Windham varsity softball trounces Oxford Hills during preseason scrimmage

By Matt Pascarella

A week before the start of the regular season, Windham’s varsity softball team played a home scrimmage against Oxford Hills on Friday, April 18 and once the team’s offense got going, they could not be caught and Windham walked away with an 11-1 win.

Windham junior Addison Caiazzo gets to the ball in time to
make a catch during a preseason scrimmage against Oxford
Hills at Windham High School on Friday, April 18.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“I think the team did well,” said Windham sophomore Evelyn Anderson. “We had some trouble offensively in the beginning, but from there we picked it up and the important thing was we kept our energy up. We did well defensively. Just getting out there, being with the team, healthy environment really. Even when we get down on ourselves there’s always someone there to pick us up, no matter what. I think little things defensively need work; like how we’re fielding the ball, offensively just keeping our heads in, but I think as a team we did very well.”

This was a learning scrimmage and an opportunity for both teams to practice how they’d react offensively, so after a scoreless first inning runners were placed on base.

Oxford Hills scored in the top of the third inning to take a 1-0 lead.

But Windham senior Kylie Harvie reached base on an error in the third inning with junior Nola Bryant advancing to second base. Senior Chloe Edwards singled to center field scoring Bryant and the scrimmage was tied 1-1.

In the fourth inning WHS senior Kennedy Kimball singled to centerfield, but advanced to third base and drove in two runs.

From that point on, run after run crossed the plate for Windham. In the fifth inning, junior Addison Caiazzo singled on a bunt and brought in Bryant.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, junior Jezebelle Pinto sent the ball to center field, and it dropped behind the fence for her first varsity home run.

“I was just trying to get a base hit,” said Pinto. “It was the best feeling ever, all my hard work paid off. I think we all did pretty good; we were amazing on the basepaths, adjusting to the pitcher and staying back on that ball, we adjusted really well on that and just as a team. There was a lot of good defense in the infield; no balls really got past anyone. Pitchers did great. I think we’re going to be going for it this season.”

After Pinto’s home run, junior Lacie Higgins doubled, and freshman Yani Kostopoulos singled bringing in Higgins.

“We’ve got to put those baserunners on just to see how our defense reacts with the little pressure there could be, it’s good for them to experience it in April than in June,” said Windham varsity softball coach Darcey Gardiner. “I’m really, really happy with the defense; our communication was there, our backup on bases was there. One thing I would like to see us do a little bit better is adjusting to batters with different pitchers.

“Everyone went up there and put together good at-bats, before this scrimmage I had a really good idea (of who I was putting in the batting order), after this scrimmage it’s nice to see how difficult everyone made it for me. When everyone does their job, it makes my job harder – which is a good thing. If we can put the ball in play, we’ve got speed and smart baserunning to pick us up there.”

Gardiner said this scrimmage says a lot of good things and Windham’s at-bats during practices are just like game at-bats.

Windham opens the 2025 season at home at 11 a.m. Friday, April 25 against Bonny Eagle. <

WHS grad Heanssler shines on, off field at University of North Carolina Wilmington

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School 2023 graduate Hannah Heanssler was a three-sport athlete for all four years of her high school career, playing field hockey, swimming and softball. She is currently a sophomore playing field hockey at the University of North Carolina Wilmington where she’s majoring in exercise science/physical therapy with plans to get her doctorate in physical therapy and work in an outpatient clinic with athletes and the public.

University of North Carolina
Wilmington sophomore Hannah
Heanssler, a Windham High 
graduate, moves the ball closer to
the goal during a college field
hockey game on Oct. 30, 2024.
PHOTO BY OLIVIA SMOOT 

UNCW does not have a collegiate field hockey team, but Heanssler plays club field hockey, associated with UNCW. Her team is part of the National Field Hockey League. They’ve qualified for Nationals twice and recently won their regional championship. They went undefeated (4-0) then placed fourth going into elimination at Virginia Beach, Virginia on Sunday, April 13. They lost to James Madison University in shootouts. Heanssler scored seven goals during the tournament.

“Getting to play teams from all around the country at such a high level is a dream come true,” said Heanssler. “Playing for UNCW has been everything I hoped to get out of playing field hockey at a higher level, and I am having so much fun. Playing for Windham helped me develop many skills in the sport that I use in my college games.”

Windham varsity coach Cory DiDonato was Heanssler’s sixth-grade teacher and encouraged her to try field hockey. Heanssler was hesitant but took a leap of faith and fell in love with the sport immediately. She says she’s forever grateful for DiDonato’s guidance and motivation.

