Trail Blazers hockey earns big win after powerful second period surge

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham/ Bonny Eagle/Westbrook Trail Blazers added another win to their record when they played Portland at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham on Saturday, Dec. 13. After a scoreless first period, the Trail Blazers found their groove in the second period when they scored four goals. They kept up the intensity to skate past Portland. 5-1.

Windham High junior Braeden Greeley hustles toward the
goal with the puck during a boys' hockey game against 
Portland at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham
on Saturday, Dec. 13. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA      

During the game, the Trail Blazers outshot Portland 25-6 for total shots on goal.

“We’re going to come out and play tough,” said Trail Blazers coach Ben Haskell. “It doesn’t really matter what the stats say because any team can have a good game or a bad game. In the first period I don’t think we showed the attitude that we needed to and ... they weren’t puck hungry. In the second period they realized they needed to work and they stepped it up. Defensively, we didn’t allow many shots. After the first period we were retrieving pucks, we were moving the puck, we were skating a bit more and we got more scoring opportunities. (What needs work) is getting that chemistry down. We have six or seven freshmen and while they played together in middle school, it’s a lot faster, bodies are a lot bigger now so it’s getting that timing down.”

The Trail Blazers hit the ice, working hard to be first to the puck. They had great defense and limited Portland’s scoring chances. Trail Blazers intensity was solid, and they had multiple shots on goal, but nothing landed. After one period, the game was scoreless.

“I feel like in the first period we were slower jumping out,” said Bonny Eagle freshman Alden McGivney. “In the second period we really ... put it to them. In the third period we slowed down but still put it to them. We have a young team, and I think the nerves of the game got to us in the first period. We gelled into the game more in the second period. I liked our passing a lot, I liked our communication in the second period; in the first period our comms were not there, but we had good communication in the second. 50-50 battles to the puck (could use work). In practice it’s been a bit slow and we’re still getting used to it.”

Roughly five minutes into the second period, Bonny Eagle freshman Logan Guay scored, assisted by Bonny Eagle senior Mason Caron. Moments later Caron scored back-to-back goals. The Trail Blazers commanded the ice.

Bonny Eagle senior Colby Haskell scored. Trail Blazers Defense remained strong.

“We figured out (in the second period) how to dangle through the kid and take it wide, get shots on net, just execute it,” said Haskell. “We shot the puck quite a bit, more than we usually do and our physicality was on another level. Our passing and moving our feet (needs work).”

At the top of the third period, less than one minute in, McGivney scored. The Trail Blazers held off Portland for the remaining time and kept control of the ice. <

Windham High grad continues giving back to community through coaching

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School 2023 graduate Alex ‘Bob’ Wing is just one of the many post-WHS athletes who have gone on to make contributions to the up-and-coming group of young athletes and to work to instill in them the values that they have learned throughout their time on various teams.

Coach Alex 'Bob' Wing a 2023 Windham High graduate,
celebrates with his JSMS boys' basketball team during a
game against Sacopee Valley at Jordan-Small Middle
School in Raymond on Monday, Dec. 15.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  
 

Wing has been coaching with his older brother, Andrew for three years at Jordan-Small Middle School and last year was the first year that he coached soccer, basketball and baseball solo. Bob Wing has worked at his family’s restaurant, The Beacon, in Raymond since graduating from Windham High.

“Andrew asked if he wanted me to give him a hand coaching the boys’ sports at Jordan-Small Middle School,” said Bob Wing. “I hadn’t thought about coaching, but after I decided not to go to college, I thought it would be good for me to try something and see if I liked it. It’s a lot of fun, (Andrew and I) talk a lot about how each team is doing, games are fun because we’re doing it alongside one another – it’s been really cool.”

It’s fun for Bob Wing to watch the kids he coaches grow and improve. He enjoys coaching the various teams at JSMS.

“I think Bob is a pretty good coach,” said JSMS seventh grader Charlie Crowell. “He makes smart decisions. He tries to make the practices fun and the drills we run are usually fun. He makes jokes so the practices aren’t super serious.”

Playing for a variety of travel teams with all kinds of coaches let Bob Wing see many different coaching styles. That has helped him figure out how to approach his players and work out who he wants to be as a coach and how he wants to approach coaching.

