Sports Report: The Year In Review, ‘24-‘25

Football

The Newman football team went undefeated in the regular season, winning all eight games, capped by an exciting 24-21 in the regular season finale at home against South Plaquemines High School to capture the district title.

After earning a first round bye in the playoffs, the #2 seeded Greenies defeated D’Arbonne Woods Charter School 49-19, before ultimately falling to Catholic High School of New Iberia in the quarterfinals.

Offensive lineman Brett Bordelon, quarterback Eli Friend, and defensive back James Reiss were all named to the Louisiana Class 2A first team all-state team.

In January, long-time head coach Nelson Stewart, who achieved an impressive 162-54 record at his alma mater of over 19 seasons as head coach for the Greenies, announced he was relocating to become Head of Program for Football at the esteemed Westminster School in Atlanta.

Vice’s alignment with the school’s mission, emphasizing academic excellence and character development, along with his extensive experience and passion for mentoring student-athletes, made him the standout candidate for the role. Please join us in congratulating and warmly welcoming Coach Aaron Vice to the school community!

Also read: Crescent City Sports’ Nelson Stewart leaving Newman to become Westminster (Ga.) head football coach here and NOLA.com’s Newman hires new football coach who has ties to LSU and Baton Rouge schools here.

Volleyball

The volleyball team, seeded fourth in Division IV with a 23-11 record, advanced to the state tournament quarterfinals after defeating South Plaquemines High School in three sets (25-10, 25-14, 25-4) in the bi-district round. That match also celebrated Senior Night for players Catherine Lapeyre, Tatum Young, Kingsland LeBourgeois, and Sarah Gibbs Smallpage. The following day, the Greenies continued their success by sweeping Doyle High School in three sets (25-10, 25-21, 25-10) in the regional playoffs, securing their spot in the state championship weekend at the Cajun Dome in Lafayette.

However, despite a strong start, the team’s journey ended in the state semifinals, with a 3-0 loss to the No. 8 seed Dunham School (25-22, 25-21, 25-16).

The team concluded the season with an impressive 26-12 record, showcasing their hard work, resilience, and passion. The Newman community celebrated the Greenies' achievements and looks forward to their future success.

Cross Country

At regionals, the boys and girls cross country teams both secured first place, led by Avery Summerour (20:56, 1st) and Maslen L'Esperance (16:14, 1st), respectively. Then at the state championship meet in Natchitoches, the girls placed third, with Summerour finishing 11th (21:11), while the boys took second, just two points shy of the title, led by L'Esperance's 16:06 (2nd overall). Nearly the entire Newman team and many parents supported the runners, with gratitude expressed for the coaching this season of Lauren Huber, along with the supervision of Lauren Haro at the state meet.

He aims to foster a culture of camaraderie and excellence at Newman, aligning with the school’s motto, “we learn to do by doing.” Please join us in giving a warm Greenies welcome to Coach Harrison Martingayle!

Cheerleading

The cheerleading squad had a blast cheering and performing at games and matches throughout the year. Go Greenies!

Swimming

After a series of successful swim meets throughout the fall, the girls and boys competed in the LHSAA Division III State Championship Swim Meet in Sulphur. The girls team placed 7th overall, matching last year’s performance, while the boys team improved to 10th, up from 12th the previous year.

The girls’ highlights included strong relay performances, including sixth place finishes in the 200-yard medley and the 400-yard freestyle relay and individual achievements like Vivian Zhou’s 7th in the 500-yard freestyle and Morgan Breaux’s 6th in the 100-yard breaststroke, with significant time drops across events. The boys’ team saw notable improvements, with the 400-yard freestyle relay placing 7th and dropping 13 seconds, and seniors Elias Hutchings and Nick Rezza earning top-13 finishes in the 200-yard individual medley and 500-yard freestyle, with nearly all swimmers achieving personal bests.

The season concluded with a farewell to senior swimmers Nick Rezza, Elias Hutchings, and Drew Sonnier, whose leadership was celebrated as the team marked a successful year with every swimmer on the team reaching the state finals.

Boys Soccer

After going undefeated in the regular season (18-0-1), winning the district title and earning the top seed in the Division IV playoff bracket, the boys soccer team, led by their eleven seniors, cruised through the first four rounds of the playoffs, outscoring their opponents 30-2.

At the state championship match against Ascension Episcopal School (18-3-2) in Hammond, Newman striker Cole Spady scored twice in the first half to give the boys a 2-0 lead. Although the Blue Gators were able to convert a penalty kick goal just before halftime, Amar Walia’s perfect shot across goal and inside the far post in the 49th minute restored the two-goal lead for good.

