PCSST Athletics Celebrates Year at Annual Sports Banquet
Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology proudly celebrated another outstanding year of athletics at the 2026 Annual Sports Banquet, held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at The Grand in Totowa. The evening brought together student-athletes, coaches, families, administration, and supporters to recognize the hard work, dedication, growth, and success of the PCSST Athletic Department.
The program opened with Master of Ceremony Jerry Wimberly, followed by remarks from Dr. Necmi Coskun, Lead Person Riza Gurcanli, and Athletic Director Edward Ferraro. Throughout the evening, each varsity program had the opportunity to be recognized, with coaches highlighting their team’s season, individual growth, and the memorable moments that made the year special. Programs honored included soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, bowling, cross country, flag football, cheerleading, boys volleyball, and unified bowling.
This year was one of the strongest in PCSST history. The Athletic Department recorded 84 total varsity wins, the highest total in school history. Seven of the school’s 14 varsity programs finished second in their divisions, including boys soccer, boys and girls cross country, unified bowling, boys basketball, softball, and flag football. PCSST also continued to build a strong foundation for future success through the growth of middle school and feeder programs.
Several teams made school history during the 2025–2026 school year. Boys soccer had its best season in program history, setting new marks in wins, league wins, clean sheets, and goals allowed, while standout players Aiyhm Alateiat and Angel Gil rewrote the school record books. Cross country earned the first wins in school history, finishing with seven total victories. Unified bowling, in its first season, finished undefeated in dual matches, placed third in the county, and fourth in the state out of 60 schools. Softball finished with a strong 14–9 record and continued to establish itself as one of PCSST’s most consistent programs. Flag football also had a tremendous season, competing for an NJIC North Division Championship.
The banquet also celebrated PCSST’s top student-athletes and leaders. Special awards were presented to Ivet Jimenez Cordero and Angel Gil for Sportsmanship, NyOnna Jones as Female Athlete of the Year, and Julian Estrella and Aiyhm Alateiat as Male Athletes of the Year. JeanPaul LaFranco was recognized as Male Academic Student of the Year, while Aaliya Reyes Ovalles was honored as Female Academic Student of the Year.
Most Valuable Player and Most Improved Player awards were presented across all varsity programs, recognizing athletes who made major contributions to their teams through performance, leadership, effort, and growth. PCSST also celebrated numerous NJIC Divisional Award winners, including first-team and second-team selections in softball, basketball, boys volleyball, boys soccer, flag football, and cross country. These honors reflected the continued rise of PCSST Athletics within conference competition.
In addition to student-athletes, the banquet recognized coaches, staff members, and supporters who helped make the year possible. Staff Special Awards were presented to Stephen Donata, Jill Bottomley, Robert Lucas, and Joseph Palestina, while Service Special Awards were presented to Melanie Sanabria, Nelson Cruz, Robin Alexander, Alexis Zamora, and William Lightner. Their dedication and support helped create a positive experience for student-athletes throughout the school year.
The 2025–2026 school year was a historic and memorable one for PCSST Athletics. From record-setting performances and division recognition to academic achievement and sportsmanship, the banquet served as a celebration of everything that makes PCSST athletics special: pride, commitment, growth, and family.
Congratulations to all of our student-athletes, coaches, families, and supporters on a tremendous year. Thank you for helping make PCSST Athletics stronger than ever.
