The girls’ basketball season at NYHS has been canceled due to injuries and a shortage of players, leaving the team unable to compete. Despite the setback, programs for the following year and open gyms are being implemented for female students.

On November 25, dean and athletic director Gentry Lewis posted on Schoology that the girls’ basketball season had been canceled. “It is with deep regret that I must inform you of the cancellation of the girls’ basketball team’s season. Despite our best efforts to find viable solutions, the injuries and other commitments of our student-athletes have rendered it impossible to continue,” Lewis wrote. 

The decision came after one of the nine team members said that she was facing injuries and would not be able to play. According to captain and senior Paulina Gamel, three other team members quit for personal reasons. Another player was coming off an injury of a torn meniscus and two of the remaining players had no experience playing basketball, leaving these five players – not enough to form a team with enough subs. 

Efforts to recruit additional players to the team fell short. “I was really looking forward to playing basketball during my last year of high school,” Gamel said, “Hopefully, NYHS will have a girls’ team in the future.” While the court will remain silent this year, other options are available. Lewis and the girls’ basketball coach Madison Holt are organizing weekly open gyms for girls at Seattle Hebrew Academy and are working to ensure the girls can still participate in the annual student-alumni games. 

Lewis said he is optimistic about rebuilding the basketball program next year and about having enough players. 

“We have a great plan for the years to come,” Lewis said.