CESJDS Athletic Hall of Fame

CESJDS believes athletics is a great teaching tool for building character and discipline in today's youth. Now, 48 years after the creation of the School's first athletic team, we have one of the most formidable athletic programs in the Potomac Valley Athletic Conference (PVAC). With 36 teams across our Annette M. & Theodore N. Lerner Family Upper School Campus, we have triumphed and won countless PVAC championships as well as two newly acquired Cross Country State Championships. Our most recent accomplishments include sending athletes to compete at the Division 1 and Division 3 level, winning banners across all three levels (Middle School, JV, and Varsity), and finding ways to compete against Jewish athletes from all over the world in various tournaments.

To recognize many of the amazing athletes and coaches CESJDS has had over the years, the CESJDS Athletic Hall of Fame was created and we inducted the first-ever class during our 50th Anniversary celebration in 2016. In 2018, the second class was inducted and another class was inducted in 2021.

2023 Inductees

Rachel Simmons ‘92

Rachel was a stand-out three-sport athlete in her time at JDS. She was a valued member of the soccer, basketball, and softball teams. As the goalie of the soccer team, Rachel was named First Team All Met for soccer and 2nd team All Met for basketball, a feat rarely accomplished by JDS athletes. Rachel made as many as 35 saves in a single game. She played an integral role in the soccer team’s success as the winners of the 1991 and 1992 PVAC Championships.

Following her time at JDS, Rachel spent a few years as a consultant to the Smith College Athletics Department with a focus on mental strength and resilience. Today, Rachel is a New York Times bestselling author and lives in Massachusetts with her 12 year old daughter, Estee who is following in her footsteps as a star soccer and basketball player. Rachel continues to be active through skiing, tennis, and mountain biking.

Joel Sunshine '03

A 2003 graduate, Joel was a key member of the cross country, track and field, and baseball programs at JDS.

In cross country, Joel was named 1st team All PVAC from 1999-2003. In 8th grade, Joel ran to a 4th place finish at the PVAC Cross Country Championships. He proceeded to win the Championships the next four years being named the PVAC’s Most Valuable Runner and All-Met Honorable Mention. He earned the Lion’s Award in Cross Country from 2000-2003 and in Track and Field from 2000-2002. He also received the Phil Papier Award in 2003.

Outside of JDS, Joel participated in the Maccabiah games in Israel where he finished 4th place in the one mile run and received a silver medal in the team half-marathon.

After graduating from CESJDS, Joel continued his athletic career at Brandeis University where he became a Division III Academic All-American in Track and Field with PRs of 4:15 in the mile, 3:57 in the 1500m, and 1:56 in the 800m. In his senior year, Joel was awarded the Charles A. Napoli Student-Athlete award for being the top student athlete in his graduating class.

Today, Joel is an assistant professor of dermatology, pathology, and biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins. He is also a physical scientist, dermatologist, and associate program director of dermatology. He and his wife, Sarah, have three children, Noah, Jacob, and Gabrielle. Joel is the coach of his son’s baseball team.

Rachel Cohen ‘06

Rachel was one of the rare four-sport athletes at CESJDS participating in basketball, soccer, softball, and track & field. She was named 1st Team All PVAC all four years on the soccer team and earned the Lion’s award while serving as the team’s captain for three of those years. She was the leading scorer from freshman to senior year and impressively scored in every single game her senior year.

As the starting point-guard on the basketball team, Rachel earned the Lion’s Award and was named PVAC Honorable Mention freshman year, 1st team All PVAC sophomore through senior year, and Washington Post’s Player to Watch as a senior. Rachel also served as the captain junior and senior year while leading the team in assists. Rachel assisted the team in becoming North Division Champions.

Outside of JDS, Rachel played basketball in the Maccabi games in which the team won the gold medal in the Greater Washington games in 2004. She was also a member of the club soccer team at the University of Michigan from 2007-2009.

Today, Rachel lives in Ferndale, MI with her partner and son. She is a registered dietitian at Rocket Companies creating nutrition programming for team members. She still plays soccer and basketball recreationally and enjoys hiking in Colorado with her family as often as possible.

Shira Winston '13

Shira was a member of the track and field and cross country programs at JDS. She was an instrumental member of the XC teams that won the 2010, 2011, and 2012 PVAC Team Championships. She also won the individual 2 mile PVAC title in 2011 and 2012.

