Tara Berger ’15 was a five-year varsity athlete at Rye Country Day School, competing on the Girls’ Varsity Basketball team. She was a basketball team captain during her junior and senior seasons and was a three-year member of the Varsity Outdoor Track & Field team, specializing in the high jump.

Tara credits RCDS with laying the foundation for her athletic development. As a Wildcat, she refined her basketball skills and prepared for the collegiate level. A standout achievement in her high school career was surpassing 1,000 career rebounds before joining the 1,000-point club during her senior year. Tara was part of a remarkable RCDS basketball era, during which the program won two FAA Championships (2013 and 2015) and three NYSAIS Class C Championships (2010, 2012 and 2015).

Tara went on to continue her basketball career at Wesleyan University, where she served as captain for two years. Appearing in 94 games and starting every game her sophomore, junior, and senior seasons,Tara was a staple part of the program. Over her collegiate career, she averaged 9.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, totaling 927 points and 741 rebounds.

After earning her degree in psychology with a minor in data analysis from Wesleyan, Tara signed a professional contract with Hapoel Petah Tikva in Israel’s Winner League. After her rookie season, she returned to New York City at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and transitioned her career into tech sales. For the past four and a half years, she has worked at Wellhub, where she combines her passion for health and wellness with a role focused on supporting employee wellbeing and company culture.

What was one of your favorite memories or moments when you were a student-athlete at RCDS?

One of my favorite memories from eighth grade was when our Varsity Basketball Team had the incredible opportunity to play our rivals, The Masters School, at Madison Square Garden after a Knicks game. As a lifelong Knicks fan, the experience was surreal. Not only did I step onto that iconic court, I also recorded my first career double-double and was interviewed after the game. Earning a win over a major rival on such a historic stage was a defining moment of my journey as a student-athlete.

What is a highlight of your career as a student-athlete, in college or beyond?

Representing the United States at the Maccabiah Games in Israel in 2013 and 2017. I competed first on the U18 team and later on the Open Women’s team, earning gold medals at both Maccabiah Games.

Wearing USA across my chest and competing on a global stage was an unparalleled source of pride. Beyond the competition, the most rewarding aspect was the opportunity to build community with Jewish athletes from around the world. The unique experience blended elite athletics with a deep cultural connection. It remains one of the most cherished memories of my athletic career.

What advice would you give to current students at RCDS looking to continue their career as a student-athlete?

My biggest piece of advice is to stay open-minded and take advantage of every on-campus college visit that is offered to you. I was close to committing to another school until a final visit to Wesleyan. An encouraging conversation with the coaching staff completely changed my perspective. That overnight experience made it clear that Wesleyan’s team culture and open curriculum were the perfect fit for me.

The most important question I asked myself, and one I strongly recommend, was: “If I were to get injured and could no longer play my sport, would I still be happy at this college?” Prioritizing both competitive athletics and a supportive academic environment helps ensure you’re choosing a place to call home for four years, not just a place to play.

What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time as a student-athlete at RCDS?

The ability to master intentional time management. Navigating a rigorous academic curriculum alongside a demanding varsity schedule enabled me to develop a disciplined, balanced routine early on. The RCDS Athletics department understands the 'student' in student-athlete and prioritizes academic excellence, while still supporting athletic success.

This foundation was instrumental to my transition to college athletics. When the travel schedules and training commitments intensified at Wesleyan, I did not feel overwhelmed because RCDS had already shaped my organization skills and the mental stamina needed to perform in high-pressure environments. Learning how to protect my time and prioritize my responsibilities is a skill that has served me just as effectively in my professional career as it did on the court.

Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat!