The winter season brought whirlwind weather, with snow days and bitter cold, but student-athletes across the Mastery Schools network showed grit and met the moment. Athletics offerings continue to cultivate a culture of skill, balance, and teamwork. From inaugural seasons to nail-biting championship wins, the moments highlighted below showcase our students digging deep to deliver amazing results while also meeting the demands of a rigorous academic schedule. 

Winter Highlights: 

• Frederick Douglass’ Cheer & Dance Team endured a season of intense early morning and late evening practices to win the Mastery Middle School Cheer Competition.
• Gratz Prep’s girls basketball team finished the season with a 3rd straight winning record, while the boys team made it to the quarterfinal of the Mastery League. 
• Grover Cleveland’s boys’ and girls’ basketball teams both came out winners this season, with the boys winning the Mastery Madness championship and the girls posting their first winning season.
• Lenfest sophomore wrestlers Naliyah Irby and Jalen Langford made the 1st Team All-City Wrestling Team, with Irby finishing 5th and Langford 2nd, advancing to the Regionals! Congratulations are also in order for the Middle School girls’ basketball team, who won the Mastery Madness championship. 
• Pickett’s basketball teams both made tremendous strides this season. The boys’ team ended the season with a 5-2 record, clinching a spot in the championship, while the girls’ team made it to the state playoffs for the first time in several years. Additionally, the team is boasting three All-Philadelphia Public Team members. 
• Shoemaker’s bowling team, in its first season, finished ranked second and had team member Devon Newton named an All-Public member. 
• Simon Gratz’s athletics had a very successful season. Angel Gutierrez and Avery Clark both competed in the D12 Wrestling Championships against Conwell Egan. Avery placed 4th in his weight class, and Angel 1st in his, both advancing to the PIAA regional championship, where Angel finished 5th. In addition, 9th graders Gisele Keating, Zakiy Zoryeah, and Kabir Reid participated in the Nike Nationals Indoor Track competition. 

We are proud of these students for their commitment and thankful to the staff and families whose dedication makes these athletic achievements possible.