The Peekskill Herald is proud to announce its 2025-26 Peekskill Athletic Team of the Year, recognizing 11 student-athletes whose performances, consistency, leadership, and impact stood out throughout the varsity sports year.
From fall to spring, the Herald has covered Peekskill athletics weekly through our Tuesday sports roundups published on our website. Over the course of the school year, certain athletes consistently rose to the occasion — delivering standout performances game after game, meet after meet, and season after season.
This year’s selections are not ranked according to skill level, grade, college potential, or statistics alone. Rather, the list reflects the athletes who most consistently produced, competed, and made a measurable impact within their sport throughout the school year.
Coaches from across Peekskill athletics were invited to nominate student-athletes and provide input before the final team was assembled.
Here’s a look at the 2025-26 Peekskill Athletic Team of the Year:
Valeria Otavalo (Jr., Girls Soccer)
Valeria Otavalo was the heartbeat of Peekskill’s midfield this school year, helping lead the Red Devils to a memorable 15-2 record and the program’s first league title in decades. The junior standout, who has competed on the varsity team since seventh grade, totaled 15 goals and 17 assists in 17 games while earning All-Section Honorable Mention, All-League, and League L Player of the Year honors.
Kimberly Alfaro (So., Girls Soccer)
Kimberly Alfaro has emerged as one of the key offensive catalysts for Peekskill’s varsity girls soccer program. The sophomore has led the Red Devils in scoring in each of her first two varsity seasons, recording 14 goals in 2024 before following it up with 19 goals and seven assists in 2025. Her strong sophomore campaign earned her All-League honors. Outside of soccer, Alfaro also competes for Peekskill’s bowling and flag football teams.
Craig Jacobs III (Jr., Football)
“Deceptive speed, explosive power, and exceptional elusiveness” were the words Peekskill head football coach Demetric Gardner used to describe standout running back Craig Jacobs. The junior delivered a dominant season for the Red Devils, rushing for 1,048 yards and 17 touchdowns on 147 carries across 10 games while helping lead Peekskill to its second Hudson Valley championship in three years.
Jacobs also made his presence felt defensively, recording two interceptions and recovering two fumbles — both of which he returned for touchdowns — proving his impact on both sides of the ball. His strong all-around campaign earned him Hudson Valley Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Now entering his senior season, Jacobs will have the opportunity to test himself against tougher competition as Peekskill returns to Section 1 play in fall 2026.
Joseph Walker (Sr., Football)
As the first player to hoist the Hudson Valley championship trophy in November, senior captain Joseph Walker cemented his place among Peekskill’s top athletes after a dominant defensive season.
Alongside standout running back Craig Jacobs, Walker helped lead the Red Devils to a 9-1 record and a Hudson Valley championship. The four-year varsity player established himself as one of the area’s premier defensive playmakers, recording 11 interceptions while consistently making key tackles, breaking up passes, and forcing turnovers. His instincts and ability to be around the football made him a true ballhawk in Peekskill’s secondary.
Walker also provided a spark on special teams, routinely shifting momentum with punt and kickoff returns that flipped field position in the Red Devils’ favor. His versatility, leadership, and impact on all three phases of the game were instrumental to Peekskill’s success this season.
For his standout efforts, Walker was named Hudson Valley Defensive Player of the Year.
Darius Smythe (Sr., Boys Basketball)
Following the graduation of several key contributors from last year’s team, new leaders were needed for Peekskill’s boys basketball program this season — and no player embraced that role more than senior Darius Smythe.
After serving as a contributor during his junior year, Smythe emerged as the focal point of the Red Devils’ offense this season. The senior guard consistently led the team in scoring and delivered several standout performances, including a 34-point outing against Fox Lane in December and a 36-point performance against Poughkeepsie in February.
Though not the tallest player on the court, Smythe made up for it with a high basketball IQ, toughness, and an ability to attack the basket and create scoring opportunities. His leadership and offensive production played a major role in Peekskill’s rebuilding campaign.
Nai’lah Smalls (Fr., Girls Basketball)
If Peekskill’s varsity girls basketball program hopes to return to prominence, players like Nai’lah Smalls will play a major role in leading the way — and based on her freshman season, the future appears bright.
A consistent and dependable presence on the court this winter, Smalls emerged as the Red Devils’ leading scorer while helping guide a young Peekskill squad in the right direction. Averaging roughly 14 points per game, the freshman standout teamed up with fellow underclassmen Riley Jenkins and Alani Jacobs to help the Red Devils finish with a respectable 6-10 overall record.