“She has been one of my biggest role models and mentors in my athletic career and I am so grateful to have played for her,” said Heanssler. “Coach D taught me leadership, confidence, and how to truly push myself to become the best I can. Playing for Windham improved my game in so many ways. It taught me how to be a leader both on and off the field.”

Heanssler has made an impression on her team and will be the president of UNCW club field hockey starting in the fall. Playing field hockey always puts a smile on her face; everything about the game brings joy to her life, which has played a big part in why she’s stuck with it.

“Hannah has been a huge asset to our team ever since she got to UNCW,” said UNCW club field hockey coach Ashley Leverrett. “It’s really been her ability to lift up her teammates that has made a lasting impact on our culture. Her voice carries strong whether it’s during a game or practice, and she’s always looking for ways to help her teammates grow. Hannah played a huge part in both our trip to nationals and our recent regional win. She has a dominant presence on our forward line and a natural competitiveness that fuels the energy of the collective team.”

Aside from excelling on the field, Heanssler has maintained a 4.0 GPA and made the dean’s list each semester. She will also be graduating a semester early. Additionally, Heanssler has led her team in scoring for both her freshman and sophomore seasons and was named Offensive Player of the Year as well as an All-Star twice by the National Field Hockey League.

Heanssler, said success is more than winning. Success is achieving the goals and standards she sets for herself. It’s being a great person on and off the field and making a positive impact in field hockey.

“I have had so much fun being able to play with Hannah the last two years,” said teammate and UNCW senior Taryn Saunders. “Hannah knows the game really well and has great suggestions of how we can improve during our games. Knowing that she was on the field with me and that I could rely on her was super helpful for my performance and confidence during the high caliber of play. Hannah was a huge asset in our recent regional tournament win.” <

Windham avoids shutout against Yarmouth in boys' lacrosse scrimmage

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham High varsity boys’ lacrosse team suited up for a preseason scrimmage against Yarmouth, but came out on the wrong end, falling 16-2 against Yarmouth on Monday, April 14 at Yarmouth High School.

Windham senior Lukas Hammond looks to pass during a
preseason boys' lacrosse scrimmage against Yarmouth at
Yarmouth High School on Monday, April 14.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Yarmouth came out very strong in the scrimmage and scored several goals in the first half. The Eagles kept at it, and scored twice in the second half, but it wasn’t enough against Yarmouth.

Windham plays its first regular season boys’ lacrosse game on Thursday, April 17 against Scarborough.

“We just got to move on and not fixate on this loss,” said Windham sophomore Luke Drottar. “We have a lot of potential; a lot of these guys are pretty good. I think we’ll bounce back. I think just more preparation and practice will help a lot. On the offensive side I think we swung the ball pretty well, on the defensive side we definitely slid our feet a lot better than our last scrimmage.”

Yarmouth came out strong and scored five goals in the first quarter. Windham still had plenty of time and kept their heads up early in the game.

While Windham remained intense, Yarmouth’s offense kept on the attack. Windham took several shots at goal but Yarmouth led at halftime, 12-0.

“I think we’ve got to get after it man down, man up, cutting toward the ball,” said Windham sophomore Tegan Perkins. “For defense, we got to be more talking and for our second slide, we just got to pitch it and have that all day and be really physical in slides. I think the game started to fall when we started getting chippy, when kids would drop a ball or make a bad pass and just put their heads down. I think our quick passes were really good and our first slide was mostly there every time; our right and left were there every time. We had a few guys who were super physical and always there and a couple guys who were just super loud, and it helped to have our goalie really loud. Caden Valle stepped up in goal.”

In the second half, Drottar intercepted a Yarmouth pass and scored.

Windham continued to take shots at the Yarmouth goalie, which resulted in freshman Sean Lebel scoring late in the fourth quarter.

“We got to play within the rules of the game,” said Windham varsity boys’ lacrosse coach Peter Small. “We were playing ‘chippy’ (overly aggressive) beyond the rules of the game. I want us to play aggressive but within the rules of the game. As we started to get frustrated, we started to play chippy and get outside our head and stopped playing the way we think and know we should play. Our skill level is there; our foot movement on defense was pretty good, at times our sticks were really good; on the offensive side we can move in position, and we can move the ball really well.”

Small said that this loss shows everyone from coaches down to players needs to lock in. As they started to put pieces together of people who haven’t played together, communication needs to happen more.

He said the WHS team’s eyes are wider open now to the pace at which the game needs to be played. According to Small, they need to put those pieces together and move in a concerted 10 guys on the field entering the regular season.

