Josh Baker

Recap: Black Rock FC Winter Showcase

February 24, 2026 by Josh Baker

Photo from Black Rock FC Instagram.

Black Rock FC’s U17 and U19 squads travelled for five and a half hours by coach bus from Lake Placid to Milford, New Hampshire, for the Black Rock FC Winter Showcase. The games were played at the Hampshire Dome, a pitch that is much narrower than a typical pitch. The Black Rock squads left Friday afternoon and returned Sunday night, arriving in time for the Super Bowl halftime show. The trip was a fantastic way to give the players exposure, and it was also a memorable experience for the club.

The showcase itself consisted of every team playing four 35-minute games. The showcase featured more than 25 college programs scouting prospective student-athletes. The list included some top colleges, such as Stanford, Harvard, Dartmouth, and more. With coaches seated on the sideline, the intensity of every game was high.

Colleges attending the showcase. Photo from Black Rock FC Instagram

The Black Rock U17s finished the weekend with two wins, one draw, and one loss. They managed to win against Sigma Football Club and Seacoast Bedford. The goal scorers for the U17s over the 4 matches included: Samuel Andoh ‘28, Maxwell Notley ‘27, Josh Baker ‘28, and Philippe Joly ‘29. Overall, the team showed resilience and composure for all four games in front of college scouts.

The U19s mirrored the U17s’ results with two wins, a draw, and a loss. The U19s were unlucky not to secure another win, but overall, the team played well, showing their experience and leadership.

Beyond the results, the weekend allowed all the players to display their talents and build chemistry together. The long bus ride brought the U17 and U19 squads closer together, which is huge for the club.

The U17 team. Photo by Vincent Montreuil ’28.

By the time the team returned to Northwood School in Lake Placid on Sunday night, everyone was tired but grateful for the opportunity to play in the showcase. Now the U17s and U19s from Black Rock have a weekend off before they head to Manhattan to play in their next tournament.

The U19 team. Photo by Vincent Montreuil ’28.

Filed Under: Sports

Soccer World Cup Preview

February 10, 2026 by Josh Baker

The FIFA World Cup is a golden trophy that is awarded to the winners of the FIFA World Cup association football tournament. Photo: ESPN.

The biggest sporting event in the world is approaching, and you mustn’t miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. From June 11 to July 19^th, 2026, the FIFA World Cup will be the main conversation around the globe. What makes this year’s tournament even more special is that the tournament will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States for the first time in history. This will make North America a focus worldwide.

There will be 16 cities spread across the continent, hosting matches and turning iconic stadiums into the center of the sports world. The games will be hosted in Canadian cities, including Toronto and Vancouver, in Mexico City, and across the United States. Each game is likely to have a full crowd as many people are flying in from different continents to support their country. Luckily enough, this year’s venue is convenient for all the fans here in America.

This tournament is special for Northwood School, as it has an exceptional soccer program and students-athletes with diverse cultures. The Northwood student body has just under 200 students, and 24 countries are represented. This tournament will be a terrific way for students of diverse cultures to share experiences that they will remember for the rest of their lives. In the dining hall, you might hear celebrating and some loud shouts, but that is what makes this tournament so special.

World Cup Predictions from some of the U17 players at Northwood/Black Rock FC:

Jorley Neto ‘27: “Brazil will definitely win the World Cup.”

Abdul Fuseini ‘28: “I think Ghana will win it this year.”

Samuel Andoh ‘28: “Spain will win.”

Philippe Joly ‘29: “Canada will win it for sure.”

The official World Cup draw. Graphic by CBS News.

The closest World Cup venue for the Northwood community would be MetLife Stadium, just outside of New York City. MetLife Stadium will host 8 matches. One of the matches is the World Cup final on July 19^th. For the group stage, the scheduled matchups at MetLife Stadium are Brazil vs Morocco (June 13^th), France vs Senegal (June 16^th), Norway vs Senegal (June 22), Ecuador vs Germany (June 25^th), and Panama vs England (June 27^th). There will also be a round of 32 and a round of 16 hosted there.

MetLife Stadium. Photo: ESPN.

This Summer, the World Cup will be something that people both around the world and here in the Northwood Community will remember forever. It will be an experience full of celebration and diversity, and you mustn’t waste this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Filed Under: Sports

Cold and Snow Sweeps Across North America

February 2, 2026 by Josh Baker

A huge winter storm is sweeping across North America, leaving snow, ice, and widespread damage in its wake. The actual snowstorm began on January 22, 2026. The storm has moved from Northern Mexico all the way to Canada. This has made it one of the most expensive and chaotic snowstorms people have seen in a long time. Snowfall has been extremely heavy across the South and Midwest, the Northeast, and here in Lake Placid, New York. In many communities across the Northeast, forecasts predict more than a foot of snow, dangerous subzero temperatures, and unsafe ice accumulation before the snowstorm reaches the East Coast.