JSMS eighth grader Eli Delude said Coach Bob Wing is very good at keeping them on track but also knows how to keep it fun. He said his practices are always productive and no time is wasted.

“If you do not know exactly what you want to do right out of high school, that is not the end of the world,” said Bob Wing. “Sometimes it takes some time to figure out what you want to do in life.”

While there are many definitions for success Bob Wing defines it as being there to help people get to where they want to be, to help them make the right decisions.

Bob Wing may help out Windham’s varsity baseball program this spring as an extra hand on the coaching staff.

“He lets us do scrimmages at the end of practice so that’s always fun,” said JSMS seventh grader Brecken Cressey. “He’s a five-star retrograde coach and he’s a fan favorite.” <

Varsity boys’ basketball falls to Sanford on ‘Pat Moody Night’

By Matt Pascarella

A wave of green shirts in remembrance of adored Windham resident Pat Moody flooded the bleachers at the varsity boys’ basketball home opener against Sanford on Tuesday, Dec. 9 and WHS fought hard and had the lead for portions of the game, but Sanford battled back and won the game, 68-60.

Windham sophomore Sean Lebel focuses on the hoop 
mid-air during a varsity boys' basketball game against
Sanford at Windham High School on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

It was Pat Moody Night, a night to honor the late Windham resident and raise money for the Pat Moody Foundation that was created after his passing as a way to carry on his legacy of compassion, love of community and random acts of kindness. Through the community’s generosity, the foundation has been able to fund scholarships for students, assist youth sports programs and invest in projects that bring the community together. T-shirt sales raised a net amount of $3,600 for the foundation with more money still coming in.

“Having (my dad) in our background and playing for him and his legacy, playing with joy within ourselves is the best,” said Windham senior AJ Moody. “It just shows what he did for the community ... I am just very thankful this can be a thing.”

Four community members were honored and inducted to become part of Moody’s Army that recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to better the community. Linda “Emma” Freese, Maureen Janvrin, Stephanie Bubier and Bob Witham were presented with flowers and a small gift for their tireless efforts to the community.

Windham came out with intensity in this fast-moving game. The Eagles rebounded and moved the ball quickly. Both defenses kept the first quarter to a low score.

In the second quarter, junior Colin Janvrin, who scored 18 points during the game, hit a three-pointer. The game was tied 15-15; AJ Moody scored twice from the top of the key. Junior Luke Drottar sunk a three-pointer. Windham led 28-24 at halftime.

“It was a really good team, so we know what they’re capable of,” said AJ Moody, who scored 11 points. “We knew down the line if we gave them space, they can really take over the game. Four minutes left in the fourth quarter, they were down by 10 and came back to beat us. Great game, great experience, in the end this will help us get more gritty. We know we were going to hit adversity and we just did. This loss will fuel us ... practice is going to be a different mentality. A really good team just beat us, but we’re going to keep going harder and harder – that’s what Windham’s about. We were supportive, had a great bench and great energy.”

A series of three-pointers gave Windham a substantial lead in the second half. They continued to rebound and had strong turnovers. Sanford was quick to make up ground and led by five with just 50 seconds left in the game.

Senior Tyrie James said Pat Moody had an impact on everyone in the gym in some way and it was amazing to see. James said it is the fourth quarter that is most important and that’s where Sanford got them. Windham was a little slow getting back on defense at times. Every loss is a lesson; they did great coming out with energy, but need to keep it up the entire game.

“Such a special night,” said Windham varsity boys’ basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. “A lot of people came out in support just like Pat would want, and the team fought really, really hard, just like he’d want. Just so happy to see that love and Pat Moody spirit out in the crowd. Little things led to the loss, Sanford is a talented team, and they can make you pay quickly. Shots didn’t fall, things like that happen; there are a lot of good possessions, there are a lot of bad possessions. They stole that win from us. (Windham’s) effort was extremely high. We’re trying to get better at a lot of little things and we’re trying to find our true identity.” <

United Soccer Coaches All-Region I list Marion on Third Team

Saint Joseph’s College sophomore forward Nick Marion of Windham has been named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Region I Third Team, as announced by the organization.