Her personal bests were 12:02 for 3200m, 5:38 for 1600m, and 19:33 in the 5k. Some of the accolades she received include the Lions Award for both cross country and track and field, multiple 1st Team All PVAC selections, and the Hyman M. and Phillip D. Perlo High School Athlete in November of 2012.

Shira currently resides in DC where she works in healthcare at the MITRE corporation. She enjoys spending time with friends, going on runs and walks, and trying out new restaurants.

Max Smith '13

Max Smith rewrote the record books as a member of the JDS wrestling team. He competed five years as a member of the varsity wrestling team. For four years, Max served as the team captain. Twice, Max was the Freestyle State Champion, state place winner, and Greco-Roman State Champion. He won the Damascus Holiday Tournament two times. He was a MD National team member for three years. He was also named as a National All-American wrestler.

He broke the PVAC record going 103-0 with the most wins in PVAC history.

Following JDS, he became a Division I wrestler at the United States Naval Academy and is currently in the United States Military.

2000 Varsity Girl's Softball

The 2000 girl’s varsity softball team made history, earning JDS its first ever PVAC Tournament Championship title and regular season title after recording a spotless 13-0 record throughout the season.

Following a rough season in 1999 that ended in a 3-7 record, Danielle Cherrick expressed the hunger for the young team’s success by stating “next year we want that banner.”

The team, led by Coach Victor Littman and team captain Erica Cohen, were motivated and produced the most successful team in JDS history after a sacrifice fly ball from Naomi Hersson Ringskog in the bottom of the sixth inning allowed teammate Rebecca Maltzman to tag up and clench the title against Covenant Life. Lauren Cherrick was awarded the MVP award of the tournament as pitcher for the Lions.

Ethan Johnson '96*

Ethan Johnson is JDS’s first-ever Lifetime Athletic Achievement Award. While Ethan was an enthusiastic member of the JDS middle school’s soccer team, he chose to focus his efforts on his passion for gymnastics outside of school. He trained tirelessly, qualifying himself to the Junior Olympic National Championships in 11th grade. He achieved his dream of becoming a Division I athlete by earning a roster spot on the University of Michigan’s team.

In his first-year at Michigan, the team held a roster that included nine freshmen. The youth of the team showed promise, but ultimately placed last in the Big 10. The team worked hard and gained cohesion so that by Ethan’s junior year, the team had become a force of nature, not just in the Big Ten, but in the country. Ethan contributed to the team with his main events being the Still Rings and the Pommel Horse. The team achieved great success becoming the 1999 NCAA Division I National Team Champions and 2000 NCAA runners-up. The team won the Big Ten Team Championships in 1999 and 2000.

Ethan’s personal successes included becoming the 2000 Big Ten Still Rings Runner-up, and being named an Academic All-American and Academic All-Big Ten all four years. He also served as the student representative for the U of M Board in control of Intercollegiate Athletics.

At 22 years old, Ethan founded a nonprofit organization. He also is a former Founding Board Member of Musso Health (run by his brother Ari Johnson ‘00 and his wife Jessica). Today, Ethan lives in New York City with his wife Leore and their boys Eli and Rami. He has been a professional investor for the past 15 years. Ethan is grateful to his parents for believing in his dreams and sending him to JDS.

Previous Inductees

Nathan Bortnick ‘01

Nathan was a stellar two-sport athlete who excelled in basketball and baseball, and helped lead CESJDS to many championships. Nathan received the coveted tournament MVP award in 2000 after leading his baseball team to a championship after having a regular season 2.98 ERA and a tournament .58 ERA and 14 strikeouts. The highlight of Nathan’s basketball career came in a holiday tournament when he scored 28 points and later participated in the Montgomery County Private Schools vs. Public Schools All Star Game. In addition to his many championships, Nathan won multiple PVAC league awards as well as the CESJDS Senior Athletic Achievement Award.

Today, Nathan is married to Rebecca and they have two sons, Devin, (age 4), who will be attending CESJDS in the fall and Zachary (age 2). Nathan works for the Lincoln Property Group providing commercial real estate advisory services.

Rachel Brandenburg ‘01

Rachel led the Girls Varsity Cross Country and Track teams to multiple PVAC Championship Titles (XC: 1998, 1999, 2000). She broke the PVAC records for the 800, 1600, and 3200 meter races and was named PVAC Most Valuable Runner for four straight years. Rachel earned local recognition as the Montgomery Journal 2000 Runner of the Year, All-Gazette Team (1999, 2000), and All-Met Second Team (2000), and was named CESJDS Senior Student-Athlete of the Year (2000). After graduating, Rachel ran for Tufts Varsity Cross Country and Track teams, earning the Most Valuable Freshman award.

