Players work on fundamentals during Windham Youth Softball Clinic

By Matt Pascarella

Every year, the varsity softball team runs youth clinics for kids in Windham and surrounding areas as an opportunity for younger players to get to know coaches and learn from the older varsity players.

Windham High School varsity softball player Kennedy
Kimball instructs an group of younger players in fundamental
skills during the Windham Youth Softball Clinic at Windham
High on March 16. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

The clinic lasts six weeks and is open to ages 6 to 12. Their second-to-last clinic of the year was conducted at Windham High School on Sunday, March 16. It was a great opportunity for younger players to learn more about the mechanics of the game while also having fun and getting to know the WHS coaches and varsity players.

“It's important for me as a high school coach to empower my athletes and I think putting them in situations where they can lead and teach youth athletes gives them more confidence when they step onto the high school field,” said Windham varsity softball coach Darcey Gardiner. “I get to know the kids and probably more importantly they get to know me and the high school athletes. My goal is to see those girls all come to tryouts their freshman year of high school. It’s important for me as a varsity coach to interact with kids all the way down to coach-pitch, that’s what we had here today. The more girls that we can keep interested in softball then the better our program and culture is as a whole.”

By participating in these softball clinics, when these younger players get to high school, they know exactly what is expected of them and are already familiar with the drills and what they want to get out of each drill they do. The growth that coaches see from the start of the clinic to its finish is tremendous.

Windham catcher Eva Doughty, a fifth grader, said she can’t wait to get better and play this year. At the clinic, Doughty got a chance to catch for a varsity player and she said it was hard but she tried her best and had a lot of fun.

“I have done this clinic years before and I always thought it helped start the season,” said Windham eighth-grader Niyah Cummings, who helped out during the clinic this year. “It helps me build relationships with the high schoolers as well as the younger kids. The varsity high school players are having fun and showing what it’s like to be a ‘big kid’ in the sport they love.”

The clinic is split into three sections: baserunning, fielding and hitting.

Coach Gardiner and the varsity players make it exciting for the younger players with a high level of enthusiasm.

“I love softball, and I love sports in general,” said Windham fifth-grader Colby Sargent. “I’ve just been playing since I was very little. I like how the high schoolers come in because they are very inspiring; we have the potential to be on the varsity team, so they’re basically just teaching us how to be good like them.”

Another positive aspect of the clinic is for the older and younger players to meet and lessen any intimidation that might be there for the younger players. The varsity players also might gain a new fan or two.

Varsity players and Gardiner want younger players to come watch them play. The varsity team also wants to continue to be role models for the community.

“I think it’s a good way for us to see some of the young talent coming up,” said Windham senior varsity player Kennedy Kimball about the clinic. “It’s good for us to see them and for them to meet older girls and to see and get some experience from us as well as have Coach Gardiner be able to look at what’s to come and keep girls in the program. It’s nice to be able to talk to them and know that you’re not just one of the people on the team, and that you actually help them.”

There’s one more clinic left; it will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 23 in the Windham High School gymnasium. The cost to participate is $15. <

WHS graduate Talon successful on both sides of the basketball court

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School 2020 graduate Hannah Talon has been tenacious on the basketball court since she was little.

Windham High graduate Hannah Talon
was honored as Greater Northeastern
Conference Basketball Tournament
Most Valuable Player in 2023.
PHOTO BY ALLISON TALON 

While earning her degree in exercise science at Saint Joseph’s College she’s been on both sides of the court. When she was injured before her senior year of college, she became a student-assistant coach.

A month before graduation she was asked to officially become an assistant coach of the women’s basketball program, and she has made a big difference.

She is currently attending Merrimack College online pursuing her master’s in clinical mental health counseling. She will continue to coach at Saint Joseph’s College as she works toward her master’s degree. Talon says she would like to build a career in sports psychology, supporting the mental health of athletes on and off the court.

“Hannah was a very strong player for us,” said head Saint Joseph’s College women’s basketball coach Mike McDevitt. “She was a very versatile player; she was a match up nightmare for our opponents. She used her time on the sidelines watching and learning like a coach. Not everyone can make the transition from player to coach and coach players they played with. She has been able to do that without any problem at all. I know when Hannah speaks with a player during a game, they really value her input.”

In third grade, Talon began playing basketball. In the seventh grade, she became passionate about playing the sport.

By eighth grade, she knew she wanted to play college basketball. This realization fueled countless hours of training in the gym. Although she tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) twice while in high school, her determination to play at the next level never wavered.