Nick Marion of Windham, a 
sophomore forward on the Saint
Joseph's College men's soccer team,
has been named to the United
Soccer Coaches All-Region I
Third Team. SUBMITTED PHOTO

A 2025 First Team All-Conference honoree, Marion earns his first career All-Region nod after leading the Monks in goals (9), assists (6), and points (24) as a sophomore. He capped his second collegiate campaign ranked third in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) in assists and fifth in both goals and points.

Marion is one of just three GNAC student-athletes to earn United Soccer Coaches All-Region recognition, joining senior goalkeeper Logan Clough and sophomore defender Luigi Ferreira of Rivier University on the Third Team.

As a freshman at Saint Joseph’s, Marion played in 16 games and started 12. He tallied two goals and three assists for seven points for the season, recording 19 shots. He scored his first career goal as the game winner at Dean and recorded his first career assist versus Albertus Magnus. He tallied a goal and an assist at Regis and also scored the game-winning goal in that game.

Under seventh-year Head Coach Will Pike ’11, Saint Joseph’s closed the 2025 season with an 8–9–1 overall record and a 7–4–1 mark in GNAC play, securing the #4 seed in the conference tournament. The Monks opened postseason play with a 3–1 quarterfinal win over #5 Dean College before bowing out to eventual champion University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) in the semifinal round.

He is a 2024 graduate of Windham High School and scored 34 goals for the Eagles during his senior season. He was honored as Offensive Player of the Year for the Southern Maine Activities Association, was the Portland Press Herald Player of the Year and Class A Player of the Year, just to name a few of his achievements.

United Soccer Coaches chose Marion as 2023 Fall Boys High School All-America Team, and he was Windham High School’s first All-American player.

Marion started playing soccer at age 5 and his grandmother helped him choose the sport. He first tried T-ball and didn’t like it, so he began playing soccer.

He is majoring in exercise science in college, while also playing soccer. <

WHS softball receives championship rings during ceremony

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High’s varsity 2025 softball team celebrated their second state championship win in three years after the team beat seventh-ranked Edward Little 7-0 at Saint Joseph’s College on Saturday, June 21. The Eagles celebrated with a championship ring ceremony at Pat’s Pizza in Windham on Friday, Nov. 28.

Windham High School's varsity 2025 softball team displays
its second Golden Glove and state championship rings
during the team's 2025 championship ring ceremony at
Pat's Pizza in Windham on Friday, Nov, 28.
PHOTO BY LANEY WORTHINGTON  

The 2025 girls’ softball team consisted of graduates Stella Jarvais, Kyla Harvie, Lydia Marden, Chloe Edwards, Kennedy Kimball; seniors Oakley McLeod, Jezabelle Pinto, Nola Bryant, Lacie Higgins, Addison Caiazzo, Chloe Delewski; juniors Kaylee Napolitano, Evelyn Anderson, Kiley Card, Sarah Smyth, Abhilasha Jain; sophomores Evelyn Robinson and Yani Kostopoulos.

“Being honored as a state champ for the second time felt awesome,” said Caiazzo. “Surrounded by our teammates, coaches, and family members ... this ceremony felt very meaningful to me personally. My teammates and I know what a big deal it is to win twice.”

From the start of preseason, this team had the goal of a second gold glove. They focused on it and reminded themselves why they were there. That mentality, plus skill, led to the championship win.

"It was amazing to reconnect with old coaches and especially the teammates I’ve known for most of my life,” said Jarvais. “I couldn’t be more grateful, especially in my final year, to have been part of something so special. Celebrating such an accomplishment meant the world to me; I will forever be grateful for that team.”

Each player received a championship plaque and a ring. They also received jackets donated from the Windham Athletic Boosters.

“Any chance to celebrate the 2025 team is special because of ... the bond that was formed over many years of playing together,” said Windham varsity softball coach Darcey Gardiner. “Our players go out and embrace whatever role they are asked to play, whether that’s starting pitcher or right fielder. I truly have to give all the credit to the players, they are champions because of their dedication, passion, and focus these past few seasons that has led them to have such great success.” <

Windham girls’ basketball starts season by defeating Thornton Academy

By Matt Pascarella

Windham’s varsity girls’ basketball displayed strong defense and a solid offense in their season opener against Thornton Academy at Windham High on Friday, Dec. 5. Windham jumped to a small, but early lead in the first quarter and stayed out in front for the remainder of the game. By the end of the third quarter, WHS was close to 20 points ahead and as the clock ran out, the Eagles were untouchable with a 59-38 win.

