Athletics
Hall of Fame & History
2022 Hall of Fame Inductees
2009 Boys’ Soccer Team
The week prior to preseason, the 2009 boys’ soccer team learned that Schillo Tshuma ’12, the leading goal scorer the year prior, would miss the entire season due to a knee injury. Twelve different players scored that year, and the team went on to defend both the IAC and Virginia State Championships, while extending the unbeaten run to 45 games, which ESPNRise declared was the longest current streak at a high school in the United States.
This tight-knit group only allowed opponents to score multiple goals in two games. With their defense ferocious, and their bond uncanny, they became State Champions after trailing 2-0 to Collegiate at halftime. The team mounted a comeback and tied the game through incredible goals by Alex Smith ’10 and David Kagulu-Kalema ’10. Unable to score in overtime, the team won the title in a penalty-kick tie-breaker.
“The trophy and medals were a beautiful reward, but the friendships that were built, and the character we showed when faced with adversity are why that moment holds such a special place in my heart,” Dominique Badji ’11 said.
The team finished the season 19-0-3 overall and 8-0-2 in the IAC, while scoring 54 goals, conceding only nine times in 22 games, and shutting out 15 opponents. Episcopal was ranked third in the final national poll of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). Six players earned postseason honors, including four who were recognized as first-team All-State. Eleven players from the 2009 team went on to play varsity sports at the collegiate level, including eight who played NCAA soccer. Badji is currently a member of FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer.
View the Boys' Soccer Hall of Fame induction acceptance speech.