Despite her youth, Smalls displayed maturity and confidence beyond her years throughout the season. Under the guidance of Peekskill alum and head coach Nyrie Holliman, she has the potential to become a cornerstone piece for the program in the years ahead.
Stephen Cordero (Jr., Wrestling)
Stephen Cordero put together the strongest season of his varsity wrestling career this winter, recording more than 20 wins for the first time while continuing to build on his reputation as one of Peekskill’s top athletes. The junior now leads the program in active career varsity victories and capped off his standout campaign with a sixth-place finish in the 175-pound division at the Section 1 large school championships in February.
“I believe he’s pound for pound one of the strongest wrestlers in the section,” said Peekskill wrestling head coach Andre Lee earlier this year. “We are hoping to see Stephen continue to climb the podium and wrestle in the state tournament next season.”
With another year of experience ahead of him, Cordero appears poised to take another major step forward entering his senior season.
Gregory Tompkins III (Sr., Indoor Track, Outdoor Track)
A steady and reliable performer throughout both the indoor and outdoor track seasons, Gregory Tompkins III capped off his senior year on a high. Whether competing in sprint events during the winter or continuing his momentum into the spring, Tompkins consistently placed among the top athletes at meets and invitationals throughout the year.
One of his most memorable performances came during the Section 1 League Championships #4 in the indoor season, where he broke Peekskill’s school record in the 300-meter dash with a time of 38.91 seconds, finishing eighth overall against some of the area’s top competition.
Tompkins carried that success into the outdoor season. He qualified for and competed in several postseason events, including the League G Championships, Westchester County Championships, and the Section 1 Class B Championships.
Malaiya Farmer (8th grade, Flag Football)
The youngest athlete on this list, Malaiya Farmer more than earned her place after an action-packed season at quarterback for Peekskill’s youthful flag football squad. Tasked with filling the void left by graduating All-Section selection and Peekskill Athlete of the Year Jealina Searight, Farmer rose to the occasion with poise beyond her years. She thrived in close contests and developed strong chemistry with fellow standout Tylah Grant, connecting with her for several key touchdowns throughout the season. Farmer capped off her impressive 2026 campaign by earning All-Section honors.
Mikayla Gonzalez (Sr., Softball)
Mikayla Gonzalez was a driving force behind Peekskill’s winning softball campaign this spring, helping lead the Red Devils to a 10-8 overall record. The senior made her presence felt in every facet of the game, delivering consistently at the plate while also serving as a reliable arm in the circle. Gonzalez’s versatility and leadership proved invaluable in key matchups, as she continuously stepped up in big moments and set the tone for her team.
Jayden Bradby (Jr., Baseball)
Jayden Bradby emerged as one of Peekskill’s most valuable and versatile players this season, serving as a team captain and impacting every facet of the game. The junior had a .421 batting average, recording 24 hits, including six doubles and a triple, while setting the tone atop the lineup as the team’s lead-off hitter. Bradby also excelled on the mound, throwing 35 2/3 innings and striking out 53 batters over the course of the season. Defensively, he showcased his versatility by contributing at pitcher, shortstop, third base, second base, and catcher. His all-around performance earned him All-League honors, All-Section Honorable Mention recognition, and Comeback Player of the League honors.
Honorable Mentions: Maddox Lozada (Sr., Boys Soccer), Jackelin Alfaro (Sr., Girls Soccer), Lily Counts (Jr., Girls Swimming), Nina Ijiogbe (Sr., Girls Volleyball), Camila Torres (So., Girls Volleyball), Justin Vizhnay (Jr., Boys Swimming), Riley Jenkins (8th grade, Girls Basketball), Alani Jacobs (7th grade, Girls Basketball), Juan Naranjo (So., Wrestling), Tylah Grant (8th grade, Flag Football).
The Herald congratulates all members of the 2025-26 Peekskill Athletic Team of the Year, along with this year’s honorable mention selections, for their dedication, perseverance, and achievements throughout the school year.
We remain committed to covering local athletics and highlighting the accomplishments of Peekskill’s student-athletes year-round. From weekly Tuesday sports roundups to feature stories, game recaps, and postseason coverage, we’re proud to help tell the stories of Red Devils athletics.
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