Middle School Seasons and Teams

Fall Season (September - October)

Co-ed Soccer - Grades 7 & 8 - All Gender

Cross County - Grades 6, 7 & 8 - All Gender

Girls Volleyball - Grades 7 & 8

2025-26 Registration:
June 13 - September 3

Winter Season (November - February)

Boys Basketball- Grades 7 & 8 (*Orange & Blue Teams)

Girls Basketball- Grades 6, 7 & 8 (**Orange & Blue Teams)

Grade 6 Boys Basketball

2025-26 Registration:
Mid-October and the first week in November

Spring Season (March - May)

Track & Field (All Grades and All Gender)

Ultimate (All Grades and All Gender)

Boys Volleyball (TBD)

2025-26 Registration:
Feb - 1st week of March 

Team FAQ's

  • The program is open to all 7th and 8th grades. The soccer team offers athletes the opportunity to create lifelong friendships, play, and improve coordination, aerobic capacity, and team skills as they compete and learn the game, as well as represent the Heschel Heat in the MSAL League. The season begins the first week of school and runs until the end of October. The team practices 2x a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays, but location and days may vary based on field permit) at Dewitt Clinton Park. Heschel competes in the MSAL and plays between 4-8 games (number may vary from year to year depending on rainout/field permit and total # of teams signed up.

    What to wear/bring?

    • Shorts

    • Shirt

    • Turf cleats: Most practices and games are on synthetic turf (sneakers if indoors), 

    • Tracksuit (for colder days)

    • Shin guards required

    • Soccer socks

    • Reusable water bottle

    Coach: Itai Musnikow

    Practices

    Tuesdays from 3:30 - 5:00 PM

    Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:30  PM

    Practices take place at Dewitt Clinton Park (54th and 11th Ave) or on the 7th-fl roof. 

    Students will walk with their coaches to and from the field on practice days. 

    Games may be scheduled Monday-Thursday.

  • The MS volleyball program introduces athletes to the joys of the game– keep the ball from hitting on your side of the court by passing it to a teammate or over the net to prevent opponent from scoring a point, as an example. As part of the Heschel experience, the volleyball program addresses the value of teamwork and communication while developing individual skills and competence, so that the team hits the courts with excitement and confidence. Athletes train twice a week (Tues & Thurs) after school for 2 hours. Heschel competes in the AIPSL consisting of 10 teams, each team plays each other once (not all school carry a volleyball team and # of games may vary from year to year).

    Coach: Shevon Collins and Kendra Jackman

    Practices

    7th Grade:
    Tuesdays 3:30 - 5:00 PM
    Thursdays 4:00 - 5:30 PM

    8th Grade:
    Tuesdays 3:30 - 5:30 PM
    Thursdays 4:00 - 5:30 PM

    Practices takes place in the MS gym

  • The cross-country team is for athletes who want to go the extra mile. Cross-country training focuses on strengthening both the mental and physical attributes of our student-athletes. All levels of runners are welcome–slow or fast– the most important aspect of the Heschel experience is the progress made over time with consistent training, a strong work ethic, and perseverance. The team practices twice weekly (Tues & Thurs) for 1.5 hrs. Practices begin the first/second week of school, and the season runs until the first week of November. Meets take place at VanCortlandt Park on Thursdays in late September/early October at 4:00 (boys race) and 4:10 (girls race). Competitive XC meets will be held at Van Cortlandt Park for 7th & 8th graders ONLY. Each meet takes place on the same exact course (1.6 miles long), with the start/finish line directly in front of the Tortoise & Hare Sculpture.

    Once or twice a year, 6th grade practice will be held at VanCortlandt Park, so that they can experience the course. 

    What to wear/bring?

    • Shorts

    • Shirt

    • Tracksuits for cold weather

    • Quality pair of running sneakers

    • Bring a water bottle

    • Uniforms will be provided for meets

    Please note: We are setting a minimal standard for all cross-country runners. Athletes must be able to continuously jog to and from the practice field, approximately one mile from Heschel. This standard will help our team train safely together. If you are interested in a supplemental training plan for your child to help them progressively reach this standard over the summer, please email coach Talia Fromm.

    Coach: Talia Fromm

    Practices

    Tuesdays 3:30 - 5:00PM 

    Thursdays 4:00 - 5:15PM

    Practices take place at Riverside Park & 74th and along Riverside.

    Meets will take place at Van Cortlandt Park at 4:00/4:10 PM.