Rebecca Brochstein ‘91

Rebecca was an exceptional three-sport athlete, who helped lead the JDS soccer, basketball, and softball teams to countless victories. In addition to numerous PVAC all conference awards, Rebecca was the Girls Varsity Soccer MVP, the Girls Varsity Softball MVP, and received the Senior Athletic Award in 1991.

After graduating JDS, Rebecca joined the Brandeis University Women’s Soccer Team from 1991-1995 and participated in the New England Women's 8 Academic All-Conference Team 1992-1993. She was awarded Brandeis University Women's Soccer Coach's Award in 1994.

Today Rebecca lives with her wife Laura and their children Noa (12) and Eitan (11) on Massachusetts’ North Shore where Noa and Eitan attend the local Jewish day school. Rebecca works as a hearing officer for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Rebecca continued playing in women’s recreational soccer leagues for ten years post-college but eventually retired and spends her free time these days as the co-chair of the parents’ association at her children's school.

Rachel Cohn '98

Rachel was a dominant three-sport athlete at CESJDS, participating in soccer, basketball, and softball. Rachel won countless awards including numerous All-PVAC honors and she was recognized as the JDS Athlete of the Year in 1997-1998. Rachel was also voted to the All-Tournament Team in the Beth T’filoh Basketball Tournament and participated in the JCC Maccabi Games for three years (1995-1997), helping her team make the podium each of those years. Additionally, Rachel was awarded the JCC Perlo High School Athlete Award.

After graduating JDS, played basketball at Brandeis University from 1998-2002. She was team captain her senior year and was a two-year starter. While at Brandeis, Rachel won the Morry Stein Award of Valor (2001-2002): "a student athlete who has demonstrated courage both on and off the playing fields and/or intervened to better the lives of others," the Blue Heart Award (2001-2002): "in recognition of courage, determination, and honor; for going above and beyond the call of duty," Most Improved Player 2000-2001, and Academic All-Conference (University Athletic Association): 1998-1999, 1999-2000, 2000-2001, 2001-2002.

Today Rachel works as an internal medicine hospital physician and lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband Keith and their four sons: Isaac (age 10), Ian (age 7), Andrew (age 5), Alex (age 21 months). Rachel plays pick up basketball weekly (pre-COVID) at the Portland JCC with other women in the community, has also coached basketball at the local Jewish Day school, and is a member of the Portland JCC Maccabi Games committee.

Gabe Dymond '02

Gabe scored over 1,800 points in his basketball career with CESJDS. He led the Varsity Basketball team to win the Championship in 2000, was selected to the All Gazette team twice, and led the county in 3 pointers his senior year. Selected as Washington Post player of the week, he averaged 27 points a game and played at the Maccabi games twice. After graduating, he played basketball at Hargrave Military Academy, joining the #1 ranked Preparatory basketball team in the nation.

Orna Edgar ‘82

Orna remembers there being no athletic teams for girls until she was in eighth grade and she was extremely excited when a girl’s basketball team was formed. She played every year from thereon and in 9th grade, she was the first girl to play on the boy’s soccer and baseball teams. Girl's softball started her junior year. Orna is so pleased to see how many sports there are for girls now and wishes she had those opportunities. Playing basketball was a lifeline and a refuge for her during a difficult time in her life. “I loved the games, but I think even more I loved playing pickup in the gym with the boys. Their level of play was higher than mine, but not so much that I couldn't be in the game, contribute, and learn. They always welcomed me. The rewards were making a beautiful play, getting in the zone, and a particular joy that I think only basketball players experience.” Orna went on to play varsity basketball at Bryn Mawr College and then Wesleyan College. She currently resides in Seattle, has a daughter who is a college freshman, and is an attorney working at Amazon.

Marshall Einhorn ‘94

Marshall played Boys Varsity Soccer, Baseball, and Basketball, being named PVAC All-Conference in each sport. He was named CESJDS Athlete of the Year in 1992-93, helping lead the Varsity Basketball team to back-to-back PVAC championships. He participated in two Maccabi games in 1990 and 1992 and was a member of the Junior Varsity soccer team at Tufts University. Marshall describes Coach Phil Papier as a role model, channeling his sayings and ideologies as coach for his 3 children’s soccer and baseball teams.