Their next home game for Windham is at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 against Biddeford. <

Windham Middle School’s spring sports start soon

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Middle School began preparing for its spring sports season on Monday, April 14. The Middle School season begins on Monday, May 5 and teams are ready to compete.

Windham sixth grader Elena Kostopoulos leaps over the
hurdles as she practices for the upcoming middle school
outdoor track and field season on Monday, April 14.
The season for WMS is scheduled to begin on Monday,
May 5 with a first meet to be held at Windham High
School. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Baseball

This season, Windham Middle School welcomes a new baseball coach, Charlie Reiniger, a 2024 Cheverus graduate.

“My goals are helping develop them into better baseball players, that’s key for the varsity program,” said Reiniger. “The other thing that’s key for these seventh and eighth graders is helping them develop into good young men. They already have an outstanding attitude, every single one of these guys wants to be here; everybody that made the team was making the play and that shows their dedication to baseball, they’ve been working over the winter.”

Reiniger has coached junior varsity soccer for South Portland, varsity basketball for Cheverus, seventh grade Cape Elizabeth baseball and was looking for a change. He is excited for the upcoming season.

“We have a very talented team,” said eighth grader Ryan Manning. “We just need to focus on the game that’s ahead of us and don’t focus on anything else; skill-wise, this is a very talented group of young men.”

According to Reiniger, it’s a team game, but individualized. Baseball is a game of mistakes, and you coach through the mistakes. He wants to make them better baseball players and develop them as a team.

Softball

Katherine Parsons is also a first-year coach for Windham Middle School’s softball team.

She said one of her goals is to assess the player's abilities and continue the process of building their arsenal of skills, along with instilling a deeper love for the game, that will carry them into being able to play at the next level.

“My philosophy is that we are people first; and that our team should be our softball family,” said Parsons. “I think the most important thing is to recognize that you have to meet kids where they are. I hope the kids continue to hone their skills, develop an even bigger love of the game, and appreciate them for what they bring to the table, both on the field, and off the field.”

Parsons’ love of softball sparked an interest in more in-depth parts of the game. She was a writer for the website “Fansided,” where she followed players in the minor leagues and assessed the likelihood of them advancing their careers.

“I just want us to have fun,” said eighth grader Audrey Libby. “We gained a lot of seventh graders which is helpful. We have a lot of people who really love to play softball, so it should be fun with all of us together.”

Outdoor track and field

Windham eighth grader Lila Miller has a goal of beating her personal record in the mile run. She says participating in outdoor track helps her build up her endurance for other sports, along with making new friends.

“For some of these kids, this is an introduction,” said WMS boys’ outdoor track and field coach Aaron Talon. “They’re getting a taste of what there is to offer for the outdoor track experience.”

Middle school track offers three different events kids can choose from on a meet day. Participating at the middle school level gives them a nice overview of what’s available if they choose to continue at the high school level.

“My goal for every season is to make sure our athletes are having a great time,” said WMS girls’ outdoor track and field coach Jason Lanoie. “It’s not about winning every event; it’s about the athletes achieving their personal best.”

Lanoie wants all his athletes to try new events and push their boundaries. Trying something new may lead to a different experience for their track career when they get to high school.

Both Talon and Lanoie say that they want WMS athletes to be prepared for the next level, to compete at the best of their ability and be part of a team that they’re proud of. <

Windham girls’ lacrosse drops Massabesic in preseason scrimmage

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham High varsity girls’ lacrosse team played their first preseason match against Massabesic in Waterboro on Monday, April 7. WHS jumped out to a strong start early and commanded the field in the first half, where they scored over a half-dozen goals. Their defense held back the Mustangs to earn a 13-5 win.

Windham freshman Brooklyn Roy makes her way by
Massabesic opponents during a preseason girls' lacrosse
scrimmage at Massabesic High School in Waterboro
on Monday, April 7. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

The Lady Eagles open the regular season on Thursday, April 17 against Kennebunk.

“It was our first scrimmage against somebody else, which was great,” said Windham girls’ lacrosse head coach Matt Perkins. “You really don’t know; we’ve been on half field, we’ve been in the parking lot, so to have a full field ... for the first time, I thought they played hard, played well. Definitely the effort was great, the hustle was great and even when we dropped the ball, kids hustled to get after it, they didn’t hang their head, that’s encouraging. We could do a better job passing the ball on the edges and not taking chances and throwing it away. I love the effort and the attitude has been phenomenal.”

