2026 WINTER PLAYOFFS
WEEK #6: closure phase cup
Week 6 now turns the spotlight on the Closure Phase. Following a strong push through the earlier stages of the Playoffs, this final leg shifts from individual execution to full team competition, where groups go head-to-head to deliver their final presentations and solidify their standing.
For final presentations, teams were evaluated on their ability to synthesize strategy, analysis, and communication into a cohesive, high-impact final product ⭐️. As you move through the page, you’ll find top team performances, final presentation highlights, and closing leaderboard outcomes.
🏆 Closure Cup Scorecards — (available Tues., 3/24, at 10 AM)
3. WINNING TEAM Q&A
TEAM ABOVE THE RIM
Team Above the Rim demonstrated exceptional command of the material during Q&A, consistently delivering thoughtful, well-structured answers that extended beyond the slides and incorporated broader industry context. Their ability to handle difficult, high-pressure questions with clarity, confidence, and a natural delivery—while maintaining strong team-wide consistency—reflected true mastery and elevated the overall professionalism of the presentation.
Derek Hitchens
Kyra Huckelbridge
Derek Hitchens
School: Columbia University
Sport: Swimming & Diving 🏊♀️
Hometown: Irvine, CA
Graduation Year: 2029
Major(s): Financial Economics
Minor(s): N/A
Grace Benson
Kyra Huckelbridge
Derek Hitchens
School: Columbia University
Sport: Lacrosse 🥍
Hometown: Rumford, RI
Graduation Year: 2029
Major(s): Cognitive Science
Minor(s): Business Management
Kyra Huckelbridge
Kyra Huckelbridge
Kyra Huckelbridge
School: Johns Hopkins University
Sport: Soccer ⚽️
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Graduation Year: 2029
Major(s): Economics
Minor(s): International Studies
Marie Rebeiz
Marie Rebeiz
Marie Rebeiz
School: Columbia University
Sport: Rowing 🚣
Hometown: La Jolla, CA
Graduation Year: 2029
Major(s): Economics
Minor(s): Mathematics
Tran Doan
Marie Rebeiz
Marie Rebeiz
School: Carnegie Mellon University
Sport: Swimming & Diving 🏊♀️
Hometown: Fremont, CA
Graduation Year: 2029
Major(s): Civil Engineering
Minor(s): N/A