One of the great success stories of the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) athletic program is its hockey team. The Wildcats’ recent victory over North Shore – on Monday, May 5 – in which sophomore Annabelle Klein pulled off a dazzling hat trick, and sophomore Shira Mandelbaum delivered a rare shutout, is a testament to the resilience of a team that lost nine players to graduation last year.
“We’re young, but tough,” said Coach Louis Garza. “We really had to step up our game to recruit the new team, but we did it. The students have bonded and collaborated well together, and they’ve had a great season.”
Co-captains Annabelle and sophomore Maya Goykadosh were joined by freshmen Baila Bodlander, Michal Miller, Sarah Rosenzweig, and Baila Tichauer, along with sophomore Noa Berman. The athletes have faced challenging competition, often going up against more experienced teams. “There’s no distinction between varsity and junior varsity in hockey, so our team often played against juniors and seniors,” Coach Garza explained. “And many of these teams have over 20 players – four full lines – rotating throughout the game. We have one and a half lines, so everyone is playing consistently.”
The experience has been exhilarating for the players. “I love the teamwork, passion, and rush of being on the floor,” said Annabelle. “What’s unique about our team is we’ll teach anyone who wants to try how to play, so girls can be part of the team regardless of prior experience.”
Maya added, “I love having the opportunity to be one of the captains. I absolutely love hockey, and I enjoy sharing this incredible sport with others.”
Freshman Baila Bodlander shared, “Being on the hockey team is a great way to learn a new sport and bond with girls from other grades.”
Coach Garza – who also serves as Central’s Head of Security and is a lifelong hockey player – emphasized the life lessons sports can teach. “Playing a sport teaches students how to be part of a team. Hopefully, what they’ve learned from hockey at Central will carry over into other aspects of their lives. It’s not always about being ‘the best’ – it’s about learning and enjoying the game.”
The entire athletic program is celebrating spring success and saying bittersweet farewells to graduating seniors. On May 6, Central Soccer, coached by Mr. Erez Bar-Levy, held its senior night and clinched a playoff spot with a win over HANC. Senior night for Central Softball is set for Monday, May 12, and Central Tennis will host its senior night before the match with Shulamith Long Island on Wednesday, May 14.
