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Athletics

Upper School Track & Field Brings Home TISAC Title

May 15, 2025

The Chargers brought the heat to the TISAC Track & Field Championships, with the boys team capturing their third straight conference title. CA  finished 33 points ahead of runner-up Ravenscroft—the largest margin of victory at TISAC since 2018.

The girls team delivered an equally thrilling performance, pushing both Ravenscroft and Durham Academy to the wire in a dramatic finish that came down to the final two events. With 102 points, the Chargers secured third place in their strongest showing since the 2019 championship win. Click here for the full list of historic conference-record breaking results and individual honors—including two TISAC MVPs.

TISAC MVP honors went to two Chargers for performances that were nothing short of historic:

Danica McCarron, ‘26, claimed four event titles—long jump, 100m, 100m hurdles, and pole vault—setting a new conference record of 12′ 9″ in the pole vault, also a new school record.

Kavi Gibson, ‘26, ran away with three titles in the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m, setting conference records in both the 1600m (4:16.46) and 3200m (8:58.37).

All-Conference honors and event champions included:

Danica McCarron – Long Jump, Pole Vault, 100m, 100m Hurdles

Kavi Gibson – 800m, 1600m, 3200m

Moriah Parks, ‘26 – 400m

Alex Haugan, ‘25 – 400m

Jasmine Phillips, ‘27 – 300m Hurdles

Chris Gillham, ‘25 – Shot Put

4x100m Relay – Sose Arhuidese, ‘27, Kush Lutz, ‘26, Spencer Dill, ‘26, Jack Titcomb, ‘28

4x400m Relay – Ike Ugwa, ‘25, Chikezie Uchendu, ‘25, Miles Cash, ‘27, Alex Haugan, ‘25

4x800m Relay – Ollie Karra, ’26, Ike Ugwa, Miles Cash, Joey Grabek, ‘27

Two new school records were also set at the TISAC Championships:

Chris Gillham, Shot Put – 49′ 5.5″
Danica McCarron, Pole Vault – 12′ 9″

A huge congratulations to all our student-athletes and coaches on another remarkable season. Next up, States!

Written by Mandy Dailey, Director of Communications

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Elite Runner Snags Top Honors

February 27, 2025

Huge congratulations to Kavi Gibson, ’26, who punctuated his record-shattering cross country season by being named the Gatorade North Carolina Boys’s Cross Country Player of the Year. The prestigious award honors top high school athletes for their performance in their chosen sport, in the classroom, and in the community. Kavi is only the second CA athlete to ever receive the award, having broken the school record of our previous 2011 recipient, Thomas Graham, ‘12.

This season, Kavi was not only the highest ranked high school runner in the state, undefeated against all NC runners with the exception of a single runner-up finish, coming off an illness, at the NCISAA 4A state championship. His blistering 14:42 5K pace at the Addidas XC Challenge earned him a spot in the state record books as the third fastest high school runner of all time in North Carolina—a stunning accomplishment. Kavi was also a top North Carolina finisher at the Foot Locker South Regional, placing 11th overall and earning Second Team All-Region honors.  

Off the trail, Kavi also dominated the Indoor Track season, claiming three state championships in the 1000m, 1600m, and 3200m and earning All-State recognition in four events, including the 4x800m relay. He set two conference meet records (1600m and 4x800m relay) and secured three All-Conference honors. 

Notable Invitational Results 

1st Place – WNC Cross Country Carnival Champion 

1st Place – Friday Night Lights XC Festival Champion 

1st Place – Greensboro Invitational Champion 

1st Place – TISAC Conference Champion 

2nd Place – adidas XC Challenge Runner-up 

2nd Place – NCISAA 4A State Championship Runner-up 

With another season ahead, Kavi remains one of North Carolina’s top distance runners, with strong performances across both cross country and track. 

Written by Mandy Dailey, Director of Communications

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Winter Sports Recap

February 17, 2025

 The winter season was filled with incredible performances, resilience, and championship moments for Cary Academy’s athletes. 

Indoor Track & Field 
It was a fantastic season for Chargers’ Indoor Track & Field. The girls’ team put together a strong campaign, finishing second in TISAC, and secured an impressive fifth-place finish at States. The boys’ team dominated the conference, winning the TISAC championship, and carried that momentum to a runner-up finish at States. With a deep and talented roster, the Chargers are poised for even greater success next season. 

