MS54 Booker T. Washington Middle School has achieved a remarkable sporting milestone this fall, securing both the boys’ and girls’ titles at the NYC citywide middle school soccer championships. The Upper West Side school produced two championship-winning teams in the same season — a rare and impressive accomplishment.
For the girls’ team, known as the Monarchs, the victory marked their fourth consecutive city championship, underscoring the program’s consistency and strength. The boys’ team, the Raiders, captured their first-ever NYC title, making the season even more memorable for the school.
The Monarchs, coached by Amanda Mersits and Sofia Curran Munn, fielded a balanced squad of experienced 8th graders, a strong group of returning 7th graders, and several standout 6th graders. Guided by their coaches, the team continued to play with precision passing, relentless energy, and outstanding teamwork.
Their playoff run began with wins over two fellow Upper West Side schools — Center School and Anderson School. The Monarchs then defeated Hunter Middle School in the semi-finals before overcoming Simon Baruch Junior High School in the NYC championship match on November 6.
The Raiders’ journey mirrored the excitement of the girls’ run. Coached by Frank DiPasquale and Daniel Fagen, the team opened the playoffs with victories over Manhattan School for Children, Heschel School, Mott Hall II, and Hunter Middle School. They went on to win the Manhattan Championship by defeating Simon Baruch Junior High School.
In the NYC semi-finals, the Raiders edged past Bronx champion Scholar’s Academy in a dramatic sudden-death penalty shootout. They sealed the city title with a win over Brooklyn champion Liberty Avenue Middle School on November 17. Their upset victory over perennial contender Hunter and their overtime penalty shootout thriller against Scholar’s Academy highlighted an exceptional postseason campaign.
To celebrate their accomplishments, both teams were honoured with a three-floor, ticker-tape style parade through the school during homeroom period the following Monday — a fitting tribute to an unforgettable season.
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