Windham sophomore Mackenzie Delewski steers her way 
toward the basket during a varsity girls' basketball game
against Thornton Academy at Windham High on
Friday, Dec. 5. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“We played extra hard today because a list came out of the top 10 teams to watch and Thornton was ninth on that and we did not make a spot,” said Windham junior Denali Momot. “We fought so hard and showed them that we deserve that spot more than them. We wanted to start the season off with a win. We did very well with our press and with our zone. We did let some three-pointers by, but I feel like we rebounded on the weak side very well and pushed the ball up the court on offense. I think this sets a very good tone (for the rest of the season), it’s a great win. I think it shows how well we’re going to do this year.”

Sophomore Mackenzie Delewski, who scored 16 points, said that going into this game the team’s principles were the same as last year which included playing tough defense, playing together as a team and playing a full 32 minutes of the game. Delewski said defense led to the win. Windham tired Thornton Academy out on defense as Thornton Academy tried to pass around Windham’s zone. The Trojans couldn’t find the space to drive or get second chance shots because of it.

The Eagles came out strong because they were counted as the underdogs.

The first quarter was low scoring, with the game tied at 6. Windham took a small lead at the end of the quarter, and it was only up and up from there for the Eagles. Soon they led by 10.

Thornton Academy worked to claw their way back, but Windham stayed ahead. At intermission, Windham led, 25-17.

“The win against TA helps us out a lot confidence wise and who we play,” said Windham senior Marley Jarvais, who scored 20 points. “I think a lot of teams don’t see us as much of a threat compared to other teams, but we have a lot of talent, and we are a very athletic team overall. Getting a win against a good talented team like TA gives us confidence to go and compete and win against other very talented teams in our conference.”

By the second half, Windham did a great job as they stayed well ahead of Thornton Academy. Windham rebounded and soon led by 20 points. Momot, Delewski and freshman Carly Franzoni all hit three-pointers.

“We just want to come out and make sure we defended,” said Windham varsity girls’ basketball coach Brody Artes. “That’s going to be our identity every night, our full-court pressure has more tempo than anything. Just to get the other team out of sorts and not comfortable in what they’re doing, and we did a good job with that tonight. For us, it’s about taking it one day at a time. We really outworked Thornton Academy; we wore them down as the game went on; we were able to get some good looks because of that. A lot of it was our conditioning and just being prepared.”

Windham’s speed and quick hands put them well out of reach as the clock wound down.

“We knew TA was a very good team,” said Jarvais. “We knew it was going to be challenging. I think the whole team just went in wanting to win and set the tone for the rest of the season. Thornton getting top 10 teams to watch made us want to win even more because it goes back to that piece where our basketball team gets overlooked a lot.” <

Windham graduate doesn’t let hardship stop her from achieving dream

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School 2021 graduate Bria Campobasso graduated during a rough time. Campobasso was a multi-sport athlete cheering and playing lacrosse. COVID-19 had ended the previous year’s spring season, and schools and athletes were still dealing with its ramifications. COVID-19 completely reshaped Campobasso’s plans. She had planned to attend college, but with circumstances as they were, realized it wasn’t the right environment for her. She did not let this stop her; she used this setback as a chance to focus on her health, discipline and long-term goals.

Windham High graduate Bria Campobasso
flexes during a photo shoot in Portsmouth,
New Hampshire in 2024, After high school
she began to compete in bodybuilding and
last year she won the OCB Bikini Pro title.
PHOTO BY PEDRO BLANCO 
PHOTOGRAPHY 
  

This led her to develop a real passion for bodybuilding and competing where she’s been able to excel professionally. She graduated online with her degree in personal training and nutrition from the International Sports Sciences Association.

“After high school, I discovered my love for the gym and weightlifting and found it was a great outlet from transitioning (from) a multi-sport athlete to no sports,” said Campobasso. “I fell in love with the gym and wanted to take it to the next level.”

As a Windham senior, Campobasso was asked by former Windham Athletic Director Rich Drummond along with a small group of athletes to speak on behalf of athletes and classmates in a ZOOM Windham Town Hall meeting about the importance of athletics, during the initial years of the pandemic. She spoke about how important it was to participate in a physical activity and a feeling of normalcy during a detrimental time. Campobasso was honored to have been chosen for this.