Swimming 
Our Chargers made waves this season, continuing their legacy of excellence in the pool. The girls’ team secured their 11th consecutive TISAC championship, extending their reign in the conference, and followed it up with a fantastic third-place finish at States. The boys’ team earned second place in TISAC and finished strong with a third-place finish at States.  

Basketball 
The boys’ team battled through a tough stretch of injuries but never lost their competitive edge, finishing with a solid 11-11 record. Despite narrowly missing the playoffs, the team showcased its depth and resilience, setting the stage for a breakout season next year. The girls’ team showed tremendous effort and growth throughout the season, finishing 10-12 and gaining valuable experience that will propel them forward. Their playoff journey ended with a hard-fought first-round exit. 

Wrestling 
With a young and determined squad competing in just nine of the 14 weight classes, the Chargers put together an impressive season, finishing third in TISAC with a 7-9 dual team record. Now, the team heads to the state tournament in Charlotte this weekend, ready to take on the best competition in North Carolina. Best of luck to our wrestlers—Go Chargers! 

Written by Mandy Dailey, Director of Communications

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TISAC Records Shattered

February 6, 2025

 
Last Thursday, CA Swimming shattered records at the TISAC Championship Meet! Our varsity girls’ swim team once again dominated at the TISAC conference swim championships, winning their 11th straight title. The boys team finished 2nd.  

During the meet 6 TISAC records were broken by our Chargers: 
Carolin He, ‘27, Kaitlyn Martin, ‘25, Caden Martin, ‘26, and Addy Neira, ‘25– 200 Free Relay 
Sarah Chen, ‘26, Kaitlyn Martin, Caden Martin, and Addy Neira – 400 Free Relay 
Carolin He – 100 Breast 
Kaitlyn Martin – 100 Fly 
Caden Martin – 50 & 100 Free 

Congratulations to our record-setting TISAC Champion Chargers!

Written by Mandy Dailey, Director of Communications

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Honoring Trey Murphy III

November 7, 2024

In February, we welcomed Trey Murphy III, ‘18, shooting guard for the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans, back to his home court to retire his varsity basketball jersey. Murphy was joined by fellow alums, family, friends, and the entire CA community in a spirited celebration of his exceptional legacy.

Emceed by the late Josh Rowsey, ‘09, the ceremony featured a congratulatory video tribute from teammates and coaches past and present; speeches from friends, family, and former coaches; and an audience Q&A with Murphy, hosted by Kelly Bright, ‘17. After a formal dedication of Murphy’s jersey by Director of Athletics Kevin Jones, Murphy delivered an inspirational and heartfelt address to the gathered crowd before hitting the court for a 3-point shooting contest with members of CA’s JV and varsity basketball teams.

Murphy’s contributions to CA’s basketball program are legion. His junior and senior years (2017 and 2018) were marked by standout performances on the court, earning him the title of All-Conference player and acclaim for his skills and dedication to the sport. Beyond the titles, Murphy etched his name in CA’s history books by setting several school records, many of which still stand today, including

• 137 Free Throws Made in a Single Season,

• 154 Field Goals Made in a Single Season,

• 301 Career Free Throws Made,

• 400 Career Field Goals Made, and

• 225 Career 3-Pointers Made.

Surpassing the 1,000-point career milestone, Murphy concluded his time at CA with a remarkable total of 1,326 career points.

Since his high school days, Murphy has continued to shine on the court. Impressive performances at Rice University and the University of Virginia propelled him to become a first-round NBA draft pick in 2021. Now, as a shooting guard with the New Orleans Pelicans, Murphy’s outstanding performances have earned him recognition within the NBA community.

While Murphy is undoubtedly a fan favorite on the court, his advocacy and community work make waves off the court. A strong proponent of using his platform to effect meaningful change, Murphy actively engages in community work, focusing on youth mentorship and educational initiatives. He regularly hosts basketball clinics and supports local charities to uplift and inspire young people in his community.

“Retiring Trey Murphy’s jersey is not just a recognition of his individual achievements, but a symbolic gesture that cements his legacy in the annals of Cary Academy’s rich history,” offered Lason Perkins, Murphy’s Varsity Head Coach. “It serves as a reminder to current and future students that greatness is not only measured by points on a scoreboard, but by the positive impact one leaves on the lives of others.”

