GSB Fall Athletic Season Preview 

By Associate Director of Marketing and Communications Kathleen Bartlett

The fall athletic season has officially kicked off at Gill St. Bernard’s, bringing with it the energy and excitement of a new year of competition. Powered by the commitment of our student-athletes, the guidance of our dedicated coaches, and the encouragement of the GSB community, the Knights are prepared to rise to every challenge. This season, teams will aim to build on past achievements while forging new successes, all while upholding the school’s core values of courage, integrity, and respect. From the opening whistle on the soccer fields to the first serve on the tennis courts, the stage is set for another memorable fall of GSB athletics! 

BOYS’ SOCCER 

2024 Review 

The Boys’ Varsity Soccer program secured its sixth NJSIAA Non-Public B State Final, the 12th Sectional Championship, and the ninth Non-Public B State Title during the Fall 2024 season. They advanced to the Somerset County Final for the first time in six years and wrapped up the season with a 16-6-1 record.  

2025 Varsity Roster  

12th Grade: Branden Ferreira, Robert Judd, Declan Marcucci, Michael Marino, Jackson Murray, Colin Seeley, Andrew Smith 

11th Grade: Carter Cistaro, Jackson Collins, Harry Finn, Derek Palmieri, Renato Panetta, Jeancarlo Sanchez 

10th Grade: Dylan Murray, Henry Rzemieniewski, Julio Rzemieniewski, Felipe Zumbado 

9th Grade: Eshaan Chanchal, Jack Fusari, Bodhi Godfrey-Ryan, Andrew Hamrahi, Ishaan Magaw, Harry Morrow 

COACH’S CORNER 

The Gill St. Bernard’s Varsity Boys’ Soccer team is poised for another exciting season, fueled by a strong group of returning players and a promising freshman class eager to make their mark. With depth across the roster and a determined mindset, the Knights have their sights set on capturing their 10th overall Non-Public B state title. Alongside that lofty goal, the team is hungry to return to the county final for the first time since 2019 and bring home the championship. Facing a competitive schedule, the Knights are ready to prove themselves against some of the toughest opponents in the state. 

Leadership will be a defining strength this fall, with seniors Michael Marino and Jackson Murray serving as team captains, supported by junior vice captains JeanCarlo Sanchez and Renato Panetta. Marino brings a steady presence and lets his playmaking abilities speak for themselves, while Murray leads by example with his accountability and commanding physical style of play. Sanchez and Panetta provide grit, determination, and a forward-looking vision as they step into leadership roles this season and prepare to carry the torch into their senior year. 

The Knights’ roster is stacked with talent, including standout contributors such as senior forward Branden Ferriera, senior midfielder Andrew Smith, junior defender Jackson Collins, and sophomore goalkeeper Felipe Zumbado.  

With veteran experience anchoring the lineup and young talent pushing forward, the program continues to thrive under the guidance of longtime head coach Tony Bednarsky P ’08, ’10, ’14, ’17  , who achieved his 600th career victory on September 10, when the Knights triumphed over Watchung Hills 6-1. With history on the horizon and plenty of motivation, the stage is set for another memorable season of GSB soccer. 

-- Head Coach Tony Bednarsky P ’08, ’10, ’14, ’17 and Assistant Head Coach Tim DiBisceglie ’13 

 

GIRLS’ SOCCER 

2024 Review 

The Girls’ Varsity Soccer team won the Skyland-Mountain Conference with a record of 19-4, advanced to the Quarterfinals of the Somerset County Tournament, advanced to the Finals of the Prep B Tournament, and advanced to the Finals of the NJSIAA North Non-Public B Finals in a stellar 2024 fall season. 

2025 Varsity Roster  

12th Grade: Ava Hearn, Chloe Lemanowicz, Jessica Sconda  

11th Grade: Callan Andreski, Margo Higgins, Emma Hyland, Daphne Kibler, Emery Scavino  

10th Grade: Olivia Corrado, Calista Huerfano, Erin Ott, Elizabeth Paolini, Maddy Sabol  

9th Grade: Audri Carraher, Grace Cudnik, Alayna Currais, Sydney Armstrong 

COACH’S CORNER 

Coming off a successful 2024 season, the coaches are very excited to kick off the new season. This group of players is driven, talented, and incredibly dedicated to working together on and off the field. What excites us most about this team is the blend of experienced leadership and fresh new talent.  

