West Orange Teen Makes School Proud At ‘Women In Sports’ Celebration

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following article is written by Max Shadow and comes courtesy of the West Orange Public School District. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

West Orange High School participated in the NJSIAA event this past weekend celebrating the 2025 National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), officially observed on February 5, 2025. This annual celebration honors the achievements of girls and women in sports and highlights their impact and progress. This year, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) partnered with Rutgers University to recognize outstanding female student-athletes from across the state. Each member school was invited to nominate one senior athlete to represent their community, and for West Orange High School, that honor went to Nyah McKinney.

Nyah, a senior with an impressive record both on and off the field, exemplifies the qualities celebrated on this special day. For her, the recognition is deeply meaningful. “To represent my school at an event like this, honoring female athletes and the progress we’ve made since Title IX, is an incredible honor,” she said. She reflected on the history of NGWSD, originally established to honor Olympian volleyball player Flo Hyman, which has since become a broader celebration of female athletes’ achievements and their positive influence.

A four-year varsity starter and senior captain of the lacrosse team, Nyah has been a driving force in her team’s success. She also contributed as a cheerleader, serving as senior captain, for both football and basketball. Nyah’s athletic versatility is matched by her dedication to academics and extracurricular activities. She is currently serving as Class of 2025 President and has been an active member of the student council throughout high school. She is the co-editor of The Pioneer, and actively participates in clubs like Unity Club, Asian Culture Club, and French Club. She is also a member of multiple honor societies, including the National Honor Society, where she serves as Vice President.

When asked about the people who have inspired her, Nyah credited Dylan Wilkes, a former West Orange lacrosse player who became the first from the school to be recruited to a Division 1 HBCU program. “Being a Black girl in a predominantly white sport puts you in a unique position,” Nyah explained. “You become a representative. Dylan inspired me to take my play to the next level.” She also highlighted the consistent encouragement from her coaches, who emphasized the value of hard work and determination.

One of Nyah’s proudest moments as a student-athlete came during her sophomore year, when the lacrosse team achieved a historic victory against Union Catholic to secure their first-ever Division Championship. “The synergy at the end of the game came from a moment of ‘We just did that’ all together,” she recalled. The team went on to win the division again the following year, a testament to their determination and teamwork.

Balancing her commitments to academics, athletics, and extracurriculars has not been easy, but Nyah’s organizational skills and strong work ethic have been key. “Keeping a personal calendar and using free time wisely has been effective for me,” she shared. This discipline has allowed her to excel across all areas of her high school career, setting an example for her peers and younger athletes.

Nyah plans to attend Howard University, where she will study Biology with the goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. Her advice to younger athletes and her 10-year-old self is simple yet profound: “Ignore the noise and stay true to yourself.”

Athletic Director Stephan Zichella praised Nyah’s contributions to the school and her representation at NGWSD. “Nyah’s dedication and leadership set a standard for all our student-athletes,” he said. “She’s a shining example of what it means to be a Mountaineer.”

The National Girls & Women in Sports Day movement continues to inspire and empower future generations, celebrating the limitless potential of girls and women in sports. West Orange High School is proud to have Nyah McKinney represent the school and contribute to this vibrant legacy.

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