Within a matter of seconds of the preseason matchup, Windham senior Grace Joly scored. Then junior Neve Ledbetter found the back of the net. Windham had control of the field, and their defense kept back Massabesic.

Windham was first to the ball and scored again and again throughout the first half. Freshman Brooklyn Roy scored, then junior Abby Trainor found the back of the net. Junior Olivia McPherson scored before the end of the first quarter and WHS led, 5-0.

Trainor said the team had worked on wall-ball during the winter as well as spent time in the weight room. This had improved their chemistry while uniting and strengthening skills before the start of preseason. Trainor said their transition went really well; they connected on passes and moved the ball down the field, seeing those open players to pass to.

The second quarter saw a procession of WHS players who found the back of the net. Windham led 9-2 halfway through the game.

“We definitely put in the work through the preseason, we were working hard every single day; that showed today and will put us in a good place for the upcoming games,” said Roy. “The hard work we’ve put in in the past week enabled this win. Everyone has been showing up and putting in the effort. I thought our transitions were really good. We got the ball down the field really fast and that helped us score goals more.”

Windham pressured at the start of the second half. Their defense remained strong, and they continued to move the ball quickly.

Massabesic’s defense improved in the second half, and it made a small comeback, but it was not enough as Ledbetter scored again. McPherson and Trainor did as well toward the end of the game. Windham’s defense remained excellent right up until the final buzzer.

“We’ve been working extremely hard over the past week of preseason,” said Ledbetter. “We come out really hard, step right on that field and we are completely in that lacrosse mindset. It definitely shows for the rest of the season that we can come out and win and be powerful as a team and have each other’s backs. Our defense really stepped up; we’re learning new stuff all the time ... we rose to the occasion and played extremely well.” <

WHS grad Gerry continues to show softball skills at University of Rhode Island

By Matt Pascarella

An impressive pitcher since she was young, Windham High School 2024 graduate Brooke Gerry left quite a mark on the field. She achieved 500 career strikeouts, helped Windham win their first state championship in 2023, and was named 2024 Miss Maine Softball – just to name a few of her accomplishments.

Windham High graduate Brooke Gerry winds up to pitch
for the University of Rhode Island during a college
softball game against the University of Dayton on Sunday
March 23 in Kingston, Rhode Island.
PHOTO BY JAY RUZICKA 

Now a freshman at the University of Rhode Island majoring in psychology with plans to become a sports psychologist, she is playing Division I softball and has spent a fair amount of time in the circle early in her college career.

“URI has a strong team, and we are going to be competing every game to end the season on a positive note,” said Gerry. “College is a whole different level of softball, especially at the Division I level. The hitters are a lot better, and the umpire's strike zone is definitely tighter. The college level is a lot more fun, however. My teammates are supporting me in every pitch, and I know they have my back.”

So far, Gerry has had the opportunity to start a game during her first collegiate preseason softball tournament at Western Carolina University in North Carolina. She likes that she’s been able to take the field with URI teammates who want to compete and play for a purpose.

“I was very excited to see Brooke come in as a freshman and help contribute in the circle for our team,” said teammate and URI senior Emily Power. “I love the amount of fresh energy and determination she instantly brings. Coming into her first year of college softball, this role has made her not only stronger but a leader on our pitching staff. The other freshmen in her class look up to Brooke, and know she is someone they can count on, on and off the field. She is the type of pitcher who wants the ball in her hand and wants to come in and shut batters down.”

Power said that by the time Gerry is a senior, she will uplift the program and create an excellent culture for the future of URI Softball.

At the age of 4, Gerry began playing softball and by 6 she was in the circle. She comes from a softball family where both her mom and sister played. Her family has supported her throughout her entire career.

“Growing up around softball has given me a lot of relationships that give me support no matter what,” said Gerry. In college these relationships have helped me because I know how much support I have behind me no matter how far away from home that I am.”

Gerry said being coached by Fred Wilcox at the national level is what best prepared her to play collegiately. At the travel-ball national level, she was exposed to high-level competition and learned the adjustments she had to make to succeed at that level.

While Gerry played for Windham High varsity softball coach Darcey Gardiner, she learned to stay within yourself, and to not listen to what others say about her or her performance.

This summer, Gerry will be coaching for the New England Elite travel team. Her sister will be coaching a 12-under team, while Gerry and her mom will coach a 14-under team along with Fred and Ella Wilcox.

According to Gerry, success is not about how much money you make, or awards won. She says that success is feeling accomplished within yourself and feeling proud of what you’ve done in life, whether it be in the classroom or on the field.

