Reflecting on 2025 LuHi Athletics

As 2025 comes to a close and our student-athletes return to campus to kick off the 2026 season, it's the perfect time to reflect on a year filled with growth and special moments across LuHi Athletics.

From the excitement of fall competitions to historic winter achievements and championship-level spring performances, the past year showcased what it truly means to be a Crusader. 2025 was a celebration of tradition, progress, and the shared culture that makes LuHi so special.

Fall Sports

The fall 2025 season brought a renewed sense of energy across campus. Longstanding programs continued to build on their traditions, while new leadership and growing rosters helped spark fresh momentum throughout the department.

• Varsity Football began a new chapter under first-year Head Coach Tiquan Garner, with a strong emphasis on culture, accountability, and doing things the right way. While transitions brought challenges, the foundation being built is solid and excitement around the program continues to grow.
   

• Girls Varsity Tennis completed a season defined by togetherness and development. A growing roster, close matches, and steady improvement highlighted the team's resilience and commitment.
   

• Boys Varsity Soccer experienced a reset under new leadership with Coach Tae Kim and Coach Pedro Bottene. While results didn't always show in the win column, the team embraced a new standard and began building a culture focused on discipline and long-term growth.
   

• Varsity Cross Country took a significant step forward with increased participation, deeper competition, and two home meets hosted on campus. Freshman Abigail Clue emerged as one of the top runners in the nation, entering her ninth-grade season as a five-time youth All-American and nationally ranked competitor.
   

• Varsity Volleyball continued its dominant run, capturing a third consecutive PSAA Championship and returning to the NYSAIS Tournament. Olivia Smitelli's career was honored as she committed to Trinity University and earned recognition on Long Island Volleyball's 2025 Top 10 Players to Watch list.
   

• Varsity Cheer & Dance energized every home football game and campus event, with pep rallies serving as a highlight of the fall season and helping define the vibrant atmosphere of LuHi Athletics.
   

Fall Athletic Commitments

LuHi proudly celebrated several student-athletes who committed to competing at the collegiate level this fall:

• Trevor Benjamin Jr. – Football, Marist University
   

• Jacob Butler – Football, Stanford University
   

• Ava Curtis – Women's Lacrosse, Sacred Heart University
   

• Dominic Passannante – Men's Lacrosse, Wagner College
   

• Olivia Smitelli – Women's Volleyball, Trinity University
   

We look forward to watching each of these athletes continue to thrive at the next level.

Winter Sports

Winter brought historic accomplishments and national attention across multiple programs.

• Varsity Wrestling capped off a standout start to 2025 with five medalists at the State Championships, led by State Champion Nolan Radics. The program has opened the 2025–26 season strong and looks ahead to an exciting 2026.
   

• Varsity Indoor Track made national headlines as LuHi became the only school to have four freshman girls compete in the 4x400m relay at the Millrose Trials. The group won its heat and qualified for the Millrose Games as the only all-freshman relay team.
   

• Varsity Boys Basketball captured its first-ever PSAA Championship, earning the program's first home game in the opening round of the NYSAIS Playoffs. The team has started the 2025–26 season strong with a 7–3 record.
   

• Varsity Boys National Basketball finished No. 1 in the MaxPreps National Prep Rankings, earned a Top 5 SportsCenter Next ranking, and captured the National Championship at The Throne event. Kayden Mingo was named New York State Gatorade Player of the Year, and the Crusaders enter 2025–26 ranked inside the national Top 25.
   

• Girls Varsity Basketball entered the 2025–26 season ranked No. 2 nationally in the SportsCenter Next rankings. All five members of the Class of 2026 have committed to Division I programs, positioning the Crusaders for a run at the No. 1 ranking in 2026.
   

• Girls Varsity B Basketball marked its inaugural season, expanding opportunities and strengthening the girls basketball pipeline. The program continues to grow as the team competes for a PSAA Championship this year.
   

• Winter Cheer & Dance elevated the atmosphere at home and on the road, consistently bringing energy, creativity, and Crusader pride throughout the season.

Spring Sports

Spring capped the year with championships, record-breaking performances, and continued program growth:

• Girls Lacrosse captured its fourth consecutive PSAA Championship
   

• Boys Lacrosse earned its first No. 1 seed in NYSAIS history
   

• Baseball reached the NYSAIS Championship game as an independent
   

• Softball completed an undefeated regular season and PSAA title
   

• Track & Field earned 20 gold medals and broke school records at the Penn Relays
   

• Badminton, Golf, and Boys Volleyball all showcased growth, leadership, and strong program foundations