Team Nashville joined over 2000 athletes from around the world for the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania August 3-8. Members of Team Nashville included: Aaron Cheng, Luke Cohen, Ruth Boehler, Abe Boehler, Oliver Stahl, Delegation Head Rebecca Moriarty, and Coach Gui Passos. The athletes joined other delegations and created complete teams to compete in 3x3 basketball, track & field, and soccer.
This year, the JCC Maccabi Games were held in Pittsburgh on the University of Pittsburgh campus. Athletes and coaches stayed in dorms and played at top-notch facilities such as the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie-Mellon University, and Shady Side Academy. Athletes and spectators from around the world attended the games, including delegations from Ukraine, Israel, Argentina, Great Britain, and Mexico.
Aaron Cheng was the senior member of the 17U 3v3 basketball team alongside teammates from Newport News, VA, and Richmond, VA. The team, coached by Gordon JCC Aquatics Director Gui Passos, clenched a third gold medal at this year’s games, making Cheng a 3x Maccabi gold medalist. Cheng remarked, “Maccabi is an experience everyone should try if they are able. It is a super unique and awesome competition.”
Abe Boehler and Oliver Stahl competed in the 15u 3x3 division alongside athletes from Ohio and Louisiana. They were “Team Mitzvah Ballers.” While they did not secure a medal this year, they made many friends from across the world and had a blast at the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game, opening ceremonies, and the Israel/Pittsburgh themed block party.
Ruth Boehler competed in soccer on a team composed of athletes from Ft Lauderdale and San Diego. She enjoyed the time to socialize as well as give back to the community. This year’s JCC Cares project was in partnership with Reading is FUNdamental. Athletes donated books and created cards and bookmarks for the children to whom these books will be donated.
Luke Cohen competed in track & field. He ran alongside teens from New Orleans, Great Britain, Pittsburgh, and Louisville. Luke brought home the bronze medal in shot put and the silver in the 4x800 relay. He also received the yellow ribbon medal from the track & field commissioner. It is a medal dedicated to the hostages who remain in Gaza. This medal is given to athletes who honor Jewish values on and off the field.
JCC Maccabi Games occur each summer and athletes ages 13-17 are eligible to participate. Next year, we will be in Toronto August 2-7! For more information on next year’s games, contact Rebecca Moriarty at Rebecca@NashvilleJCC.org
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