis Team had an unforgettable season defined by passion, resilience, teamwork, and determination. Finishing with an impressive record of wins in 47 out of 61 matches, the team showed incredible dedication both on and off the court, ultimately bringing home the championship trophy.

Made up of 10 student-athletes ranging from freshmen to seniors, the team represented a diverse group of cultures and backgrounds, including Spain, China, Brazil, Jamaica, and Mexico. That diversity became one of the team’s greatest strengths, creating a close-knit bond built on support, trust, and friendship.

Throughout the season, every player stepped up whenever the team needed them, competing in singles and doubles, supporting teammates, and giving their all in every match. During the playoffs, six players rose to the challenge with outstanding determination and composure, helping secure the championship title through their grit and teamwork.

The captains, Daniela and Fiona, led with positivity, sportsmanship, and encouragement all season long, earning them the Coaches Award. The Most Valuable Player Award goes to Ana Laura for her resilience, dedication, and willingness to always step up for the team.

More than just a successful season, this team created lasting memories and demonstrated the true meaning of teamwork, perseverance, and love for the game. Their championship victory reflects the heart, unity, and spirit that made this season so special.

El equipo masculino de tenis disfrutó de una temporada de gran éxito este año, manteniéndose invicto durante la temporada regular y demostrando una habilidad, determinación y trabajo en equipo excepcionales. Su impresionante trayectoria les valió un puesto en el partido por el campeonato de liga, donde terminaron como subcampeones tras una disputada contienda contra Storm King. También se reconocieron los logros individuales: Aleu recibió el Premio MVP por su excepcional rendimiento y liderazgo en la pista, mientras que Jakub P. obtuvo el Premio de los Entrenadores por su dedicación, deportividad y compromiso con el equipo. Felicitaciones a todo el equipo por una temporada extraordinaria.

With the graduation of three-quarters of our players from last year, the boys’ volleyball team started the season on uneven footing.  Fortunately, we were able to recruit new players from a pool of both new and returning students.  While our record was not what we’d hoped, we played well against strong teams, even winning a few, and improved dramatically both in individual skills and team play.  We expect to have an even stronger team next spring.  Thanks to our graduates, Phu and Mickey, for their dedication to the team.  Congratulations to MVP Phu, and Coaches’ Award winner Marceli.  Thanks also to team captains, Yoon and Aiden, and to team managers Liz, Ayano, Siv, and Jooha.

As we reflect on this incredible year, we extend our gratitude to every student-athlete, coach, staff member, and supporter who contributed to the success of Falcon Athletics. Championships and awards are certainly worth celebrating, but the true measure of this year lies in the friendships formed, lessons learned, and growth experienced along the way. We congratulate all of our teams on their accomplishments and thank our graduating seniors for the legacy they leave behind. We look forward to building on this year's success and can't wait to see what the next generation of Falcons will achieve in the seasons ahead.