Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Oyster Bay-East Norwich Board of Education closed out 2025 by celebrating athletic excellence as Director of Athletics Shannon McEntee recognized the achievements of fall student-athletes across all varsity sports.
The evening highlighted an unprecedented season for OBEN athletics: eight out of 10 varsity teams earned playoff bids, including the girls swim team in their inaugural varsity season.
Several teams dominated their conferences this fall. Girls soccer and girls volleyball both finished as undefeated conference champions, while girls cross-country claimed an undefeated division title. The postseason success continued with boys soccer, girls soccer and girls volleyball all advancing to semifinal rounds in their respective tournaments.
The girls tennis team sent two competitors to county championships, while both boys and girls cross-country teams competed in county and state qualifiers. Four OBEN athletes represented the district at the New York State Championship tournaments.
McEntee emphasized that the commitment to academic achievement matched the athletic success. All 10 varsity teams earned scholar-athlete team recognition, underscoring the district's emphasis on excellence in the classroom and on the field.
Two standout student-athletes were highlighted to exemplify this dual commitment. Mia Bencal, the district's valedictorian, and Julia Milos, salutatorian, were recognized for their achievements in soccer and sailing alongside their academic excellence. Their accomplishments demonstrate that the highest levels of athletic competition can coexist with superior academic performance.
Athletes who received county and state-level honors were called forward during the meeting to receive certificates recognizing their achievements.