Unfortunately, the snowstorm has taken many lives along its way. By the evening of January 27, this storm had caused at least 60 deaths in the United States, as announced by USA Today. It was also announced in the report that among the deaths, 3 brothers aged 6, 8, and 9 died after they fell through the ice on a pond. The family was peacefully playing on the ice until the youngest brother fell in. The other two brothers then tried to save his life.

The Storm has also caused runs on grocery stores from Texas to Mississippi to Washington, D.C., leaving shelves bare and inventories depleted.

Photo from: Fox Baltimore News

Although here in Lake Placid, New York, there have been no reported deaths, the storm’s effects have still been major. The snow has continued to pile up, burying sidewalks and rooftops both within Northwood School and throughout Lake Placid. The snow has transformed this beautiful town into a snow globe.

As someone from Melbourne, Australia, this experience feels like something I would never have imagined, given that the last time there was snow in the City of Melbourne was 1986. Walking past the Berg Dorm and throughout the school felt unique to me, especially seeing the amount of snow on the rooftops and the pathways to my classes. I would imagine this would be similar for some other Northwood students from countries like Ghana, Brazil, and others.

Bergamini Dorm at Northwood School. Photo by Josh Baker ‘28

Overall, the Lake Placid community and other communities across the country have responded well. There have been many videos online showing neighbors offering to help shovel each other’s driveways, bringing people closer. The storm has been a lot more than just dangerous weather. It carries experiences that people will remember for a lifetime.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Real World

Northwood Alum Selected in First Round of MLS Draft

January 29, 2026 by Josh Baker

After a breakout sophomore season at Georgetown University, in which Mitchell Baker ’24 helped the Hoyas win the Big East Championship and make the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament, many started saying that an MLS Club would draft Mitch. After all, he was the 8th leading goal scorer in the country, a 2nd Team All American, a Mac Herman Semifinalist, a unanimous selection for the All-Big East team, as well as being a “true freshman”, having gone to college a year early at 17 years of age.

Baker celebrates a goal for Georgetown. Photo: Georgetown Hoyas

The Colorado Rapids post announcing Baker’s pick. (Instagram)

On December 18^th, 2025, Baker’s dream became a reality when he received a call from the Colorado Rapids at the 10^th overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft, marking the start of his professional soccer career. With that selection, Mitchell made history for Northwood, becoming the first alumnus to be drafted in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft, a huge milestone for both Mitch and the school.

Before his journey to the United States, Mitch, born in Melbourne, Australia, spent 10 years in Hong Kong, which led him to take up soccer instead of Australian Rules Football. He played for the Kitchee FC, a local professional academy, and the Hong Kong Football Club. Upon returning to Australia, Mitch played for Melbourne Victory (an A-League academy). Halfway through his freshman year, Baker made a huge move to the US at age 15 to Northwood School. Moving across to the other side of the world was challenging for Mitchell as he had to adjust to an entirely new environment. Although it was hard, it played a huge role in his character development.

Whilst Mitch had always been tall, he only physically developed after he arrived in the USA and switched from CB/CM to striker. He made a significant impact on the Northwood/Black Rock soccer program. During his sophomore year, he scored 56 goals and 19 assists, placing him on the radar for colleges across the country. Shortly after his sophomore year, he committed to Georgetown University. In his Junior year, Mitch scored 73 goals and 13 assists as a U19. That successful season allowed Mitch to make another bold decision, deciding to join the Georgetown Hoyas a year earlier than expected. Mitch totaled 141 goals and 39 assists in 121 games in his 2 and a half years at Northwood, a record that will be hard to beat.

Baker celebrates a goal while at Northwood. Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge.

At Georgetown, Baker continued to grow beyond the score sheet. Georgetown coaches, teammates, and commentators were very impressed with Mitch’s technical skills and footwork, given his 6-foot 5 frame. They were also impressed by his aerial skills and his ability to hold the ball up and kick off both feet with equal skill. These skills were on display as he scored a brace as the Hoyas defeated UCF 2-0 in the Round of 32 in the NCAA Division 1 tournament.

Baker’s unique athletic attributes, paired with his consistent performances, attracted many MLS scouts who were looking at potential draft picks. What makes his selection even more special is that he told clubs he would not leave college until after he graduated.

Baker is a sophomore in the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown, majoring in Finance and minoring in Entrepreneurship, and he is accelerating his graduation path. He still managed a 3.8 GPA despite his workload and earned Second Honors last semester.