Written by Mandy Dailey, Director of Communications

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Homecoming Heroics

September 28, 2023

Not even a downpour could stop our Chargers from showing up and showing out for Homecoming last week! Through the storms, the Charger spirit prevailed, with large crowds comprised of past and present CA community members cheering both our boys soccer and girls volleyball teams to impressive comeback victories! The weekend concluded with a memorable Homecoming dance this past Saturday. Thank you to everyone who showed up to support, chaperone, and engage in the homecoming festivities!

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Chargers close out a fantastic spring season

May 11, 2023

It has been an incredible Spring season for all of Charger athletics. 

It has been an incredible spring season for all of Charger athletes. We could not be prouder of how our teams performed. Middle School, JV, varsity, and club teams all came together to learn, grow, lead, and improve as the season progressed, with many bringing home some impressive hardware and titles for their efforts. In case you missed it, here is an update on how all of our spring sports teams fared and the playoff schedule for those teams remaining. GO CHARGERS!

Baseball: 

The varsity baseball team finished their season at 15-2, clinching the TISAC conference championship. They were seeded as the #8 team in the state association and earned a “bye” for the first round of the playoffs. Their first game of the playoffs was an offensive explosion, putting up 13 points in a dominant win over Durham Academy. After that strong showing the baseball team exited the tournament following a tightly contested clash with the #1 seeded Wesleyan Christian Academy. We could not be prouder of their effort and growth this season, and we know they will be back to make a deep playoff run next year!

The Middle School baseball team finished their season in heartbreaking fashion this past Friday with a loss at St. David’s with a final score of 11-9.  The rebuilding Chargers improved consistently throughout the season and the team looks good for the future. 

Golf: 

The varsity golf team had a strong season. As a team, the Chargers finished ranked #11 in the state, and had the top 2 golfers within the state association, Bryan Fang and Timmy Kaufman, ranked #1 and #2, respectively! Timmy Kaufman was also awarded the TISAC Player of the Year! 

Boys Lacrosse:

A rejuvenated varsity boys lacrosse team improved dramatically throughout the season. Tuesday, the team traveled to Durham Academy and lost, ending their post-season bid. Regardless, we could not be prouder of how this team banded together and played hard down the stretch. 

The Middle School boys lacrosse team was undefeated in conference play, landing the #1 seed. The team defeated North Raleigh Christian and then Cary Christian in the championship game. Our Chargers are CAMS champions, and we could not be prouder of this team!

Girls Lacrosse: 

With four wins more than last year’s squad, an improving varsity girls lacrosse team’s season ended on Tuesday with an away game against Ravenscroft. We are excited to see the growth continue for this squad! Go Chargers, and congratulations on a strong season. 

The Middle School girl’s lacrosse season has also ended, but kudos to the players who had an outstanding inaugural season! We cannot wait to watch this young program continue to grow and feed talent to the varsity team! 

Soccer: 

The varsity soccer team finished 6-8 on the season and beat Saint Mary’s in their first post-season bout by a score of 5-1. After the impressive playoff debut our Chargers fought hard, but could not beat NRCA in the second round. Although they exited the playoffs earlier than they would have liked, we know they are proud of the season they spent together and the memories that were made during it!

The Middle School soccer team finished as the #7 seed in the conference and had their playoff run cut short in a game against St. Timothy’s on Monday. We are immensely proud of this team and cannot wait to see what they do next year! 

Softball:

The varsity softball team finished with a record of 12-8, placing 2nd in the conference and ranking #8 in the state association. Their first game did not go as planned against a talented Wesleyan Christian Academy team, leading to a first-round playoff exit. Our softball team put up a fight, as they have all season, and never lost faith in each other. We know great things are destined for this group next season!

The Middle School softball team finished as the #5 seed in the conference. Their season came to an end with a loss to North Raleigh Christian Academy. This team played incredibly this season, and we are all looking forward to what they will bring to the field next season! 

Tennis: 

The varsity tennis team finished the season undefeated and is ranked the #1 seed within the state association. They won their first 2 playoff games versus the #8 ranked Ravenscroft School and the #5 ranked Charlotte Latin. this set them up for a NCISAA State Championship clash at home against the #2 ranked Providence Day School. Our boys fought hard after being down 2-1 after doubles to storm back and win 5-3. Our Chargers are NCISAA State Champions!

