Carlos Soto ’25 isn’t someone who seeks the spotlight. But over the past four years, he’s earned the respect of teammates, classmates and teachers alike through steady leadership and a strong sense of responsibility. Whether on the field or in the classroom, Carlos brought consistency, humility and care to everything he did.

For Nathan Chen ’25, graduating from Pine Crest is more than a milestone—it’s a legacy. The son of Pine Crest alumnus Gordon Chen ’97 and the nephew of alumnus Christopher Chen ’94, Nathan spent his high school years walking the same halls, competing on the same fields and learning in the same classrooms his family once did.

“I think it's pretty cool that my dad and uncle went here,” he said. “When my dad visits, he’ll point out where he lived in the dorms or talk about playing football on the same field. It’s been special to share that connection.”

For Charlotte Thies ’25, rowing is more than a sport—it’s a source of strength, discipline and direction. A National Letter of Intent (NLI) recipient bound for Georgetown University, Charlotte has balanced the demands of a two-sport athletic career, the depth of Pine Crest academics and a three-year focus on business and social impact through the Social Entrepreneurship Program.

Charlotte’s athletic journey began on the soccer field at age two, coached by her father. “I did every sport Pine Crest offered,” she said, listing soccer, tennis, golf, basketball, volleyball and track and field. Track seemed destined to be her main focus until her mom, who was a coxswain at Rollins College, encouraged her to give rowing a try. “The second I got on the water, I knew. I loved it. I still did track through high school, but rowing became my passion.”

A new offering in Pine Crest Athletics is making waves—brainwaves! This year, Dr. Hilary Cornelius, Mental Performance Coach and Associate Tennis Director on the Boca Raton campus, has brought her expertise in sports psychology to Middle and Upper School student-athletes. 

As is the case with Pine Crest students, senior Talia Sverdlik ’25 made good use of her time over the summer. 

As he headed to college, Pine Crest School lifer Mr. David Walters ’02 never thought he was going to be a teacher!

Kenny Chan ’24 joined Pine Crest Upper School as a freshman. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Kenny said coming to Pine Crest for the first time was like being on a college campus.

Since joining the Pine Crest School community in 2006, Coach Eileen Pliske, Middle School Athletic Director on the Fort Lauderdale campus, led the varsity girls lacrosse program to 13 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) district championships and two regional championship titles. To speak only about the titles she has as a coach would diminish the impact she has had on student-athletes throughout her time here.

Glen Pierson ’23H, Assistant Head of Upper School and Dean of Students will retire this summer from Pine Crest School after 29 years. GP, as he is affectionately known by the students, began his career at Pine Crest in the Upper School science department as a chemistry teacher, although teaching was not always on Mr. Pierson’s radar. 

By: Lindsey Keyes ’24

By: Danielle Keyes ’24

After being forced to end the spring 2020 athletic season abruptly, Pine Crest Athletics began planning and focusing on student health and wellness for what became an unprecedented 2020-21 school year. 

Coach Dave Smith may be the only faculty member at Pine Crest School who can say that he has worked under every School president and every Athletic Director in School history — including time spent on the original campus location on Broward Boulevard.

Coach Ruth Bresnahan, more affectionately known as “Coach B” around campus, has been a fixture of Pine Crest School athletics since 1988. However, her start at Pine Crest was actually in 1975 when she began working at Pine Crest Summer, known then as Pine Crest Day Camp.

Pine Crest School is pleased to announce the completion of renovations to the East Campus Athletic Complex, which includes Banks Field and the Elliot Family Track.

Sports programs in independent schools have changed a lot over the years, and Pine Crest School is no exception.

Ohio has always been a second home for alumnus Hayden Grove ’11. After graduating from Pine Crest with a love for journalism, music, and sports, Hayden’s passion for sports brought him to The Ohio State University to complete his undergraduate studies.

Jordyn Elliott ’16 was busy during her time as a Pine Crest student! Playing soccer for both Pine Crest and a travel team, Jordyn was thrilled when she was offered a spot on the University of California at Berkeley women’s soccer team.

Kevin Boothe ’01 is a former professional football player, having played for the Oakland Raiders and the New York Giants.

After graduating from Pine Crest, Kevin attended Cornell University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration. He was drafted to the NFL in 2006 and returned to the classroom to earn his Master of Business Administration from The George Washington University in 2013.