Our senior Captains Ava Hearn (defender), Chloe Lemanowicz (goalkeeper), and Jessica Sconda (defender) will all be playing in our defense this season. Their ability to read the game, make smart decisions, and maintain calm in high-pressure situations provides a solid foundation for the squad. 

Our junior class Callan Andreski (defender), Margo Higgins (forward), Emma Hyland (midfielder), Daphne Kibler (goalkeeper), and Emery Scavino (defender/midfielder) bring talent, determination, and the ability to turn defense into attack with quick transitions. Their speed, skill and confident playmaking help to create scoring opportunities.  

The entire sophomore class consisting of Olivia Corrado (midfielder), Calista Huerfano (midfielder), Erin Ott (midfielder), Elizabeth Paolini (defender/midfielder), and Maddy Sabol (midfielder) are versatile players. They can help set the tone in the midfield with their vision and creativity, as well as contribute their efforts and hard work on defense or wherever needed.  

Rounding out the roster is our freshman class. Audri Carraher (midfielder), Grace Cudnik (defender), Alayna Currais (defender), and Sydney Armstrong (midfielder/forward), are a group of talented newcomers who are ready to make an immediate impact. They have shown the skill, confidence, and competitiveness to step right up and contribute on the field from day one and are proving that they can play a meaningful role this season.  

This year’s team has a great mix of leadership, talent, and energy. One of the biggest strengths of this year’s team is the unity that has formed. We hope to take this strength along with our strong performances in the preseason scrimmages and use this momentum throughout our season.  

-- Head Coach Donna Bednarsky P ’08, ’10, ’14, ’17 and Assistant Head Coach Cassie Cascini ’99, P ’37 

 

GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL 

2024 Review 

Varsity Girls Volleyball finished the season with an impressive overall record of 18-6, claiming the title of Skyland Conference Valley Division Champions and reaching the Semifinal round of the Prep B Tournament for the first time ever. 

2025 Varsity Roster  

12th Grade: Annabelle Beekman, Gee Dietzel, Avery Harris, Samantha Kalinak, Mia Liberti, Brynn McCarthy, Ariana Tellalian, Caitlin Vollrath 

11th Grade: Charlotte Brown, Skylar Composto, Piper Macak, Sierra Salko 

10th Grade: Sophia Corrado 

COACH’S CORNER 

GSB Varsity Girls’ Volleyball is looking forward to another successful season! Coming off last year’s momentum (an impressive 18-6 record), we are ready to take on the Skyland conference in our new division. The varsity team has many goals for the season, but the main one is to make a run in the Prep B and State tournaments.  

The majority of the varsity team returns this season; many are in new positions but ready to take on the challenge. Leading the team this year are seniors Ariana Tellalian (S), Annabelle Beekman (RS), and Samantha Kalinak (OH). All three come with different leadership styles and personalities that mesh well together, and we are excited to see where they take the team. Additional varsity players to watch this season are juniors Sierra Salko (OH) and Piper Macak (L) 

What excites us most about this season is the girls’ resilience. A lot has been thrown at them; new coaches, new positions, plays, etc. They never get down on one another and continue to strive for greatness.  

On the JV side, we have a cast of returning players looking to build off their winning season as well. Our three captains, junior Gabriella Liberti (L) and sophomores Sophia Corrado (S) and Risa Sadler (DS) have done a fantastic job in welcoming our 8 new freshmen players and building a positive team environment.  

-- Head Coach Kiana Frazier 

 

GIRLS’ TENNIS

 

2024 Review 

The 2024 Gill St. Bernard's Varsity Girls’ Tennis season was marked by dedication and growth, catapulting the Knights to a stellar 12-5 overall record, including a 10-2 conference record that crowned them as Skyland Conference- Valley Division champions.   

2025 Varsity Roster  

12th Grade: Caroline Collins, Chloe Garrubbo, Aliza Riaz 

11th Grade: Elsa Coates, Sambavi Saravanmoorthy  

10th Grade: Annabelle Racine, Hallie Stein, Abigail Wagman 

9th Grade: Lila Rao 

COACH’S CORNER 

After a summer work-out program in July, the GSB Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team began pre-season practice on August 11. The commitment level and excitement have been evident from the beginning and the emphasis on team-bonding has been very important to our success. 