Like the senior team, the Middle School tennis team finished conference play undefeated and ranked as the top seed in the conference. These young Chargers won matches against both Franklin Academy and North Raleigh Christian Academy in the playoffs before defeating St. Timothy’s School in the conference Championship, securing the 2023 CAMS Conference Championship. Way to go Chargers!

Track & Field: 

The varsity track and field season ended with the annual NCISAA meet. Our charger competed admirably, and many earned high individual finishes!  

Both the boys and girls MS Track & Field teams won the Capital Area Middle School Conference Championship! The girls have won all 6 championships and the boys are 5 for 6 since the meet’s inception in 2017! In addition to the team title, the following Chargers also set conference records:

Boys
Miles Cash (’27) – 200m, 400m (conference record)
Sose Arhuidese (’27) – 100m, 100mH (conference record)
Derek Qi (’28) – 50m (conference record)

Girls
Jasmine Phillips (’27) – 400m (conference record)

Find full meet results HERE! Congratulations Chargers!

Volleyball:

In its inaugural season Club Volleyball proved to be a success, both in popularity and competition. This team has consistently improved throughout the season, and we are excited to watch the program grow—not  only in our school but across all of North Carolina! 

Written by Jack Swingle

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Sports Round-up: Fall ’22 Season

December 15, 2022

With the conclusion of the Fall 2022 season, Cary Academy Athletics can proudly report that its seven Varsity teams produced Conference Champions, All-State Athletes, and lasting memories.

Starting on the pitch, Varsity Boys Soccer put together an impressive season, concluding with their deepest playoff run in recent school history. The team fell to heavily favored #3 seed Wesleyan Christian in the quarter finals- but not before a thrilling win over higher seeded Charlotte Latin in double overtime on a “Golden Goal,” (the first goal scored in sudden-death extra time) by Eric Ye (’24), assisted by Ibrahim Elbeck (’23). The Chargers proudly had three 2nd Team All-Conference players, (Chris Kelly (’24), Eric Ye (’24), Ryan Newnam (’23), two 1st Team All-Conference players (Ibrahim Elbeck (’23), Kainoa Kaliebe (’23)), and one All-State player, Elbeck (’23), who broke the school record for goals in a season with 22.

Shifting gears, Varsity Girls Golf finished off their season with a strong performance in the NCISAA State Meet, coming in 4th place- the best team finish to date for the program. In the NCISAA Individual Rankings, Aviva Wang (’26) placed 15th overall, Angelika Wang (’24) came in two spots after her at 17th, and EJ Jo (’23) placed 21st out of 90. Along with her ranking, Aviva Wang (’26) made the All-Conference team.

Travelling back to the Stadium Field, Varsity Field Hockey ended their season with some hardware, earning the honors of being Conference Champions- a feat that they have now accomplished in back-to-back seasons. The team proudly had two All-State representatives, Alessia Cicuto (’24) and Tanya Sachdev (’24). When asked what stood out about this season, Caroline Parker (’23) highlighted how unified, driven, and supportive the team was. “It made each win so much more exciting seeing all the hard work of every single person to get that win, and the fact that we could celebrate together afterwards and enjoy it after all that effort. Everyone worked for each other, as a team, and was unstoppable when we were all connected to one another.”

Back in the gym, Varsity Volleyball started their season off with a bang by winning the bronze division in the Charlotte Tournament in August and ended their season with a bye in the first round of the State Tournament before hosting the second round. The team sent two representatives to the All-Conference team, Sydney Ross (’23) and Addie Canady (’25). Looking back on the season, Mia Nesbeth (’23) remembers fondly the tearful hugs after the last match, citing the lasting friendships that went well beyond the painted lines of the court as her favorite souvenir from her time with the Varsity Volleyball program.

Moving over to the Tennis Courts, members of the Varsity Girls Tennis team highlighted two particularly memorable matches. The first was a dominant Senior Night performance, with the team’s seven seniors enjoying both a tribute to their times with the program and a resounding 9-0 victory. The second was when the team played spoiler on rival school Saint Mary’s Senior Night. All-State team member Nousha Tehrani (’23) warmly recalls how the team came together, came prepared, and came armed with a vengeance after losing to Saint Mary’s at Cary Academy earlier in the season.