“Playing for the women's basketball team under Coach McDevitt was an incredibly special experience that shaped me both on and off the court,” said Talon. “My time at Windham with Coach Brody Artes laid the foundation for my collegiate career, instilling in me the values of hard work, resilience, and leadership. The lessons I learned extended far beyond basketball, preparing me for the challenges of college athletics and life beyond the game.”

In 2023, the Saint Joseph’s College women’s basketball team won the Greater Northeastern Athletic Conference Championship. Talon finished that game by scoring 27 points and was named as the Conference Tournament’s Most Valuable Player; she says this was one of her most unforgettable moments as a player on the team.

Before her senior year of college, Talon tore her ACL again and made the tough decision to medically retire. She transitioned into a student-assistant coach role in 2024 where she was able to observe the game, and it was an eye-opening experience that gave her a new perspective.

According to Talon, she gained a deeper appreciation for the immense effort that coaches put in behind-the-scenes.

“My journey wouldn’t have been possible without my parents unwavering encouragement, pushing me forward even on the toughest days of recovery,” said Talon. “I also owe a great deal to my physical therapist, Ryan Brown, and my sports psychologist, Jan Veinot. Their expertise and guidance were instrumental in both my physical and mental comeback to basketball.”

During her time on the sidelines, Talon learned that one of the most valuable lessons is patience. She adapts her approach while maintaining a steady and supportive presence. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and it takes time, repetition and encouragement to help athletes reach their full potential.

“I think her ability to take her experiences as a player and implement that into coaching is key,” said teammate and Saint Joseph’s College graduate student Angelica Hurley. “Hannah stepped up in the moments that we needed it most and brought important energy all around. Hannah is a great coach, and I am grateful that I got the opportunity to be coached by her in my last year.”

Talon says that success is the ability to achieve goals while learning and growing from your mistakes along the way. She said life has a way of opening doors you never expected; success looks different for everyone but setting goals, staying disciplined and being consistent are key to making the most of any opportunity. <

Four Windham seniors sign college athletic letters of intent

By Matt Pascarella

Four Windham seniors signed their letters of intent at Windham High School on Thursday, Feb. 27.

Stella Jarvais will attend the University of Maine Orono to play soccer, Grace Joly will attend Colby-Sawyer in New Hampshire to play lacrosse, Luke Cunniffe will attend Bates in Lewiston to play soccer and Sarah Inman will attend Wheaton College in Massachusetts and be a member of the swimming team.

Windham senior Grace Joly signs a letter of intent to
attend Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire to
play lacrosse and study nursing at the school.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Stella Jarvais

“Stella is the rare, dying breed of a three-sport athlete,” said girls’ varsity soccer coach Deb Lebel. “She’s a tremendous player, but an even better person. Teams have an additional coach when Stella’s their teammate.”

While Jarvais is undecided on her college major, she chose UMaine Orono because of the community environment.

She began playing soccer at a young age through travel and recreational soccer.

Jarvais said it was surreal for her to sign a letter of intent. She reminds underclassmen to remember the process is about what you love and not what people expect from you.

She said she would like to thank all her coaches, teachers, family, and friends that have shown her unconditional love and support through the years.

Grace Joly

Joly will major in nursing at Colby-Sawyer College and might eventually work in pediatrics.

She began playing lacrosse when she was 4 because her club coach, Taylor Colangelo, was a referee for her games.

“It’s amazing to sign the letter of intent,” said Joly. “I feel like people wait for this day and it’s a really good feeling to look in the crowd and see all my family and friends, coaches.”

Her advice to underclassmen is to put in the work and make connections at a college before committing.

“We were afraid she was going to get broken the first time she got hit on the lacrosse field,” said girls’ varsity lacrosse coach Matt Perkins. “Right away she had that smile and personality, and she has really brought our program to a place where everybody is involved.”

Joly said she would like to thank WHS lacrosse coaches Perkins, Babb and Ludka; Coach Colangelo and her parents for everything they’ve done for her.

Luke Cunniffe

“He is a student of the game,” said varsity boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “Anyone that’s watched him and what’s he’s done with our program and how he’s carried himself is so heartwarming.”

Econometrics is what Cunniffe will major in at Bates College and he says that he would like to get a position in finance after that.

Signing a letter of intent was something Cunniffe always saw his friends do and he was grateful to have his moment.

His interest in soccer began during youth sports. He had tried several sports, and soccer quickly became a good outlet for him. He said soccer keeps him making good decisions and motivates him to work hard and to be a good person on and off the field.

