Athlete of the week: Chloe Edwards

Chloe Edwards

By Matt Pascarella

Sports are in limbo at the moment, but there are many hard-working athletes who are still training and practicing so that when they can hit the field, they will be ready.

Since seventh grader Chloe Edwards’ parents put a bat in her hand and a ball on the tee (when she was much younger) her love for softball was born and has continued to this day. Edwards also plays basketball; she loves the adrenaline you get from playing and the fun that comes with it.

Both her parents played sports and her father has coached both softball and basketball teams. Their love of sports has been passed on to Edwards.

Edwards has been playing softball for nine years and has been to states two times with powerful teams. Playing multiple sports has taught Edwards leadership, maturity and sportsmanship. “On a team it’s not about one person, it’s about what we do together,” she said. Being on a team “has given her the privilege to meet a lot of great people and make a lot of great friendships.” 

Her favorite thing about being on a team and being a teammate is she gets to be a leader and a role model. She accomplishes this by staying positive and helping her teammates when they need her. Edwards also works hard to make herself better.

Currently, Edwards is training by working on her hitting and catching in her backyard, as well as working out.

When she’s not on the field or the court, Edwards likes to spend time with her family. “They are my everything; I love them so much,” she expressed. They have helped her get to where she is today. “I cannot thank them enough.”

“I know it might seem difficult with what’s in the way right now, but we’re all in this together and soon enough we’ll get to play the game we love.” She hopes everyone is staying safe and wishes everyone luck with their seasons.

What Now? Sports training during the canceled spring season

Caleb McCartney

By Matt Pascarella

The Maine Principal’s Association recently made the decision to cancel the spring high school sports season and coaches are helping athletes work out via video chats and to keep everyone engaged.

Softball coach Fred Wilcox has a team Facebook page where they send drills out. Wilcox and others have also been highlighting their seniors in a post each day to thank them for their dedication to the program.

“I, along with other coaches/programs, are trying to keep things positive and either reminisce about past seasons or trying to get them really excited about next season or their next endeavor.”

Girls’ lacrosse coach Matt Perkins, in addition to lifting and speed drills, his players have phone apps where they can keep track of their results from practicing as well as communicate with Perkins. 

George Butts

“We’re not playing together, but we’re still working to get better; I’m bummed for our seniors [Molly Hodgkins, Emma Baker, Emma Ward]. He added it proves a lot to a college coach that during COVID-19 players kept playing to get better.”

Girls’ tennis coach Katy Dresnok has been using Google Meets for workouts, with the players finding and suggesting exercises.

“Each year I'm amazed to see the skills and strength of my players. Seniors, thanks so much for your dedication to the team and sport. I'm really proud of Sydney Nangle and Danielle Jone...my best to you...and we'll miss you next year!”

Track and Field Coach Jeff Riddle, along with his coaching staff and dedicated senior leaders: Hannah Langstaff, Sierra Guite, Hailey Applebee, Molly Skvorak, Meghan Harmon, Riley Silvia, Morgan Proulx, Lindsey McDonald, Kaitlyn Hill, and Molly McCallister make up Google Meet groups of the ‘QuaranQueens’ and the ‘Social Distance Runners’ offering both training and socializing sessions.

“Our seniors are the true stars in this and we are happy to offer leadership  skills as they are still ‘all in’.”    

Paula Pock has the boys’ track team participate in daily team challenges via video chat.

“I will miss [the seniors’] passion for track and life in general, as well as their dedication to their teammates. I hope they will always look back on their experience and know they are part of an incredible family.”

Hailey Applebee

Cody Dube’s baseball team has stretches, body weight workouts and conditioning drills they can do at home.

“They are a close group that love to show up and compete. I can't thank them enough for their hard work and efforts they gave to the program in the last year; they will all be successful in whatever the next step for them may be.”

In addition to workouts, Peter Small and the boys lacrosse team hold virtual meetings to keep in touch and talk about their well-being and schoolwork.

“This group of athletes has created a strong bond...and our hope is to help to continue to foster those relationships. Student athletes at Windham are a disciplined, motivated group and the more we can help provide structure while their lives are disrupted, they may...continue to grow and develop.”

Boys tennis coach, Garry Stone has been encouraging his players through emails and texts to get outside and stay active, while maintaining social distancing.

“Thank you for being a major part of our program the last four years,” Stone said about Vireak Tray and Ben White. “You have represented us with style, dignity and class. I appreciate the hard work you have put in.”

Windham has enjoyed watching all of you play throughout your high school careers. We’re rooting for you whether you're on the field or not.

 

Molly Hodgkins

 

Whitney Wilson

Windham alum excels academically and athletically at SMCC

By Matt Pascarella

Tara Flanders, class of 2019, had a strong start her freshman year at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC). She played on SMCC’s basketball team and received several athletic awards, an honorable mention and made the Dean’s List.

“Starting college was very nerve racking for me as it is with most incoming freshmen. Not being familiar with the school or going in not knowing anyone can be really scary,” said Flanders.

You might remember Flanders from her time on the girls varsity basketball team at Windham High School where she scored 489 points during her four years and received Most Valuable Player her senior year.

As she began her Freshman year at SMCC, she was worried about balancing basketball with her academics. She almost chose not to play her first year but was very glad she did.

“After my first semester the worries of doing well in school went away because I knew I had so many resources and people around me that were willing to help and support me whenever I needed it,” she added. She also said the culture is much different in college than high school, but the game is the same. To her, it was just taking it to the next level.

Flanders went on to say, “I thought I had a good first year. Being able to start on a college team as a freshman is something not everyone has the chance to do...I got pushed at a level I wasn’t used to and that came with a lot of mental toughness.”

She always gave 110% at every practice and as the season went on gained more confidence and ability.

Flanders hard work did not go unnoticed. She was Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) 2^nd Team All-Conference and a National All-American Honorable Mention for the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). She was one of only two Freshman recognized. The week of January 7^th, 2020 Flanders was the YSCC Player of the Week.

“As a freshman receiving the awards...it meant all my hard work over the course of the season had paid off. Being recognized for the awards was a pretty cool feeling. My coaches and family were a big part of my successes over the season.

I couldn’t have gotten to where I am today without the support of everyone around me.”

“All the years coaching and watching Tara and her sister Kayla play sports has been a blessing,” said dad, Mike Flanders. “Whether leaving work early to make a game or heading out of state for a tournament for a whole weekend, I wouldn’t change a thing or want to do it any other way. I appreciate every chance I get to watch both my daughters play sports.”

Flanders has advice to outgoing seniors who are looking to play at the collegiate level: take advantage of extending your time playing a sport you love, because once it’s gone it's gone. “Playing basketball has given me so many things such as new friendships, amazing memories, and it made me fall in love with the game all over again.”