Eric Forseter ‘93

Eric scored over 1,400 points in his basketball career with JDS, with over 600 career rebounds, and averaged 20 points each game during his senior year.

Eric helped lead three JDS teams to league and tournament championships. In 1987 and 1988 Eric helped lead his middle school soccer team to undefeated seasons as well as tournament championships. In addition, his middle school basketball team finished as the regular season league champions in 1988. As a member of the varsity basketball team, Eric was one of the main components in a league championship and tournament championship run in 1991 as well as a regular season championship in 1993.

In college, Eric played three years of basketball at Tufts University and with his team went to the NCAA Division III tournament for the first time ever, during his sophomore season. Eric and his wife Amy are parents to current JDS students, Mia (Grade 7) and Jake (Grade 4), and Talia (Kindergarten) and Eric enjoys coaching his children’s basketball, softball, and baseball teams.

Jess “J” Frisch ‘94

Jess was named multiple times to the PVAC Girls Soccer and Basketball First All-Conference Teams. She was CESJDS “Athlete of the Year” in 1992-1993 and received the “Fitness for Life” and “Spirit of CESJDS” awards in 1994. Jess played twice on the Greater Washington soccer teams that won gold medals in the Maccabi games. At Amherst College, she was a Division III Second Team All-American in women’s ice hockey. After college, Jess played hockey semi-professionally in a women’s league in Switzerland.

Girls Varsity Basketball Team 1998-1999

The Varsity Girls Basketball Team of 1998-1999 was the first girls team to win the regular season banner and the tournament banner. They beat St. Andrews in the Championship game 51-46 to put the exclamation mark on an incredible season. Ester Fulop ‘00 was named the tournament MVP after recording 22 points in the championship game and Coach Phil Papier was named the PVAC Coach of the Year. One of the most incredible highlights of the team is that they won the tournament without any seniors and they had to pull up a few players from the JV team who played an instrumental role in the win. Two years later, those same JV players went on to have the first undefeated season in school history and win an additional two banners. The team consisted of multiple PVAC award winners as well as a Washington Post All-Met Honorable Mention winner.

Michael Goldfarb ‘05

Michael played soccer, basketball, and baseball throughout middle school and high school. He led his teams to nine tournament and/or league championships throughout middle school and high school including; middle school soccer (1999, 2000), middle school basketball (2000, 2001), JV basketball (2002), varsity basketball (2003, 2004), and varsity baseball (2002). Michael was recognized as a PVAC all star for his contributions to the varsity basketball team and varsity baseball team. His fondest memory is when his team won the PVAC basketball tournament championship in 2004, his junior year. “The championship game that year was against Washington International School (WIS), and it was a close game until late in the 4th quarter. With just under a minute left it became clear that we would emerge victorious, and I just remember being so happy to celebrate our achievement with my teammates.” Michael currently serves as the Assistant Head of the Middle School at St. Paul's School in Baltimore, MD and feels fortunate in his role to be able to coach basketball and baseball at the middle and high school levels .

Aviva Jacobs ‘99

Aviva played soccer and basketball from 7th – 12th grade (and a few years of Varsity Basketball), earning Honorable Mention All-Met for soccer in 1998, PVAC All-League Team in 1995 & 1996, and was selected for the Maryland Olympic Development Team. After graduating, she played Varsity Soccer at the University of Michigan and served as the Captain of the first-ever Women's Soccer Team at the Maccabiah Games in Israel in 2005. Her favorite CESJDS memory was beating St. Andrew's to win the PVAC tournament.

Heather Brooks Karatz ‘02

Heather was a three-sport athlete at CESJDS and played soccer, basketball, and ran track and field. Heather helped her varsity basketball team win CESJDS’s first-ever girls varsity basketball championship in the 1998-1999 season. Heather received many awards and honors including the PVAC Track MVP in 2002, the PVAC Varsity Basketball MVP in 2001, and countless other JDS specific awards. One of Heather’s fondest memories of JDS athletics is beating a school rival in the semi-finals of the PVAC basketball tournament. Heather also competed in six different JCC Maccabi Games, helping her teams win many medals in both basketball and soccer.

Today, Heather is a sports business executive and lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Teddy, and their five-year old twins, Abe and Joelle.