His advice to underclassmen is to keep working; keep pushing and working toward their ultimate goal.

“As long as you’re playing the game for the right reasons, and you have people around you supporting you, and motivating you, it’s great,” said Cunniffe.

Cunniffe said he would like to thank his mom, dad, brother Sean, grandmother and his grandfather Bob Witham.

Sarah Inman

Inman says that it felt good for her to sign a letter of intent. She will major in biochemistry at Wheaton College and would like to someday make natural medicine with fewer side effects.

When Inman found swimming, she realized she was naturally born for water. She quickly moved through various swimming groups and pushed herself to do well.

“One of the very few to come through Windham and medal in both the regional championship and the state championship for four years in a row,” said WHS swim coach Peter Small. “She’s an ambassador of the sport and a true leader who approaches everything with grace.”

Her advice to anyone who wants to sign a college athletic letter of intent is to speak the truth and be confident in your choices; do what feels right and know there are people supporting you.

She would like to thank her coaches, teammates and friends who supported her through high school. <

Windham Unified basketball ends season with positivity

By Matt Pascarella

It was a big night for Windham’s Unified basketball team, which joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Monday, March 10 was the last home game of the season and Windham took on Scarborough at home.

Windham junior Zachary O'Brion takes a shot from just 
inside the paint during a Unified basketball game against
Scarborough at Windham High School on Monday,
March 10. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

It was also Senior Night for the Windham Unified team as Devan Kennie, Talia Campobasso, Colby Schmid and Jacob Smith were presented with a gift to thank them and their parents for their time and dedication to Windham Athletics.

The Eagles started strong and held onto their lead until the end of the game, emerging with a 57-41 victory.

“We did good,” said Smith. “Our partners were able to tell us when to not shoot. Talia told me to back down when (it was appropriate). What I saw that went well was we did better at communicating with each other and we did better at helping out our own team. I am so excited that we won that I’ll be thinking about it for a couple days.”

Windham came out strong and moved the ball well. They rebounded and went hard at the hoop. Schmid got a turnover and a basket. Then it was a parade of Windham athletes scoring; there was solid teamwork. The crowd roared in support for all Unified players.

Windham jumped out to a big lead early. Windham junior Mary Jean had a turnover and scored. Junior Zachary O’Brion hit a three-pointer before the end of the half where Windham led 27-18.

“I went around and scored some baskets from the left (side of the court),” said Windham freshman Tristan Stanley, who scored 12 points.

“It felt pretty great to score so much; getting good baskets went well,” Stanley said.

In the second half, Scarborough closed the gap a bit, but Windham was not letting up. Just a few minutes into the second half, Windham led by over 10 points.

Smith sank a three-pointer, and it was nothing but net. Schmid also hit a three-pointer for Windham and scored 15 points in the game.

Windham’s defense kept Scarborough at bay throughout the contest.

WHS Freshman Maddi Small connected for a basket before the final buzzer to end the season on a high note.

“They were really excited for tonight,” said Windham Unified assistant basketball coach Connor McNeil. “They were excited for Senior Night. We do usually come out to a pretty good lead; the problem has been holding on to it. They did a really good job playing with energy today. They really passed the ball pretty well. We saw a couple give-and-goes which we’ve worked on in practice, that I haven’t seen in the game, so we were pretty pleased to see that. It’s a great team; they play with a lot of energy, and they have a lot of fun. I think the most important thing about Unified basketball is it brings the community together. We had a big event at school to encourage people to come, we had a good turnout – I think Senior Night means a lot to them for that reason. It’s really nice for us to win, so we’re really happy to see everybody come out and support us; that means a lot to us and to the players.”

McNeil said Unified sports are inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding. <

Windham varsity basketball coach Pulkkinen earns 100 career wins

By Matt Pascarella

Before winning his second straight boys’ state basketball championship, Windham High varsity basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen notched his 100th career win during the state semifinal game against Portland on Thursday, Feb. 20 at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, just 10 years after becoming the team’s head coach.

Windham High varsity boys' basketball coach is interviewed
after his team won the state championship defeating South
Portland on Saturday, March 1. Pulkkinen posted his
100th career victory earlier in the state playoffs 
during the state semifinals against Portland.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to coach and to play a small role in the success of the kids at Windham,” said Pulkkinen. “It (100 wins) means I’ve had the privilege of working with so many great young men who share the same passion for basketball that I do. Our culture has been a priority from the very beginning. The true foundation of our program is the people within it—starting with my assistant coaches. They are instrumental in shaping our culture, embodying the same character, work ethic, and attitude we expect from our players.”

