Stories to Tell, MO-ments to Share

I was recently chatting with a few colleagues reflecting on how the craziness of covering multiple events in the last few weeks of the school year often reminds me of my previous career as a sports journalist when there were always events and deadlines. Concerts, academic presentations, awards ceremonies and graduations all warrant coverage and typically fill my calendar in late May and early June until the seniors graduate at Commencement. It’s a busy time with many opportunities to highlight our students in several areas.

Last week, an unexpected event popped up that truly brought me back to my previous career. The W+H varsity softball team advanced to the GMC Invitational championship game and there was no way I was going to miss this one. Anyone who watched this thriller will agree that it was a game for the ages.

The Rams showed remarkable resilience to prevail in a dramatic 5-4 victory over East Brunswick Magnet in a game that ended with a walk-off RBI single by Mohisha Jha ‘26. Mo stepped to the plate with teammate Elyssa Ortega ’26 at second base poised to score the decisive run for the Rams. Mo jumped on a fastball and stroked a single just inches inside the right field line and Elyssa sprinted home to set off a wild celebration.

Playing on their home field before the largest crowd of the season, the Rams fell behind 2-0 in the top of the first inning but promptly tied the game on a two-run home run by catcher Giselle Rodriguez ’25. W+H later forged ahead on RBI hits by Kacey Marmolejos ’25 and Sophia Riccio ’26 and took a 4-2 lead into the seventh. The Rams were one strike away from victory but a clutch two-run double tied the score. A devastating blow like this would deflate most teams, but the Rams kept their heads up and did not stop fighting. 

Watching Mo emerge as the hero reminded me of why I loved working in sports media for two decades and covering students in myriad events for the past 16 years at W+H. There’s always a story to tell and you can never be sure which character will be the star or leading player.

This is not only true in sports at W+H, where it’s not uncommon to see new faces come out of their shell to excel in performances and presentations. One of the many strengths of our school is the support and encouragement students receive to give them the confidence and skills to succeed. It could be a polished academic presentation, a powerful musical solo, an impactful act of service, or a winning play on the athletic field that makes a difference.

Mo’s championship clinching hit was the latest example of W+H students achieving something bigger than themselves. It produced the softball program’s first championship since 2014 and I guarantee it’s a MO-ment she’ll never forget.