Returning player and senior Captain Chloe Garrubbo does a great job in the leadership role. She is paired with junior Elsa Coates at our First Doubles position. Both girls have continued to improve and have formed a great partnership. 

Junior First Singles player Sambi Saravanamoorthy is in her third season playing the top spot and has done a great job continuing to develop. Our Second Singles player is Ninth Grader Lila Rao who is a very skilled player and has already made great contributions in her first year. At Third Singles, we have a new player to GSB, Hallie Stein, who has been an excellent addition with her commitment to the program.  

At Second Doubles we have a pair of sophomores, Abigail Wagman and Annabelle Racine, who have great chemistry together and are continuing to grow and improve each day. Two additional seniors, Caroline Collins and Aliza Riaz, have worked hard and are doing an outstanding job contributing to the team's success. 

We use a lot of motivation quotes (as the team knows) and one of the favorites is "Give 100%, 100% of the time!" Another one of our key quotes is "The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today!" Building upon this, we look forward to improving everyday, and to competing in the Somerset County Tournament, State Tournament, and Prep Tournament in the near future.  

-- Head Coach Chris Walsh and Assistant Coach Christina Hill   

 

CROSS COUNTRY 

2024 Review 

The GSB Girls’ Cross Country team had a phenomenal Fall 2024 season, winning the Mountain Division of the Skyland Conference, finishing second in the Prep races, and securing third place at the Group Championship. On the Boy’s Cross County team, the Knights defeated Morristown-Beard and MKA at the group championships, two teams that had bested them earlier in the season. 

2025 Varsity Roster  

12th Grade Girls: Anna Bockelman, Braelyn Brandl, Gurnoor Pakka 

11th Grade Girls: Suzanne Horton, Amelia Litchfield 

9th Grade Girls: Searle Conches, Sofia Lima, Lily Prevost, Anqi Tan, Ava Zentner 

12th Grade Boys: Benjamin Keller, Carlos Alberto Coronado Diaz, Chase Cignarella, Clarence Wu, Davis Herr, Evan Alfaro, Jasper Guella, Neil Procaccino, Oliver Litchfield, Rohan Norden, Tucker Spence 

11th Grade Boys: Freddie Ehbar, Tyler Bilanin 

10th Grade Boys: Evan Mendez, Gabe Raphel 

9th Grade Boys: Anthony Carton, Guy Garrubbo, Ishaan Kane, Nate Bockelman, Nathan Zaltsman, Robert Whaley, Saxon Conches, Wyatt Keller 

COACH’S CORNER 

With a full summer of practice and running miles behind them, the GSB Cross Country team entered the 2025 season bolstered by the leadership and initiative of their 12 seniors.  

“Each of our seniors has a leadership style and skill set that fits their personality,” stated Coach Parker. “It works for the team.” 

The GSB Boys’ and Girls' Cross Country teams opened with a stellar performance at their first meet, showing that summer training and pre-season work paid off. Senior Rohan Norden set a career-best PR of 19:37 on the 5K course at the Neshaminy Open in Langhorn, PA, while senior Jasper Guella finished 2nd for GSB with his personal best time of 20:40. Senior Evan Alfaro, always dependable, came in 3rd for the boys' team. GSB Freshman Sophia Lima, running in her first varsity race, medaled with a fast time of 23:21. Senior Gurnoor Pakka finished 2nd for GSB, and Freshman Ava Zentner, with a strong finish line run, took 3rd.  

Both the boys’ and girls’ teams have depth this year. Newcomer sophomore Amelia Litchfield and junior Suzanne Horton will help the girls as they run to repeat as conference champs, and multi-talented senior runner Braelyn Brandl will continue to help the team score. Senior Ben Keller, Chase Cignarella, Oliver Litchfield, and Tyler Bilanin will fill out the top seven varsity spots on the boys’ side while very solid freshmen runners like Ishaan Kane and Guy Garrubbo will push to make their mark in the future. 

The Knights want to run the fastest later in the season, so we will continue to work hard and condition for the challenges of the championships in late October. The team looks for all members to contribute to make for a fun and challenging season. 

-- Head Coach Mike Parker