For his heroics, Spady was named the most outstanding player of the game, and the team finished its dream season with an incredible 23-0-1 record. Named to the all-district team were Spady (overall MVP), Rylan Claverie (offensive MVP), Alex Dulitz (defensive MVP), goalkeeper Charlie Guy, defenders Rowan Dravid, Jack Hance and Jake Lonseth, and midfielders Jake Isenberg, Will Pinkerton, Paul Richard, George Villere and Amar Walia. Congratulations Greenies!

Girls Soccer

With a 12-3-3 record and a district title in the regular season, the girls soccer team (#2 seed) hosted four victorious playoff home games, including a thrilling 2-1 win against archrival Episcopal School of Baton Rouge in the semi-final match.

In the state championship match in Hammond, the girls faced off against the #1 seed, Loyola College Preparatory School (22-4-3). In the 24th minute, senior defender Sarah Gibbs Smallpage scored a header to give the Greenies a tight 1-0 lead at halftime. In the second half, it was all Greenies. In the 45th minute, senior midfielder Catherine Lapeyre scored from outside the penalty area and striker Lili Arjmand, who was named the game’s most outstanding player for the second time in her career, added a third goal with a screamer of her own. Wingers Alyse Dulitz, Kingsland LeBourgeois, Avery Summerour and Katie Gershanik also added scores in the second half, and by the end, it was a dominating 7-0 victory for the Greenies. The win marked Newman’s third consecutive state title and their 15th overall, finishing the season at 17-3-2.

Named to first team all-district were striker Lili Arjmand, midfielders Sara Cordova, Sydney Gallagher and Catherine Lapeyre, and defender Claire Charpentier. Second teamers were midfielders Alyse Dulitz, Kingsland LeBourgeois, Brooke Montano, Sarah Gibbs Smallpage and Avery Summerour, and goalkeeper Bizzie Guy, while defenders MC Flower and Genevieve Plaisance and goalkeeper CeCe Pinkerton earned honorable mention. Go Greenies!

Boys Basketball

The boys basketball team finished the regular season with a strong 20-6 record, narrowly missing out on the district championship after a hard-fought matchup with Metairie Park Country Day School.

Despite a roster of relatively young, inexperienced players, the Greenies (#4 seed) exceeded expectations, winning two playoff games and reaching the state Division III (Select) playoff quarterfinals. After a first-round bye and a win against Pope John Paul II Catholic High School, the Greenies ended the season with a closely contested 65-57 loss to Rosepine High School. The team’s grit, athleticism, chemistry and senior leadership led to a remarkable season, setting a foundation for future success.

Heartfelt congratulations to Copeland Bowen and Sachin Dasa for their selection to the Academic All-State team. The Howard Thompson Award for Most Improved Players went to CJ Encalarde and Pierce Cunningham, and the Coach's Award was presented to Dre Davis. The Coleman E. Adler Award for Best Defensive Player was awarded to PJ Foster. Lastly, the Best Offensive Player Award, along with the James M. Lapeyre, Jr. Award for Most Valuable Player as voted by teammates, went to RJ Livingston.

In March, head coach Randy Livingston decided to step down after six seasons to prioritize family time, with his wife and two younger children living in Australia. Livingston was a Parade All-American for Newman basketball in the 1990s before moving on to Louisiana State University and then the NBA. He returned to coach six seasons at Newman, winning three state consecutive state championships with multiple players who went on to play in college.

Selected through a national search involving over 100 candidates, Templet impressed with his alignment to Newman’s values of honesty, kindness, respect, and responsibility. His coaching philosophy emphasizes developing skilled athletes and outstanding individuals, and his strong basketball knowledge, organizational skills, and connection with student-athletes make him an ideal fit for Newman’s community. Welcome, Coach Templet!

Girls Basketball

Congratulations to seniors Ava Azzano, Audrey Bagot, Stella Joyce, team manager Brett Beasley, and Kasia Wells, who was named MVP for District 2A-10. All N!

Gymnastics

Also representing Newman were Esme Brannon and Mia Hoffman, both of whom performed very well in their first appearances at the state meet. Well done, Greenies gymnasts!

Tennis

In tennis, both the girls and the boys teams brought home the hardware from the Division III state championship. The girls finished first, their fifth championship in program history. The Greenies were led by captain Gwendolyn Gray and Francie Casbarian, who won the doubles state championship over a pair from Academy of Our Lady High School in the title match, and Ariana Bazan, who made it to the semi-finals in singles.

The boys came in second, taking home state runner-up honors, with singles player Arjun Walvekar reaching the semifinals.

Congratulations Greenies!

Lacrosse

In the championship final in Baton Rouge, the underdog Greenies fought valiantly against two-time defending champions Jesuit High School of New Orleans, but fell 10-9 in a tightly contested match before a huge crowd of students, parents, and Green N White Club supporters. Price DeMeyers led the team with four goals, while Eli Friend contributed four assists, and the team displayed remarkable grit and sportsmanship throughout. Despite the loss, the Greenies’ performance showcased their talent and pride, earning widespread admiration.

