Jace Donawa

New TeqBall Challenge Series Arises

May 8, 2025 by Jace Donawa

The tournament bracket. Photo provided.

With springtime approaching, many American Sports are reaching their playoff points very soon. These playoffs are usually watched by many throughout the country, such as college basketball’s March Madness. Taking inspiration from this type of win-or-go-home experience, the Soccer team has decided to create a bracket where everyone will compete in a win-or-go-home Teq ball tournament. In the tournament, each player must have a partner and a team name to participate and the brackets are random. This mini-tournament gives the team an opportunity to remain competitive even in an off week.

Students playing TeqBall. Photo provided.

“I took it upon myself to create this tournament because I thought that it would be really fun. Along with that, our team is really competitive in TeqBall regularly, so I thought this would be great to bring both the 17s and 19s together to compete,” said Ryan Farr ’25. The game of TeqBall is so fun and competitive that, despite being ‘soccer dominant’, even some of the Hockey players play a lot of the time. “I think my partner Hamish and I have a good chance at winning the whole thing, but it’ll be tough with so many other good teams in the tournament,” added Diego Green ’25.

As this is the first time the team has organized a tournament of this type, there are no real expectations about what it will yield. “I’m happy to be participating in the tournament, but I hope it can become a regular event where more of the community can get involved,” said Noah Moodey ’26. The team hopes to get some of the community to spectate, perhaps on their way to the gym, as they should walk past and be entertained.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

Soccer Team Looking Forward to Much-Needed Break

May 7, 2025 by Jace Donawa

Photo provided.

As spring break is underway, it can be said that everybody in the school is relieved for this lengthy off-period. With the sports teams almost all ending their seasons, the break acts as a rest period after a long campaign. For the soccer team, though, the season is not yet over. After a long run of intense games, including trips to Costa Rica and Las Vegas, there are still two more events to close out the year for both the U-19s and U-17s. With good competition still to come in the spring, the break is much needed for both teams to finish it out.

“I think after a long string of demanding games, we are all relieved for the break to be here. For me, the best part of the break is that some of us can spend time with our families, with the break being 2 ½ weeks,” said Leo Doyle ’25. As the soccer team is the most diverse in the school, student-athletes come from all over the world. “Being so far from home, I’m grateful that our break is long enough that I can go all the way back to Kenya and be with my family for a little,” said Mohammed Ahmed ’26. For the boys, family time is very important, which again makes the break fitting.

The whole program is looking forward to enjoying their break and then finishing off what has been a good season. With one of the events being a one-day home tournament on April 27^th, both teams can’t wait to return and play in front of a home crowd for the first time since October.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

As Year Concludes, Senior Soccer Players Reflect

May 7, 2025 by Jace Donawa

The U19 squad following the championship win at home on April 27, 2025. Photo: Ms. Martina Moodey.

With the school year ending soon, the soccer season is coming to a close after a 9-month run. As the seniors prepare for their commencement, it is fitting that in the same period, they will say goodbye to their fellow teammates and coaches. This is the time where seniors can finally look back on all the memories that they had in their time here at Northwood, which often turns into an emotional and proud task. As the U19 team was formed of mostly seniors this year, the impact that they all will leave is a huge one for the future of the school and the Soccer program as a whole.

“As time keeps passing and we get closer to graduation, I am realizing more how grateful I am for my experience here at Northwood, both on and off the field. I believe that I am now well prepared for the next step in my life, and I’m very excited,” said Lohkoah Paye ’25.

“As I sit here thinking back on my three years here at Northwood, I can’t help but think about all the friendships I’ve made that will last a lifetime. It’s sad to know this is my last few weeks here with all of my boys, but a smart man once said, ‘All good things come to an end,’” added Vittorio Renda ’25.

“I can remember my first day stepping on campus to now being two weeks away from graduation. My three years at Northwood have been nothing short of a rollercoaster, but the people I’ve met along the way have helped me get through the tough times, and because of that, I am forever grateful to be a Husky,” said Machai Davis ’25.

