Today, Gerstell Academy welcomed back Anthony Carpenter ’19 to the Deborah Paterakis Gymnasium, where he once made history as a standout basketball player. Known for his record-breaking shooting accuracy, over 1,000 career points, and two MIAA Conference Championship titles, Anthony returned not as a player—but as a collegiate coach.
The Girls Varsity Soccer team showed heart in a close 0–1 battle against Catholic High. Cambrie Franks led the defense with eight clutch saves, keeping the Falcons in the fight and proving their resilience as they move forward with a 3-5-2 IAAM B record.
The Falcons soared to a commanding 3–0 win over Indian Creek, fueled by Simon Oluyemi’s early spark and Samuel Oluyemi’s cool finish. With a rock-solid defense and Preston Harris’s fourth shutout, Gerstell improved to 2–1 in conference play, showing grit, unity, and championship focus.
The Lady Falcons showed grit in a tough 0–1 loss to Roland Park, highlighted by Cambrie Franks’ 12-save performance. Just days later, they bounced back with a thrilling 1–1 draw against Liberty, capped by Madison Schneider’s clutch goal off Cadence Poklemba’s corner and another standout effort from Franks in goal.
Gerstell’s JV volleyball squad showcased poise and precision in back-to-back straight set victories on September 24th and 26th. With sharp communication, consistent serving, and disciplined defense, the Falcons controlled the tempo and executed with confidence.
Braving tough conditions, the Girls Varsity Cross Country team took third place in a highly competitive field. Courtneigh Hogan and Jordan Graham paced the team, while Hailee Petrecz’s determined finish highlighted the Falcons’ grit and unity.
Gerstell’s Girls Varsity Volleyball team showcased resilience and momentum during a demanding three-match stretch, highlighted by a hard-fought battle against St. Mary’s and back-to-back sweeps over Carroll Christian and Concordia Prep. Across all three contests, the Falcons demonstrated depth, discipline, and dynamic play, setting a competitive tone for the season.
The Gerstell boys’ cross country team opened their season with energy and focus, highlighted by Lucas Kolb’s impressive second-place finish at the home meet on September 10th. They followed up with a strong showing on September 15th, earning wins over St. John’s and Sts. Peter and Paul, as Paul Casey ran a personal best and Kolb led the team despite a knee injury, exemplifying resilience and leadership.
The Falcons showed resilience in a hard-fought 0–0 draw against Liberty, battling through two overtime periods in a fast-paced, physical contest. They bounced back with a dominant 5–0 win over Key School on Monday, September 15th, highlighted by a unified team effort, strong defense, and Mark Vaysman’s first career goal.
The Lady Falcons showed resilience in a tough three-set loss to Frederick Force on September 12, with standout defensive efforts from Josie Conley (17 digs) and Alexis Gilotte (7 digs, 4 kills). They rebounded with a commanding sweep of St. Vincent Pallotti, led by Leah Wilson’s all-around performance and strong contributions from Conley and Gilotte, setting a high standard for the season.
Gerstell Academy’s Girls Varsity Soccer team earned a thrilling 2–1 road win over Mercersburg Academy, with goals from Savannah Devers and Eden Walker, and key defensive efforts by Cadence Poklemba and Cambrie Franks. The momentum carried into Monday’s 1–1 draw against Hereford High, where Walker scored again and Franks tallied 10 saves in a resilient team performance through double overtime.
This past Friday, the Gerstell Academy Varsity Boys Soccer team volunteered with the Freedom Optimist Shooting Stars program, supporting young athletes with special needs. Through mentorship, teamwork, and shared love for the game, our players embodied the values of leadership, compassion, and community service.
The Boys Varsity Soccer team opened the regular season with a strong 3–0 victory over Beth Tfiloh, led by goals from Simon Oluyemi, Malcolm Hoar, and Darren Fling, and a clean sheet from Preston Harris. On Friday, September 5th, the Falcons showed grit and determination in a tightly contested tournament match at North County, narrowly falling 1–0 despite a unified and relentless effort.
The Lady Falcons opened their season with back-to-back straight-set victories over Park School and Indian Creek, fueled by consistent energy, teamwork, and strong serving. Standout performances from Becca Sprinkle, Macey Ulloa, Leah Wilson, Alexis Gilotte, and Salma Tigoudar highlighted the team’s depth and set a confident tone for the season ahead.
The Lady Falcons opened the season with back-to-back home wins, defeating their first opponent 2–0 behind goals from Grace D’Anthony and Savannah Devers, and a shutout anchored by Cambrie Franks. They followed with a 3–1 victory over St. James, highlighted by goals from Devers, Samantha Gilotte, and D’Anthony, and six saves from Franks to secure the win.
Following their 2024 IAAM C Conference championship, the Girls Varsity Volleyball team enters the B Conference with a balanced roster and high expectations. Led by Josie Conley on defense and setters Leah Wilson and Alexis Gilotte on offense, the Falcons are focused on building chemistry and competing at a high level throughout the season.
The cross-country season is off to a focused and energized start, guided by returning alumni coaches Adam Lovellette and Ray Ellison, whose experience and enthusiasm have elevated team morale.
The Varsity Boys Soccer team enters the 2025 season with momentum from last year’s 10–6–2 record and a playoff berth in the MIAA B Conference. Under Head Coach A.J. Berry, the Falcons blend veteran leadership with emerging talent, united in their pursuit of growth, consistency, and a deeper postseason run.
The Girls Varsity Soccer team enters the season with a clear focus on building a winning culture and long-term success, anchored by veteran leadership and energized by impactful newcomers. With Cambrie Franks, Cadence Poklemba, and Savannah Devers leading the way, and rising talent like Genesis Umanzor and Eden Walker joining the mix, the Falcons are poised to compete with unity, grit, and purpose.
Three of Gerstell Academy’s Girls Varsity Basketball standouts have earned national recognition for their excellence on and off the court. Kiara Hardy, Abby Redman, and Shyla Borek were named Second Team Academic All-Americans by the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA), recognizing their exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and outstanding athletic achievements. Their accomplishments reflect the core values of Gerstell’s leadership-based athletic program.