Media and News Archive

Dalton Girls Represent at KCF All-Girls National Chess Championship

Earlier this month, the Dalton Girls Chess Team attended the 20th Annual KCF All‑Girls National Chess Championships in Chicago. Their energy and enthusiasm made this milestone event truly special.
With a record-breaking 546 players registered from 33 states, Washington D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the championship showcased the growing popularity and engagement of girls in the chess community. Players from across the nation gathered to compete, form friendships, and share their passion for chess.

Legendary World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov P’25 made a special appearance to inspire and greet the participants. His presence added a sense of prestige and excitement to the already electric atmosphere.

19 girls from kindergarten through High School represented Dalton in 4 sections. Throughout the event, the Dalton girls demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship, camaraderie, and their joy for the game.

WIM Iris Mou ‘27 earned the highest individual honor as the Co-Champion and was crowned the 2025 Girls Under 18 Champion.

As a team, our Dalton girls secured 3rd place in Under 18 and Under 14, 4th place in Under 12, and in the top 10 in Under 8 sections.
 
Under 18 
WIM Iris Mou ‘27
Maiya Kang ‘28
Lauren Nam ‘26

Under 14
Hannah Chan ‘30
Eden Klein ‘31
Sophie Yang ‘30
 
Under 12
Rayna Gupta ‘34
Diane Chen Myers ‘34
Cecilia Ann Cooper ‘33
Carolina Vasilatos ‘33
 
Under 8
Mackenzie Jahan ‘37
Olivia Jones ‘37
Nina Kapur ‘37
Mila Kestenbaum ‘36
Yara Lahiji ‘36
Olivia Lindo-Aguilo ‘36
Paloma Sola ‘37
Phoenix Turnbull ‘36
Willa Ward ‘37

The event received a fair amount of press as an event that celebrates the inclusion of girls in chess!

Congratulations to all our players for their dedication, teamwork, and inspiring performances. Go Dalton Girls Chess Team! Click here for the photo gallery.

Submitted by Aditi Bansal P’34 and 37, Jackeline Vasilatos P‘33, and Chess Program Director Beatriz Marinello
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