“Thinking back on when I first came here as a sophomore, it’s crazy to think how fast time has slipped by. It’s amazing how my friends and I have matured so much as people, leaders, students, and athletes. I’ll never forget this location because it’s where I made some of my best friendships that’ll last forever. It’s truly a one of one,” added Leo Doyle ’25.

Filed Under: People, Sports

U19s go Back-to-Back in Vegas

March 20, 2025 by Jace Donawa

The U19 soccer squad in Vegas. Photo provided.

Last weekend, the soccer team traveled for one of their longest trips of the year to Las Vegas to compete in the Las Vegas Players’ Showcase. Both teams played four games in three days to secure the top spot in their respective groups. The U19s went 4-0-0, scoring 16 goals in the process while conceding only 5. With this record, they finished first in their group, winning the age group for the second consecutive year.

In the first game, the boys went up against Riverside FC, where they were able to come out victorious with a 4-2 win after leading 3-0 at halftime. Goals coming from Said El Eyssami ’26, Li Feng ’25, and Jace Donawa ’25. “This game was a good way for us to start the tournament, but we wish we had kept a clean sheet as we deserved it, I feel,” said Tziyon Morris ’26.

The second game, which was the most competitive game all weekend, was a game against IMG Academy’s top international team. Even after going 1-0 down in windy conditions, the boys were able to fight back late and win the game 2-1. The two late goals that came from Said El Eyssami ’26 and Jace Donawa ’25 gave the 19s a deserving win in the end. “This was by far the toughest game we played because of the wind and the quality of the opponent, and I feel that this game gave us the momentum to push on in our last two games,” said Noah Moodey ’25.

The third game against Las Vegas FC became difficult for the boys after going down 1-0 right before halftime, but they were able to come back in the second half and win 3-1. The second-half goals came from Ryan Farr ’25, Said El Eyssami ’26, and Leo Doyle ’25. “We put ourselves in a more difficult position than we would’ve wanted to in the game, but coming back to win put us in a position to go on and win the group with a win in the next game,” said Diego Green ’25.

The fourth and final game was the icing on the cake as the 19s were able to win 7-1 in the most dominant fashion against Mirage FC. The goals came from Said El Eyssami ’26, Leo Doyle ’25, Diogo Charraz ’25, Dowon Kim ’26, and Alex Derby ’26. “This game I enjoyed because the sun was out and it seemed we were just meant to win, which I feel the result reflected in the end,” Leo Doyle ’25.

Filed Under: Sports

Soccer U19s Unbeaten in Manhattan

March 5, 2025 by Jace Donawa

The U19s in Manhattan earlier this month. Photo provided.

Over the past weekend, both soccer teams traveled to Manhattan, New York, for the annual Manhattan Kickoff Classic. The tournament is a three-game showcase from Friday to Sunday, with one game each day. The boys note this trip every year as potentially the coldest temperatures they’ll have to play in. Last Year, the U19s were able to win the whole thing, so they wanted to go back-to-back.

The first game for the 19s pitted them in a game under the lights against the host Manhattan SC. After a dominant performance in frigid temperatures, the 19s earned a 6-0 victory. Goals came from Said El Eyssami ‘26, Ryan Farr ‘25, Leo Doyle ‘25, and Trey Frantz ‘25. “We knew going into the game that this would be a difficult game because of the opponent and the conditions. We just locked in fully on ourselves, and the result shows the rewards when we do that,” said Doyle.

In the second game, the boys took on Beachside Soccer Club CT, which would put them in the driver’s seat to win the whole thing if victorious. The boys would start the game meaning business after scoring very quickly, which turned into a 5-0 lead in the first half. The game would end 5-0 after no goals in the second half. The first half goals came from Farr, Jace Donawa ‘25, Doyle, and Mohammed Ahmed ‘26. “We made sure that we weren’t too satisfied with our first game and knew that it wouldn’t matter unless we won convincingly in this game as well,” added Farr.