  • Our Middle School program is aimed at building player’s confidence while instilling the character traits that drives success on and off the court: Empathy, Respect, Resilience and Courage. There are no cuts at this level and students are encouraged to immerse themselves in the process of unlocking their potential as individuals and as a team.

    2025-26 

    Blue/7th Grade Practices

    Mondays- 4:15-5:45 PM

    Thursdays- 4:00-5:30 PM in the HS gym

    Orange/8th Grade Practices

    Mondays- 4:15-5:45 PM

    Wednesdays- 4:15-5:45 PM in the MS gym

    Games may be scheduled Monday-Thursday.

    ** Depending on the number of participants, athletes may be divided by grade level or skill level. If we group by ability, athletes will participate in a short trial period at the start of the season. After which, they  athletes will be placed on the Blue or Orange team, ensuring all student will have the opportunity to train and compete at the appropriate level.

  • Our Middle School program aims to develop young players’ confidence while instilling the character traits that drive success on and off the court: Discipline, Respect, Resilience, and Courage. There are no cuts at this level, and we encourage students to fully engage themselves in the collaborative and competitive nature of practices and games. We aim to cultivate sportsmanship and teamwork while fostering a competitive spirit that allows everyone to unlock their potential and grow as individuals and as a team. 

    *AIPSL League participation is open to 7th and 8th graders only. The 6th-grade training sessions will focus on skill development, and towards the end of the season, they will have the opportunity to showcase their knowledge, skills, and progress in a series of inter-school games.

    Registration begins mid-October and the first week in November.

    Practices:

    Tuesdays 3:25 - 5:15PM
    Thursdays 4:00 - 5:30PM in the MS gym


    Games may be scheduled Monday-Thursday.

    ** While the 6th, 7th & 8th grade girls’ team will practice together, they will compete separately.  The. 7th and 8th grade team will represent Heschel in the AIPSL League while the 6th grade team will participate in non-league scrimmages against other 5th/6th grade teams.

    Coaches

    Shevon Collins 

  • Designed as a developmental program, the 6th-grade team has no cuts and aims to train both newer and more experienced student-athletes. Our objective is to develop the fundamental skills as well as the discipline it takes to grow, overcome challenges, compete, and enjoy the game at the next level. Athletes will learn the game through various drills, games, and a few inter-school scrimmages.

    Registration begins mid-October and the first week in November.

    Practices:

    Tuesdays  3:20 - 4:20PM in the MS gym-S
    Thursdays 4:00-5:00PM (alongside 7th grade team) in the HS gym

    Games are generally scheduled on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

  • Track and field is open to all MS students. Practices are 1.5 hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Weather impacts whether practices are held indoors or outdoors or if the meets are canceled. An email will be sent if there are any changes/cancellations.


    For outdoor practices, the team travels together to Riverside or Dewitt Clinton Parks and returns to school in time for dismissal. 

    The 7th and 8th-grade meets are held on select Mondays (Icahn Stadium) and Wednesdays (Soundview Park), and the 6th-grade meets are held on Tuesdays at Soundview Park. 

    Practices: Tuesdays 3:30-5:00PM, Thursdays 4:00-5:30PM

  • Fast-paced, intricate, and requiring disc skills, strategy, and athleticism, Ultimate is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Some unique aspects of the game are its emphasis on the “Spirit of the Game” and the fact that there are no officials–the game is self-officiated. The players on the field call the violations and resolve any disputes themselves. These unique features promote a competitive spirit but never at the expense of the rules and spirit of the game. Through competition, players are taught valuable life lessons such as personal responsibility, and conflict resolution, communication and leadership skills and mutual respect for their fellow ultimate players.

    Practices: Tuesdays 3:30-5:00PM, Thursdays 4:00-5:30PM 

    Coach

    Jasper Steenhuis

  • Spring 2024 marks the debut of the Boys Volleyball team at Heschel. We hope to set the stage for a promising future in the world of competitive volleyball. The aim of the volleyball program is to cultivate a solid foundation as students hone their skills. From serving to spiking, passing to setting, diving to blocking, budding athletes are sure to grow, excel, and expand their knowledge of the game as individuals and as a team. Toward the end of the season, the team will have opportunities to showcase their skills and teamwork in a series of games.  We look forward to an exciting journey as athletes dive, spike, serve, and cheer one another on to success!

    Practices 

    Mondays and Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:30 PM

    Coach: Kendra Jackman

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