Pulkkinen has always had a personal goal of giving back to the town where he grew up. He is grateful for the opportunity to do so.

After college, Pulkkinen got the opportunity to achieve a lifelong goal – to play basketball professionally. He was invited to several pro-camps where he was scouted internationally and selected by the Northampton Neptunes in England. He was involved in the team’s developmental program, working with nearly 400 kids from ages 8 to 16 teaching them basketball. It has become one of the most enriching experiences of his career.

“Working with Chad, and the rest of this staff, is one of the most rewarding parts of my life,” said Windham assistant coach Geoff Grigsby. “Chad, specifically, is why I wanted to join the program in the first place. Watching a couple years of him coaching at WHS showed he had a lot of potential as a coach. I appreciate the culture he's built and the relationships that will last a lifetime because of his leadership far more.”

In 2015, it was Pat Moody who recruited Pulkkinen for the WHS head coaching position. Pulkkinen and his wife had just had their second child and coaching wasn’t on his mind. Although hesitant, Moody could sense this and continued insisting he could excel in the coaching role. Eventually, Pulkkinen took the job and says that he’s glad he did.

“From the start, Pat set me up for success, including introducing me to two incredible assistant coaches who had already been part of the program: Peter Brown and George McCrillis,” said Pulkkinen. “They are two of the best people in this town. I was fortunate to have their experience and guidance in those early years.”

McCrillis is still coaching with him today alongside three other coaches including Grigsby, Noah Estey and Chris Sargent.

“It’s hard for me to explain what a big part (coaching) is in my life,” said McCrillis. “It’s more than just basketball; it’s the kids, it’s the relationships, it’s their families, the community – and that really starts with Chad. We demand high standards and good sportsmanship. To us it’s about the big picture ... it’s not just about wins and losses (for Chad) and trying to feed our own personal egos. He talked about this right from the get-go that he wanted to develop a culture in Windham that Windham would become known throughout the state as a basketball town.”

Pulkkinen was so intensely focused on the team’s success that McCrillis had to remind him the semifinals victory was his 100th win.

Basketball is a vehicle for life and Pulkkinen, along with his coaches, want players to leave the program feeling prepared for life’s challenges through basketball. The game teaches invaluable lessons about resilience, teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. It means a lot to him to know that he has played a small part in his players’ success, hopefully, has had a positive impact in their journey.

“The impact that he has on us is tremendous, he builds confidence in us on the court as people, students, children,” said senior AJ Moody. “He’s the best coach I’ve ever had; he pushes us through walls to make us the team we were during the State Championships.” <

German foreign exchange student excels on basketball court

By Matt Pascarella

Windham foreign exchange junior Eduard Pertuch played soccer growing up in Germany. Now as part of the Foreign Exchange program at Windham High School for the 2024-2025 school year, he played on the WHS junior varsity basketball team this winter and also played American football for the first time during the fall season.

Windham foreign exchange student Eduard Pertuch, a junior,
navigates his way through Deering players during a JV
basketball game at Windham High School on Friday, Feb. 7.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“Going all the way back to tryouts, Edi's leadership, character, and positivity were captivating,” said Windham boys JV basketball coach Noah Estey. “He has only been playing for two to three years, but he consistently came to me wanting more coaching and feedback because he was extremely motivated. He consistently asked what he could continue to work on to become the best player he could, both for this year and for when he returns to Germany. His work ethic was second to none and was one of our most important players this year due to his leadership, work ethic and contagious positivity.”

Windham is a much bigger school than Pertuch is used to, but he’s enjoyed his time on the court and in the classroom. He likes that there are more and more people to meet and different things to experience.

While he struggled a little at first, he quickly adapted.

“I really like the community,” said Pertuch. “They picked me up from day one, everybody was really, really friendly.”

In Germany, basketball is very popular. Pertuch is a big fan, and it was one of the main reasons he wanted to come to the United States was to experience how Americans played the game.

“It’s an amazing program,” said Pertuch of Windham’s basketball program. “I really love that from the first steps they took to putting a team together that you can trust on the court and off the court. I love competing, I love competition ... seeing your friends out there ... just makes me happy and makes the team happy. It was a great experience.”

Coach Estey said Pertuch was a pleasure to work with and coach. They had many good conversations about the difference between how the game is played in Germany versus how it’s played in the United States.

It’s not an easy adjustment to make coming into a program with student-athletes who have been in the program playing together for years.