“One thing I know about Brooke is she is a competitor and holds herself accountable when she is in the circle,” said URI softball coach Michael Coutts. “She also works very hard and knows that she has things she can be better at. She is very unselfish and is willing to do whatever we need from her.” <

Her Mainely Girl Adventures: Fly Fishing Tips for Beginners

By Staci Warren

I’m no expert, but I love fly fishing for brook trout and salmon. When our favorite spot became artificial lures only, I decided to try fly fishing despite not knowing anything about it. The rods we used were long, heavy, and super flexed and casting was an all-out effort. We spent more time changing out flies than actually catching fish, so we got a lot of practice tying knots. In short, it was all trial and lots of errors, once we had success it was all the sweeter. Being a novice can be challenging, so I’ve shared some tips to help you get started.

Staci Warren recommends plenty of
practice for anyone new to fly
fishing in Maine and shares some
tips to help those just starting out
in the sport. COURTESY PHOTO

If you buy nothing else, buy a better beginner fly rod: a combo to take the guesswork out of buying and will prevent casting bad habits. My first better rod was an 8 foot, 5 to 6 weight, 2-piece combo that now costs around $149; however, I recently found one major outdoor retailer has a similar one for $59. Ten years later, I still use my combo along with my 9 foot, 6 weight., 4-piece ($169) combo. 

Major outdoor retailers have similar options within the same price range, so it’s not that hard to find a beginner outfit. I recommend buying an extra spool or matching reel for a sinking line if you plan to fish a river or do some trolling; most combos come with floating line.

I first used a traditional cloth vest, but now I use a small harness-style chest pack that can be bought for almost the same amount as a cloth vest, and it has everything at my fingertips. These types of pack give you more freedom to move than the full-size vest packs and are cooler to wear in the summer. Mine has a rod holder and all the tools are on zips. I am still guilty of cramming too much in it, but it makes changing a fly or tippet on the river easier.

If you plan to fish a river, or wade a shallow pond, buy a pair of waders that fit. Good waders are not cheap, but I quickly learned that sweating in a pair of men’s rubber waders with size 11 boots for my size 8 feet is no fun and fishing in freezing spring water with my sneakers doesn’t cut it either. 

If you can’t buy your “dream pair,” at least make sure they fit properly and that you can wear fleece pants and wool socks under them for the early season freezing waters. A good breathable pair of stocking foot waders with separate pair of boots is my preference.

The net may seem insignificant, but it’s hard to land a fish without a net. For years, I netted my catch with a $14 wooden net. The net was barely big enough for a decent salmon, and the fly hooks got tangled in the black netting. 

Thinking I finally found a better net, last year, I doled out a whopping $34 for an aluminum one with a rubber net. It hung low on my back but was bigger than the wooden one. I think I used it twice before it disappeared, presumably down the river last fall. I’m back to using one of the wooden nets I kept as backup. For my birthday, I’ve asked for an upgrade!

Understanding the hatch cycle will help you determine what flies to use and when to use them.

While everyone has an opinion, here’s what I have had the most success using. Early spring on the river, use streamers or nymph setup using sinking line. Woolly Buggers (size 8 olive or black) with a tan, beadhead Hare’s Ear Flashback nymph (size 10 or 12) tied 18 inches down, or using a Black Ghost, will yield ice-out salmon.

Early season, we troll for native brook trout on the pond using sinking line and one of the following: Black Ghost, Grey Ghost, Mickey Finn, or Maple Syrup (red or white). Save the floating line and dry flies for May trout fishing. My favorites are (size 10 or 12) Mosquito, Black Gnat, Blue Wing Olive, Elk Hair Caddis and Adams. I recommend buying a dozen nymphs and six each of the others to start the season off.

It’ll be hard but try to avoid the lure of filling your box with flies you won’t need. Don’t forget extra tippet and leader, and practice, practice, practice: “Hello, It’s for You” casting! Remember, any fly fisherman at some point was a beginner. Wherever you fish, be safe, know the laws, and have a great season!

-- Staci Warren provides a unique woman’s perspective and column on the outdoors every month. She is a freelance writer whose blog, My Mainely Girl Adventures, is about a woman hunting, fishing, trapping, foraging and living in the Maine outdoors. She also loves camping, star gazing, wildlife watching, and hunting for fossils. She’s an active member and board member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association and is a monthly columnist and feature writer for The Maine Sportsman Magazine. In her free time, she enjoys mentoring women hunters and trappers. <