The last game was a game against rival South Kent with a chance to win the bracket on the line. The boys had a slow start to the game and suffered going down by a goal, meaning they needed to return to be winners. Jackson Weyl ’25 tied the game up at 1-1 in the first half before Farr scored in the last minutes to win the game and the bracket. “Even though we started off the game slow, I was fully confident in our ability to come back and win because of the quality we have on our team, which was the deciding factor,” said Diego Green ’25.

Filed Under: Sports

Humans of Northwood: Camilo Pereda ‘25

March 3, 2025 by Jace Donawa

“One of my favorite things about Northwood is having the opportunity to be around so many different cultures and learning from them whilst also being able to share mine. Another one of my favorite things is the different experiences I’ve been afforded since being here, like the trips, going to new places, and playing other teams from different countries.

“My favorite memory is going to Las Vegas with the soccer team. It was great to experience a new, fancy place whilst doing what I love most, playing soccer. As a team, we had so much fun when we went down to the strip and got to ride the roller coaster. We also played some good teams and got first place in our group. I played pretty well, and I will remember that trip forever.

“I decided to come to Northwood because of the opportunity that was presented to me. I always say that it was not something I was looking for, but once the opportunity appeared, I took it right away. I was conscious that if I came here, I would be very far from home, missing my family and friends, but I was aware of the great opportunity to further my academics and soccer career in a new environment with a new language and different people. I will never regret my decision; being 15 hours away from home by plane was worth it, and Northwood has become my second family.

“Northwood has prepared me for the future in many ways. Firstly, my English has improved a lot since I came here, and that is a tool that I will need my entire life to communicate, to work, and interact with people. Northwood also taught me big life lessons like new cultures that I’ve learned from a lot throughout my two years so far. This will be useful whenever I travel and meet new people. I’ve improved my game in soccer a lot, thanks to our coaches and teammates. I’ve learned a completely different style of the game for me, which helped me get better and combine my South American style of play with my American one.”

As told to Jace Donowa ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Nathaniel Wright ‘25

March 1, 2025 by Jace Donawa

“Some of my favorite things about Northwood would have to be the people, Soccer, and location. At Northwood, student-athletes are given so much exposure to various aspects of life, which is something that I really enjoy. As far as the opportunities I have been given, my best memory so far would have to be going to Costa Rica for L.E.A.P. This was an experience of a lifetime and something I will never forget.

“Northwood has given me many opportunities to improve my academics and has taught me discipline to prepare me for life afterwards. Since being here, I have tried to stay true to myself and embrace the entire process. I do not want to look back on my time here at Northwood and have any regrets, so I try to make the best out of everyday life.

“Five years ago, I did not think that I would be playing soccer this competitively. The program’s environment has allowed me to develop so much as a player and athlete. Along with the numerous trips, our training schedule allows me and my teammates to improve daily. Being a part of the program is one of the best decisions I have made in my lifetime so far.”

As told to Jace Donowa ’25. Photo provided.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Catching up with Sachiel Ming ‘24

February 24, 2025 by Jace Donawa

Sachiel Ming ’24. Photo: Syracuse University Athletics.

Re-introduce yourself to Sachiel Ming who was a part of the 2024 graduating class after spending three years here at Northwood. Sachiel played on the soccer team for all three years before being recruited to play Division 1 soccer and study at Syracuse University last fall. He just completed his first fall season in college and was featured in numerous games. Since making the transition, he has much to reflect on from his first 8 months post-Northwood.

“It’s been really cool, a lot different to Northwood, especially being at one of the larger schools in the country,” said Sachiel. The transition from high school to college can be different for everyone but Sachiel has fully embraced it.

“I would say it’s been a challenge, but the resources around you make it hard not to succeed. That being said, I’ve adapted well, and the challenges that come with being a student-athlete become less challenging with the help we are able to receive. There’s been most definitely a much larger workload,” added Sachiel. As college is less structured than high school, it is up to the student-athlete to balance their time and work more efficiently.