Debbie Fonner Labonski ‘85

Debbie was one of the original three--sport athletes at CESJDS and was a member of the basketball, volleyball, and softball teams. In addition to being a great teammate, Debbie was recognized as the JDS Athlete of the Year in 1982 and 1984 for all of her contributions to the JDS Athletics Program. In the 1984-1985 season, Debbie was named to The Montgomery Journal 1st team all county for her basketball accomplishments.

Today Debbie is the mom of three boys, Max, Zac, and Cal who are all athletes. She works with Tyler Whitmore Interiors as a residential home stager and designer and also has a family reno/flip business as well.

Jon Landy ‘91

Jon played Boys Varsity Basketball and Varsity Tennis (9th grade). While playing basketball, he was named First Team All-Conference, a Washington Post Performer of the Week, and an All-County Honorable Mention. In his senior year (1990-1991), Jon led the Boys Varsity Basketball team to its first regular-season title and first tournament championship.

Avi Lerner '92

Avi was a three-sport athlete participating in baseball, soccer, and basketball. As a four-year starter for the soccer team, he earned multiple honors and awards including being named to the All-PVAC tournament team, team captain, team MVP, and he was mentioned in The Washington Post in 1991 as a preseason “player to watch.” As a star on the baseball field, Avi added on to his stellar athletic resume by helping lead his team to a regular season title while continuing to build his growing list of personal awards and honors. He was named to the All-PVAC team every year he played baseball and was a three-year starter. Avi won the coveted league MVP award as an all star pitcher and shortstop his junior year, while batting over .550 as a sophomore and junior. Avi rounded out his high school career by being named the CESJDS athlete of the year in his graduating class.

Today, Avi lives in Maryland with his wife, Kara, and two kids Jonah (age 11) and Zoe (age 8). When Avi is not coaching his daughter’s soccer team, he is working for the Congressional Budget Office. Avi still participates in a competitive men’s softball league and tries to golf, go for a run, or a bike ride as much as he can.

Vic Littman

During his tenure at JDS (1995-2005), Vic Littman served as Head Coach for varsity boy’s basketball, varsity boy’s and girl’s cross country, and varsity girl’s softball. Vic coached his basketball team to four Division Championships as well as the 2004 PVAC Tournament Championship. As a cross country coach, he guided the varsity girl’s cross country team to a PVAC championship in 1999 and 2000. In 2000, the varsity girl’s softball team claimed the PVAC championship and the Division Championship on their way to an undefeated season.

Coach Littman holds the record for the most career wins as head boy’s basketball coach. In addition, he was Head Coach for girl’s basketball at the Maccabi Games for three consecutive years (1994-1996) and also served as Athletic Chair in Greater Washington in 2004 and Phoenix in 2006. Vic’s fondest memories of the JDS Athletic Department are the relationships he created with the athletes. “These are the most respectful people I have ever been around.”

Coach Mike Papa

Founding President of the PVAC, Coach Papa earned over 200 wins as Varsity Boys Basketball Coach in his time at CESJDS. Never losing a game to Hebrew Academy, he was referred to as ‘Darth Vader’ when he walked into the building. His many accomplishments include being named PVAC Coach of the Year in Basketball, starting a sports camp at Camp Maccabi, and coaching Track Star Jay Diamond and Basketball Player Gilad Simhoni. Since leaving CESJDS, Mike has served as either a Head of Upper School or Head of School at five different institutions.

Coach Phil Papier

As Head Coach (’87-’01), Phil’s varsity teams won a total of 6 regular season and 2 tournament championships. As Athletic Director (’91-’01), CESJDS won 25 Varsity Championships under Phil’s guidance and leadership. Coach Papier was named PVAC Coach of the Year in Varsity Basketball twice and served as League President in the PVAC for 2 terms. As part of his tenure, Phil implemented a sports medicine program, “Fitness For Life”, and hired the first athletic trainer at CESJDS.

Johanna Paretzky Faries '99

Johanna won numerous awards for her achievements in basketball, soccer and track and field at CESJDS - including over a dozen MVP awards and seven selections to the Potomac Valley Athletic Conference all-star teams for basketball and soccer. Johanna also joined the 1,000 point club in basketball during her junior year, and was the recipient of both the Aron Marom Sobel Award and Athlete of the Year Award during her senior year. Johanna currently works as Commissioner for Call of Duty Esports // Activision Blizzard

Sam Perlin ‘83

Sam, better known as ‘Slambo’, was a first team All-star in the newly formed PVAC in both basketball and soccer. In the 1982-83 seasons, he was awarded the MVP in Varsity Soccer and Varsity Basketball, being named Male Athlete of the Year in 1983. He was the first CESJDS athlete to slam dunk in a basketball game, scoring the winning basket for the 1982-83 Yeshiva University Championship. Now a Jewish summer camp director, Sam coached and taught physical education for 20 years, including three years with CESJDS at the start of his career. He is happily married to his CESJDS sweetheart, Sharon Rosenblum ’85.

