From the court to the field and inside pools across the country, Asphalt Green Sports enjoyed one of its most successful years to date in 2024, strengthening its commitment to excellence and helping athletes pursue their dreams. 

As the new year approaches, we’re looking back at the triumphs of Asphalt Green Soccer Club, Asphalt Green Basketball, and Asphalt Green Unified Aquatics, and finding out what we can expect from AG sports in 2025.  

Learn About Asphalt Green Sports

Learn About Asphalt Green Unified Aquatics

Asphalt Green Basketball  

In 2024, Asphalt Green basketball nearly doubled its total number of coaches, expanded to two new locations, and added six new teams.  

“The Asphalt Green Basketball Program is proud of our success, both on and off the court during this past year. From a competitive standpoint, the program yielded 4 league titles and 14 tournament championships. In the community, we were able to serve 300 young athletes at one of our satellite locations in Brooklyn through free basketball clinics and leagues. The 2023-2024 year saw Asphalt Green’s Basketball footprint grow from our singular home campus in Battery Park City, to multiple new gyms across the city (St. Lukes in the West Village & The Post- Brooklyn).  I also wanted to thank our unbelievable coaching staff and dedicated program families. The continued growth of basketball at Asphalt Green would not be possible without you!” - Chris Cassels, Director of Basketball Operations.

Notable Achievements: 

  • Implemented a coaching certificate standard for all basketball staff under the Asphalt Green Sports umbrella (competitive coaches, recreational based coaches, and community programs coaches). All staff will receive USA gold coach certifications, funded by Asphalt Green. 
  • Expanded from on our main campus at Battery Park City to two satellite locations, The Post in Brooklyn & St. Luke’s School in the West Village. 
  • Won 4 league championships and 14 tournament championships during the 23-24 program year 
  • Girls' basketball was proud to be one of the inaugural programs to participate in the only girls specific competitive travel league in NYC, the Synergy league.   
  • Community basketball programs at The Post served 296 athletes through free programming.  

Asphalt Green Soccer Club

 In 2024, Asphalt Green Soccer Club ascended to become one of the top clubs in the region, with many athletes earning collegiate scholarships and places on professional academies.  

“Together, Asphalt Green Soccer Club has made huge strides over the past year. Many of our AGSC teams are now competing in top leagues in the region and tournaments around the country. In addition, we are incredibly proud of our athletes, who have earned collegiate scholarships and spots in professional academies in New York and abroad, a testament to our coaches’ commitment to athletic development.” - AGSC Staff.

Notable Achievements:  

  • Three AGSC players were selected to the New York Red Bulls Youth Academy 
  • One AGSC player was selected to the NYCFC Youth Academy 
  • One AGSC player earned a spot at Madrid CFF Academy in Spain 
  • AGSC Girls 2006 became the #3 ranked team in the country.  
  • Multiple AGSC Boys teams were accepted to the Elite 64 National League 
  • Three AGSC teams competed in the US Youth Soccer Regional tournament  
  • Three AGSC teams competed in the New York East State Cup Finals  
  • One player earned a scholarship to NCAA Division 1 Manhattan University 
  • AGSC Girls 2006 won the prestigious Jefferson Cup, the highest ranked tournament in the country.  
  • One player signed with Division 3 Oberlin college 
  • One player was selected to play in the u14 talent ID Center for the U.S. national team.  
  • G2006 won the prestigious Jefferson Cup Tournament in the Spring (#1 ranked tournament in the country) 

Asphalt Green Unfied Aquatics 

2024 was one of the most successful years in AGUA’s remarkable history, with swimmers and coaches earning national recognition, teams winning championships, and alumni competing at the Olympics. 

“This year, AGUA had an outstanding year of growth all around! We accomplished many program firsts, and would like to recognize the hard work, dedication, and commitment to our team values by our athletes, coaches, family members and community. These achievements could not have been accomplished without our full Asphalt Green support system.” - Diana Pimer, Head AGUA Coach.  

Historic Championship Wins:

  • Won the 2024 Eastern Zone Senior Sectionals Championships. 
  • Won the 2024 Eastern Zone Age Group Championships. 
  • First time in program history winning both the 15 & over and 14 & under meets in the same season. 
  • Secured a second consecutive Sectionals victory, following a win in 2023. 
  • Claimed the Overall Team Championship Title at the 2024 Age Group Team Challenge. 
  • Women's Team won the 2024 Metropolitan Swimming Open Water Championships. 

Short Course Season Achievements:

  • Earned the highest-ever finish in the USA Swimming Virtual Club Championship program.  
  • Scored 249,914 points using the USA Swimming power point system. 
  • Achieved a national ranking of 15th out of over 4,000 USA Swimming Teams. 
  • First-ever top 25 finish as a team. 

Summer Achievements:

  • Earned Bronze Medal Status in the USA Swimming Club Excellence program after a two-year hiatus. 
  • Set over 40 program records across all age groups (9 years old to senior level). 
  • Eight athletes achieved USA Swimming Scholastic All-America honors.  
  • Criteria: Maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher and achieving a Junior National time standard in the pool. 

College Commitments:

Fourteen athletes committed to swimming and studying at colleges, including:  

  • Yale University (2x) 
  • Dartmouth College 
  • Colby College (2x) 
  • Amherst College 
  • Wesleyan University (2x) 
  • Oberlin College 
  • Washington University in St. Louis 
  • Emory University 
  • University of Scranton 
  • Ithaca College 
  • Adelphi University 

Coaching Recognition: 

Hailey Hewitt (Head Age Group Coach)  

  • Named an ASCA Top 50 Age Group Coach in the country. 
  • Earned the title of Metropolitan Swimming Age Group Coach of the Year. 

Diana Pimer Ross (Senior Development Coach)  

  • Named Metropolitan Swimming Assistant Coach of the Year. 

Olympic Year Highlights:

Dylan Rhee (AGUA Alumnus)  

  • Qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in the 200-meter breaststroke. 
  • Competed at Trials in his home pool at Asphalt Green. 

Adell Sabovic (AGUA Alumnus) 

  • Represented Team Kosovo at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. 
  • Competed in the 100-meter freestyle. 

Looking Ahead to 2025 

Asphalt Green’s competitive teams have big plans to build off a historic 2024. From competing at national tournaments, sending athletes to collegiate, professional, and Olympic competitions, and growing the number of athletes we serve, you can count on Asphalt Green to strengthen its commitment to athletic and aquatic excellence in 2025.  

  • “As we look towards the future, the Asphalt Green Basketball Program is excited to continue our expansion efforts, bring free programming to communities of need, incorporate technology into our competitive program and serve as many young athletes as possible.” - Chris Cassels, Director of Basketball.
  • “In the next year, we’re committed to improving athletic performance through our new technological investments in underwater cameras and swim bridges. In addition, we look forward to seeing them thrive in the classroom, as leaders at Asphalt Green and in their own communities, and as community members when they ultimately graduate from our program for life outside the pool.” - Diana Ross, Head AGUA Coach.
  • “In 2025, we look forward to continuing our progress in player development to build the best academy in the region." - AGSC Staff.