“Personally, I felt I could’ve done much better (on the field), but looking back, I achieved things that many freshmen may not achieve in their first collegiate season, especially when playing in the best conference in the country,” said Sachiel. Playing in the best conference in the country for soccer takes some adapting, especially coming straight out of high school.

“The thing I miss most is the friendships I made; I speak to my boys from Northwood every day and miss them dearly. I can’t wait to link back up with them and hang out like the old days,” added Sachiel. Being in such a small environment like Northwood, it is inevitable that you will make tight friendships that last a lifetime.

“I would say to just listen and use the resources given to you. Student-athletes get so much help as long as you reach out for it and get it yourself. Because at the end of the day, nothing is done for you in college as no one is checking on you, and you don’t have time to study,” Sachiel added lastly. He seems to have enjoyed his freshmen year so far and wants to make each year better than the last for as long as he is in college.

Filed Under: People, Sports

Humans of Northwood: Lohkoah Paye ‘25

February 10, 2025 by Jace Donawa

“Coming from Collinsville, Connecticut, I am a four-year senior who plays for the boys U19 soccer team. I have numerous leadership roles around the school; I am the president of the Multicultural Students Club and a part of the headmaster’s council. After three years at Northwood, I earned a scholarship to play Division 1 soccer and study at St. John’s University for the next 3-4 years.

“Since it’s my last year, I’m trying to make the most of my time left at Northwood. Hanging out with my friends, being a part of campus activities, and playing soccer are the main things that I enjoy. I am learning to appreciate all the little things on the campus as I realize this opportunity only happens once.

“I’ve gained much experience handling my workload as a student-athlete from my time at Northwood. I’ve had to work on getting ahead of my assignments, and the soccer schedule has forced me to work in and around competitions. Having this experience will help me a lot in college as the balance of being a student-athlete is just, as if not more, complicated.

“One of my favorite memories at Northwood is going into town with my friends and getting some food and ice cream. I enjoy these moments the most because this is where we become uncertified therapists for each other in our life problems, and we can get away from the reality of the student-athlete life a little bit by getting off campus.

“I look forward to having a strong finish to the year both academically and athletically and leaving my mark here at Northwood.”

As told to Jace Donowa ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

The Soccer Team’s Off-Pitch Costa Rica Experience

February 5, 2025 by Jace Donawa

With the soccer teams taking a winter pre-season trip to Costa Rica, many parents, faculty, and student peers envy the opportunity the players and coaches are granted. The coaches stressed that it was a ‘business trip’ as both teams would be playing games against some of the best teams in the country, including the U17 and U20 national teams. Outside of the pitch is a spotlight for the trip, as Costa Rica is a tropical island where the weather is much different from the current Lake Placid weather. This allows the boys to do things that they have never done or have not done in a while because of the climate at the school. So, the boys are embracing the trip in every aspect.

Soccer players on the beach in Costa Rica. Photo provided.

One of the main things the players must balance is their schoolwork. They know that whilst having a fun time they cannot afford to fall behind in class. “Although it is tough to stay caught up, I have made good use of the mandatory team study halls and have kept myself disciplined to do some work on my own time,” said Leo Doyle ’25. When the players have a block of free time, the coaches usually dedicate that period to their studies. Every player is reminded daily that they are students first, so they must prioritize their work.

Outside of being a student-athlete, the experience of being in Costa Rica is one that the players are fully taking advantage of. Everyone on the trip embraces a new culture from what they are used to whilst staying in high-quality resorts/hotels. “The resorts and the food have been amazing. Everything is quite different from the infrastructure and the culture at Northwood,” added Diego Green ’25. Each day the boys are given opportunities to embrace the whole experience: they went zip lining over the jungles, for example.

Everyone on the trip is incredibly grateful for the opportunity and glad they did their part to make it happen by doing endless fundraising. They know this is an experience of a lifetime, but they also know that they are still representing Northwood School. This means that the same rules at school are being applied on the trip to prevent anyone from getting complacent and keeping everyone in good habits.