And finally concluding on the running paths winding around campus, Varsity Cross Country completed yet another remarkable season with the Girls team finishing second in their conference and the Boys team finishing first. The Boys team went on to finish as State Runners-Up at the NCISAA meet. Kavi Gibson (’26) landed on the front page of NC Runners, with the 3rd fastest time in NC ever for a freshman, (just two seconds behind CA alum, Thomas Graham). Each team had four All-Conference runners, and combined, the two teams had four All-State Runners:  Elise Boyse (’23), Kavi Gibson (’26), Arran Swift (’23) and Thomas George (’24). Gibson also took home the honors for Conference Runner of the Year. When asked about his time in the Varsity XC program, Will Capps (’23) thoughtfully shared his favorite memories of sprinting through early-morning practices, laughing during Coach Hall’s sermons, and especially, finding an amazing community that supports him both on and off the cross-country course.

Congratulations to our fall teams, athletes, and everyone who contributed to their successes!

Written by Amy Snively, Senior Class President

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Super Charging Athletics

December 1, 2022

The last 25 years have seen the Chargers rise from a nascent athletics program to conference-conquering champions, a story told by the trophy case, photos, and plaques that line the lobby of the Fitness Center. Now, a new fund—the Charge Ahead Fund—is helping ensure that all scholar-athletes and teams have the resources and support to dream big about the future.

Athletics have always been a cornerstone of the CA experience. It is why the Fitness Center was designed to sit across from the library, a choice signifying CA’s commitment to balancing body and mind wellness and pursuits both physical and intellectual. Aside from the physical benefits of athletics, the Chargers that coach, teach, and support our students impart crucial wellness lessons and life skills that go far beyond the gym, field, or court: school-life balance, teamwork, stress management, resiliency, and leadership.

In the spring of 2020, after the varsity baseball team completed an undefeated regular season that culminated with a heartbreaking loss in the playoffs, a group of Charger parents approached the Development department. They shared how baseball had been an important and necessary outlet for their students after such a challenging pandemic-influenced year, how Coach Pope had led his players through the wins, but also through the devastating loss, imparting life lessons along the way that would be well remembered long after his players hung up their cleats.

Grateful, the parents wanted to express their thanks by preserving Coach Pope’s legacy in a way that honored his vast impact on the broader student body and on CA athletics, not only as a coach, but as a teacher and mentor as well. Working closely with the Athletics and Development departments, they helped to create a new fund, the Charge Ahead Fund.

Designed to support all CA athletes and sports, the Charge Ahead Fund recognizes formally the monumental role that CA athletics play in overall student wellness. Any student, parent, coach, or employee may submit a Charge Ahead Fund grant request to enhance any aspect of CA’s athletic program.
Charger baseball athletes at the October 2021 dedication ceremony of the baseball field to be named in honor of Coach Pope.

“Ultimately, this fund will continue to build upon the strong foundation that has been laid by so many, including Coach Pope,” shares Ali Page, Director of

Development. “It allows our community to come together and make a cumulative impact on CA athletics by giving a voice to our student-athletes, parents, and coaches about their needs and desires.”

Requests can be specific to one sport (new equipment for practice) or something to benefit multiple sports (misting tents to be used on the fields). Thanks to the initiative of our baseball parents and the support of the entire CA community, more than $50,000 has already been raised to help meet our athletes’ needs, as determined by our Charger community.

“This fund underscores just how vital CA’s athletics program is to our community. And, in just its first year, the fund is already making an impact,” offers Athletics Director Kevin Jones. “We have installed a much- needed practice lacrosse wall and a batting cage turtle (a portable batting cage backstop), and we are looking at ways to improve the viewing area at the tennis courts. The prospects—and what they mean for our athletes and programs—are exciting; we are so grateful for the community support.”

“So many at CA worked diligently to establish this fund and provide our families a way to support our remarkable scholar-athletes, coaches, and Charger teams,” offers Charger parent Ashley Techet, who submitted the funded lacrosse grant proposal. “Funding matters; it helps our scholar-athletes blaze trails!”

Questions?
Visit bit.ly/chargeahead

Written by Mandy Dailey, Director of Communications

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