Historic Season Leads Boys Squash to First ISL Championship

For the first time in program history, the Tabor Academy boys squash team captured the Independent School League (ISL) championship this winter, capping a season defined by consistency, resilience, and steady performance against top competition.

The boys winning the ISL for the first time in program history stands as the most significant milestone of the season, according to head coach and Senior Associate Director of Admissions Guillermo Moronta ’02, whose team also finished the year with the highest national ranking in program history. The team was ranked ninth nationally, marking a new benchmark for the program on the national stage.

The championship run included several defining moments that helped build confidence throughout the season. One of the most important came after a narrow early loss to Phillips Academy Andover during the regular season.

"We lost to Andover in a pretty close match, 4–3, during the regular season," Moronta explains. "Then we faced them again at the New England tournament and beat them 5–2, which is a really good win for our program."

Another historic achievement came later in the season when the team defeated Belmont Hill School, a program long known for its dominance in the league.

The team's success was driven by strong performances throughout the lineup. One standout achievement came from Amaro Castillo ’28 competing in the No. 2 position, who delivered an undefeated season and provided reliability in critical matches.

In addition to competitive success, the team earned recognition for its conduct and character. The boys squad was unanimously voted by league coaches to receive the ISL Sportsmanship Award, an honor shared with the girls team. The recognition reflected the program's emphasis on respect and teamwork throughout the season.

The roster also reflected a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, contributing to a strong sense of community within the program.

"It was probably the most diverse we've ever been," the coach said. "We have students from everywhere—the United States, Colombia, Egypt, China," along with several other countries represented across the team. “I believe Tabor’s appeal lies in the level of coaching, training, and competition our players experience, all within the context of a strong academic program,” Moronta explains. “For our top student-athletes, Tabor squash becomes a pathway to excellent college opportunities.”

The Seawolves lose three seniors to graduation: Eagle Pei, Michael Huang, and Charlie Jackivicz. “All three arrived at Tabor as beginners and spent time developing their skills on the junior varsity team before earning their way to varsity,” Moronta says. “Eagle and Michael served as co-captains this year, and their leadership will be missed.” He notes that three freshmen played on varsity this season, and the junior varsity team also boasts strong, young talent. Moronta expects Martin Mejia ’29, Daniel Sealy ’29, and Alan Wang ’29 to play key roles in the program’s success next year.