Named to the all-district first team for the LHSLL East District were Kukuy, Friend, and Landry, while William Mahfouz, William Long, Laborde, James Ryan and Voss Finkelstein were nominated for the second team. Way to go Greenies!

Softball

The softball team concluded a successful season with a 13-7 record, going undefeated in district play and winning the 2A-10 District Championship with an 88-6 scoring margin against district opponents. They achieved a historic milestone by hosting and winning their first playoff game in over 20 years, defeating Metairie Park Country Day School 24-4, led by Alyse Dulitz’s four RBIs and a 15-run second inning. Pitcher Maryn Huber earned the win, striking out seven.

The season unfortunately ended in the second round of the playoffs with a loss to D’Arbonne Woods Charter School, the eventual state runner-up. The team bid farewell to seniors Brett Beasley, Catherine Fitzpatrick, and Sydney Gallagher, who were instrumental in reviving the program three years ago after a long hiatus.

Key statistical leaders included Alyse Dulitz (.577 BA, 30 hits, 34 RBIs), Madison Able (10 doubles), and Maryn Huber (81 strikeouts, 8 wins). The season was marked by growth, resilience, and significant achievements for the program.

The team celebrated several players receiving All-District honors: Maryn Huber was named All-District MVP, Felicity Drake earned All-District Catcher, Alyse Dulitz and Madison Able were selected as All-District First Team Infielders. Sydney Gallagher was named an All-District First Team Outfielder and Sydney Able earned the honor of All-District First Team Utility Player. Catherine Fitzpatrick and Brett Beasley received All-District Second Team Outfielder and Utility Player honors, respectively, and Coach Robin Christian was recognized as Coach of the Year. What a season!

Track and Field

Following an impressive indoor season, highlighted by Jada Recasner’s state championship triple jump victory, the track and field team delivered an outstanding outdoor season, brimming with individual triumphs and collective success. At the district meet, the boys and girls teams racked up the points, with the girls easily winning the district title and the boys earning the runner-up spot.

At regionals, which determine who gets to compete at the state championship meet in Baton Rouge, the girls and boys teams both captured runner-up titles and earned the right to send a combined 22 athletes across 17 events to the capital city.

At the state meet, the boys and girls teams excelled despite challenging conditions of heavy rain and cold, with athletes competing in soaked uniforms. The girls’ 4x800m relay team, including CC Eustis, Avery Summerour, Elise Barnett, and Sadie Meyer, earned bronze, while the boys’ team of Jack Hance, Asher McCoul, Rivers LeLong, and Logan DeGruy secured silver, setting a strong tone for the meet.

Individual highlights included state titles by Dylan Kolenovsky in discus and shot put, Remi Cousin in long jump, and Jada Recasner in triple jump, with additional podium finishes like Logan DeGruy’s personal record of 4:27 in the 1600m. The team’s resilience shone through, earning high placements with further medals in the javelin, hurdles, and 800m and capping a stellar season. All N!

Baseball

The varsity baseball team, seeded #13 in the Division III (Select) Bracket state tournament, had a very strong season, highlighted by several key regular-season wins and a dominant first-round playoff sweep against #20 seed Fisher Middle/High School. In the Fisher series, Christian Sauska pitched a complete-game shutout with 14 strikeouts in the first game, and Newman’s offense exploded in the second game, highlighted by three six-run innings with contributions from Henry Cook, Jack Falgoust, Charles Wilson, Sauska, Collier Villere and Wrigley Stewart.

In the second round of the playoffs, however, the Greenies faced a very good team from Catholic High School in New Iberia. In the first game, Newman outhit the Panthers and had strong pitching from Tyler Zweifler and Collier Villere, but ultimately fell 3-1. In the second game, the Greenies again had strong pitching but were hurt by some untimely errors, concluding the season.

Following the season, the team honored four players for their standout performances and the coaches praised them for their leadership, performance, and dedication. Junior Charles Wilson was named Team MVP, while senior Henry Cook received the Coaches’ Award. Senior Tyler Zweifler was recognized as Best Offensive Player and junior Christian Sauska was awarded Best Defensive Player.

Golf

With extensive experience in athletic performance and positive psychology, she aims to promote academic excellence, character development, and well-being while elevating the team’s performance.

After an impressive undefeated regular season, the boys golf team won the district tournament at Joseph Bartholomew Golf Course, besting their competitors with a team score of 327 to runner up John Curtis Christian School’s 335. The team was led by D.J. Randolph’s medalist-winning 78 and Jax Mendler’s 79. Chase Hoffman (82) and Colin Moffett (88) also scored well, with the team ultimately advancing to the regional tournament at The Island Golf Course in Plaquemine.

Upcoming Schedule

See the latest Newman sports schedule here and purchase individual home game tickets here. Thank you for supporting Newman athletics, its teams, players, coaches, and administration.