According to Windham sophomore and Pertuch’s basketball teammate Sam Redlon, he is one of the kindest, generous, and friendliest people he’s ever met; an outstanding teammate who makes others around him better with his positivity and never gives up on the team.

Redlon said it was fun to play basketball with him. Pertuch was a mentor, a team guy and it was good to have his knowledge at Windham.

“I had him as a teammate for both football and basketball and no one cared more and cheered harder for his teammates than Edi did this year,” said Windham freshman Boston Krainis. “It was impressive to watch how quickly Edi picked up American football after never having been exposed to it. In basketball he was a willing shooter, diving on the floor and celebrating with his teammates. One time the referee misunderstood his enthusiasm and gave him a technical foul. The entire team declared him the happiest person to ever get a technical. The season was much better with him on the team.”

Pertuch says he wants to thank his coaches for their kindness, time and the effort they put in and gives a special thanks to Coach Estey for his patience and to the team for all they’ve done for him. He’s grateful for everything and this was a season he won’t forget.” <

Windham boys’ basketball eliminates Edward Little in regional finals

By Matt Pascarella

After knocking out Portland in the semifinals 65-56, the Windham High School Eagles advanced for the third time in recent history to the regional final on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. Second-place Windham took down fourth-place Edward Little, 55-49.

Windham sophomore Colin Janvrin gets a shot off in time 
during the regional boys' basketball final against Edward
Little at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland on Feb. 22. 
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“It means a lot (to head back to the state championship) ... this is an awesome feeling,” said Windham sophomore Colin Janvrin. “I’m super excited to get on that state championship floor and ball out again. We weren’t really nervous because we’ve been here before and ... we were ready for this. I think (Edward Little) built up a lot of their team chemistry and they got a lot better throughout the whole season, so props to them. We just stayed through and fought through. AJ (Moody) played great defense on (Edward Little’s Maiwen) Diing; he’s a great player and AJ shut him down really well. Everybody on the offensive end just moving the ball around and finding whoever’s hot – getting it done. I think we just got to move the ball around and find our good shots instead of forcing shots on offense. They were playing really good defense, and we got to work around it.”

Edward Little jumped out in front early on. After Windham junior Tyrie James sank a three-pointer, the game got closer. Windham defense went hard after the Eddies.

Windham sophomore Colin Janvrin hit a three-pointer. The game remained tight; not all Windham shots fell. Eagle defense caused several turnovers. Moody had a three-point buzzer beater at the half and Windham led, 23-19.

“It was our best basketball that was needed to win, and, in these games, anything can happen,” said Windham boys’ basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. “The guys did a great job holding their composure. I think our team is as united as it’s been, which is important especially down the stretch when you miss some foul shots and adversity hits ... all kinds of bad things can happen, and I think our team was ready for those moments. We have great kids who have great experience, it just makes it easy for me as a coach. They were super hungry for it ... we had to come out and match that energy that they wanted revenge; we wanted to make sure we were prepared for that. I thought we rebounded the ball really well; I thought AJ played about as good as you can on Diing. AJ is the best defender in the state, and he stepped up to that challenge today, AJ wanted that challenge, and he took it. Diing is an unbelievable player, and AJ is an unbelievable defender, so I just thought that matchup was fun to watch.”

Windham senior Braycen Freese hit a three-pointer in the second half. More Windham shots were falling, and they led by 10.

But Edward Little was catching up. Windham senior Joseph Blige picked up a turnover and passed to Janvrin who sank a three-pointer.

As the clock ticked away, the game remained tight in the fourth quarter. Six points separated the teams with 2:38 left. With 34 seconds left, three points separated the teams. Janvrin hit two crucial foul shots to expand the WHS lead.

Windham then held down the Eddies until the final buzzer to win their second regional championship.

“It means a lot (to be going to another state championship),” said Moody. “Battling through adversity ... knowing what it takes and executing at practice. I’m proud of us all, I love all my brothers, our community loves us. After a bucket, after a steal, after a rebound, after a timeout, they’re there cheering ... you have our whole community roaring when a three-pointer goes up – they’re there to support us. What we executed in practice (led to this win); practice is our main focus all the time. I’m proud of these guys – rebounding is a main factor, Diing what a great player he is ... I thought we executed pretty well. (Edward Little) came a long way – what a great team they’ve become. We just saw that, and we had to take another step, another level to beat this team; we did a great job at that. Boxing out, trying to rebound (went well). We just need to get back on defense ... transition defense, help-side defense, getting to our spots and after that we’re golden.” <