Sarit Fishman Scott ‘86

Sarit received PVAC all-league and all tournament recognition for basketball, volleyball, and softball during her sophomore, junior, and senior years. As a successful three-sport athlete, Sarit was the JDS athlete of the year for two consecutive years (1984-85 and 1985-86). She helped lead her team to regular season championships as well as tournament championships in basketball (1985) and volleyball (1984). She was a team leader who received MVP honors in basketball, volleyball, and softball. Sarit has enjoyed watching the athletics program grow at CESJDS from the time the athletes wore reversible old gym shirts with taped-on numbers to a serious program where the coaches and athletes train for hours to win championships.
Upon graduating from CESJDS, Sarit went on to serve in the Israeli army, and for the past 24 years has worked as a police officer with Montgomery County Police, with the last 14 years as a detective and currently assigned to the Robbery section. She has received awards for Officer of the Year through Wheaton Chamber of Commerce as well as Bethesda Chamber of Commerce. Sarit is married to Russell, and is mom to Elie (z”l), Shoshana '19 and Ethan (Grade 7).

Gilad Simhony ‘85

Gilad is being recognized for his exceptional basketball career and for being the first JDS Division I basketball player. Gilad was the JDS Athlete of the Year as well as basketball MVP. After graduating from JDS, Gilad was a member of the George Washington University Men’s Basketball Team before returning to Israel for his army service. Gilad played for eight professional teams in Israel, three as a team captain. Gilad was a member of the Israeli youth national team, the Israeli All-Army team, and the Israeli National Team. Gilad was ranked in the top 3 for assists and steals for many years and made the Israeli All-Star team. Gilad’s top game came when he was playing for Jerusalem and they beat Tel Aviv behind his 32 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals.

Today Gilad is married to Orly and they have 3 kids: Sachar (age 17), Aviv (age 14), and Uriya (age 11) and they live in Tel Aviv. Gilad works for a high tech company he started 15 years ago.

Erica Jill Strudler ‘05

Erica was a prominent member of the middle school and varsity volleyball and softball teams at JDS. She was the MVP of her middle school softball team, her varsity volleyball team, and her varsity softball team. Erica earned 1st team All PVAC recognition for softball and volleyball and she was the female senior athlete of the year for her graduating class. In addition, Erica was recognized as the JCC female athlete of the year in 2004 for her contributions to JDS as well as the regional and national Maccabi Games. As a member of the Greater Washington delegation, Erica earned a gold medal in the 2002, 2003, and 2004 Maccabi Games. Erica won a gold medal for the USA Maccabi Softball team in the PanAm games in Buenos Aires in 2007.
She went on to play Division 1 collegiate softball at The University of Maryland as one of the first Division 1 athletes from JDS. Erica relishes her time at JDS, specifically being able to win a gold medal in the 2002 Maccabi games with so many of her JDS teammates. These days, Erica is living in Washington, DC working as a Federal Sales Manager for Dell EMC and living with her husband Isaac Snyder ‘05.

Gabi Weisel ‘05

Gabi played JDS basketball and baseball, and was a member of the cross-county team. While playing both sports Gabi was selected to the 1st team all conference in baseball his sophomore and junior season as well as 1st team all conference for basketball in his junior and senior season. He helped lead JDS teams to 5 different championships including; middle school basketball (‘00, ‘01), JV basketball (‘02), varsity basketball (‘04), and varsity baseball (‘03). Gabi also participated as a member of the Greater Washington Maccabi basketball team from 2000-2003, winning a gold medal in the 2003 DC games.

Very respected by his teammates and coaches, Gabi recalls a highlight, “We beat Hebrew Academy in the semi-finals and Washington International School (WIS) in the finals. I remember winning the game with close friends, in front of a big crowd (at least for us),and then Coach Littman telling everybody to go hug their parents.” Gabi is married to fellow JDS alumna Abby Dugan ‘05 and together with their children, Isaac (Kindergarten) and Judah (age 3), they reside in Potomac, Maryland.