Interview with Mitch Baker regarding his Draft Day and journey:

What did it feel like when you got drafted 10^th overall in the MLS Superdraft?

“It was a dream come true. You look back at where it started and how tough the journey was, but it is satisfying to know that it was all worth it at the end of the day.”

What does it mean to be the first Northwood Alumnus drafted in the first round?

“It’s a special achievement for me, considering how big a role Northwood played in getting me to where I am. I’m just proud to represent the school in this way.”

Who are you most thankful for along the way?

“My family, without a doubt. I’m also thankful for the coaches and teachers at both Northwood and Georgetown because without them, I wouldn’t be here.”

How did you find the move from Australia to the United States?

“At first, it was challenging being away from mates and family, but overall, I think it forced me to mature and develop as a person.”

What excites you the most about joining the Colorado Rapids?

“I’m excited to be in a competitive environment surrounded by people with similar goals to me. I’m also excited because I think this will give me a feel for the professional lifestyle. Being drafted is great, but it doesn’t guarantee a contract (unlike other sports drafts). There is a lot of hard work to come, but I’m ready for the challenge!”

Baker’s journey from Melbourne to Lake Placid, to Washington, DC, and potentially Colorado is quite remarkable. His journey involved risk and hard work, which paid off. As he continues his path, his story will be seen as a milestone for the Northwood program, and it will be exciting to watch!

Filed Under: People, Sports, Top Story

Two Ghanaian Soccer Talents at Northwood

January 29, 2026 by Josh Baker

There are two Ghanaian student-athletes, Abdul Baaki and Samuel Andoh, who are making an enormous impact on the field here at Northwood School. They have both brought unique stories filled with talent, sacrifice, and hard work, inspiring others in the soccer program.

Abdul Baaki ’28 (left) and Samuel Andoh ’28. Photo provided.

Abdul Baaki ’28 and Samuel Andoh ’28 share a lot more than just their home country. Both grew up in Ghana with an ambition to succeed educationally and in soccer. They both flew thousands of miles to chase their dreams at Northwood. But their journeys were quite different before intersecting here at Lake Placid.

Abdul grew up in Kumasi, one of Ghana’s largest cities. It is a well-known city for producing soccer talents. Ever since Abdul could touch a ball, his ability stood out immediately. Many people knew that he had something special about him. His talent was seen by Indian Mountain School, which eventually offered Abdul a scholarship. He stayed in the program for three years, continuing to develop both on and off the pitch. His experience at IMS prepared him well for the next step in his career, leading him to Northwood. Now he is playing as a winger for the U17s as a 2010. Despite being younger than many on the team, he has consistently been on the score sheet, using his incredible technical ability and speed. His style of play reflects flair and creativity, a trait commonly associated with West African soccer.

A young Abdul with Mohammed Kudus. Photo provided.

Andoh’s journey to Northwood began even earlier. Andoh left his home in Ghana to join Northwood School as a 9^th grader. He had a clear goal: to chase his dream of becoming a professional soccer player and to have an education that was not possible in his hometown. The adjustment to Northwood meant not only a new country but also a new academic system, faster-paced learning, and a different style of play. Despite these challenges, Andoh has performed well, establishing himself as a key player in the U17s.

Andoh with Mohammed Kudus. Photo by 3Sports Ghana

On the field, Andoh plays as a Striker and brings a physical style shaped by his experiences in Ghana. He was previously named Player of the Tournament at a competition held in Ghana by Mohammed Kudus, a Ghanaian who currently plays for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. Andoh is known for his skills, speed, and goal-scoring ability. This has helped him establish himself as a consistent goalscorer for the U17s.

Watch Mohammed Kudus’s Instagram post regarding the tournament: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLxfjhoN9xr/?igsh=aTgxZGJ2OGU0dWp6

Interview with Samuel Andoh and Abdul Baaki regarding their journey so far:

What is the most significant difference between playing soccer in Ghana and playing here?

Abdul: “The biggest difference is physicality. In Ghana, soccer is a lot more physical than here.”

Andoh: “The biggest difference is the surface. In Ghana, we do not have the resources we have here, so instead of turf, we played on rough grounds.”\

What are your goals this year?

Abdul: “My goal is to have 70 goals and assists by the end of the year.”

Andoh: “My goal is to score 60 goals by the end of this year.”

What has been the hardest adjustment since moving to Northwood?

Abdul: “The hardest part has been the travel schedule. When we get back from games at 01:00 a.m. and must go to school, it is hard.”

Andoh: “The hardest part has been trying to communicate with others.”

Together, Abdul and Andoh are a lot more than just talented soccer players. Their stories contain sacrifice, resilience, and the nature of opportunity. These stories show how special this opportunity at Northwood is and how Northwood can be a big step in a person’s life.