High school athletes were eventually given more freedom and sports and practices were able to resume.

After discovering her passion for bodybuilding, Campobasso got involved with the Organization of Competition Bodies and entering competitive bodybuilding events.

“As I trained and learned more about the sport, my coaches and I came to the decision that the OCB would be a great Federation for me to start my journey,” said Campobasso. “After two years of being in ‘prep’, I entered my first show in New Hampshire in 2022, and that experience really solidified my interest in competing at a higher level.”

During that first competition, Campobasso placed first in two out of her three categories and placed second in her third category.

Campobasso said the off-season is about building muscle. Some of the preparation for competition includes lifting heavy, eating enough to grow, and improving weak areas that the judges give feedback on. Once preparation begins, training becomes more targeted. She lifts six to seven days a week, but with more emphasis on shaping, symmetry, and conditioning. As it gets closer to a competition, cardio increases, nutrition becomes more precise, and everything is done with the goal of bringing your best physique to the stage. Campobasso said it’s one of the most disciplined things anyone could ever go through.

In March 2024 Campobasso won her OCB Bikini Pro title.

“I won my OCB Bikini Pro title by outworking everyone,” said Campobasso. “I showed up every day, stayed disciplined, and brought a physique to the stage that proved it. It wasn’t luck — it was years of grind, sacrifice, and refusing to quit.”

Her advice to athletes who encounter adversity is your journey isn’t over, it just means it’s changing. Setbacks can feel huge in the moment, but they can also push you toward opportunities you never expected. Stay disciplined, stay open-minded, and trust a new direction can still lead to success.

She’s taking a lengthy offseason to give her body more time to build muscle and get ready for the stage. Campobasso plans on having a pro debut in late 2027 at the Yorton Cup, the most prestigious event in the Organization of Competition Bodies; considered the premier professional title in natural bodybuilding. <

WHS girls’ lacrosse state champions receive championship rings during ceremony

By Matt Pascarella

The 2025 Windham varsity girls’ lacrosse team made program history when they defeated top-ranked Kennebunk 12-9 in the Class A State Championship to capture the program’s first state title at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland on June 21. They were honored with celebratory plaques and championship rings at Windham High School on Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Windham High's varsity 2025 girls' lacrosse state
championship team show off their state championship
rings during a recognition ceremony at Windham 
High School on Wednesday,  Nov. 26.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

The 2025 WHS girls’ lacrosse team consisted of graduates Sophie Allen, Grace Joly, Lauren Jordan; seniors Abby Trainor, Neve Ledbetter, Demetria Nicholas, Elizabeth Baker, Mady Donnelly, Brianna Duarte, Alyssa Cooper, Olivia McPherson; juniors Morgan McLain, Grayson Cornish, Gracie McPherson, Charlie Scanlon, Libby Hartwell, Avery Adams, manager Allegresse Kawaya; sophomores Brooklyn Roy, Anna Bowie, Morgan Clark, Maria Rose, Madison Buzulchuck and Lauren Valle.

Windham varsity girls’ lacrosse coach Matt Perkins said after that season ended he received messages from referees complimenting how professional a team Windham had been during the season. The way the team carried themselves and their character is second to none.

A slideshow of season highlights was shown during the ceremony.

“The goal they’ve had season after season is to create one big group with no cliques, but with people coming together,” said Perkins. “The one phrase or one word that (describes) this group is ‘team.’ When you look at this group, every little fragment that is part of the ‘team’ definition, is this group to a tee. We (as coaches) have never been around a group that hits so many aspects of the word team.

The definition of ‘team’ is a group of individuals working together to achieve a common goal, where members are mutually accountable and rely on each other’s strengths. What is your goal and what are you going to do to impact us are two questions Perkins and his coaches put on the players last year. The team was all about that. As coaches they feel very, very fortunate to have had that year. It feels so good to look back at what this team did and how they did it.

“We didn’t really get to process it,” said Joly. “To come back together and relive it, my heart is so warm and full from being here with everyone again. This ceremony is everything I thought it would be and more. These rings are pretty snazzy, and we have a lot of supporters here who supported us all year, so it’s really nice.”

Ledbetter said it definitely felt amazing for the team to be recognized for how hard they’ve worked. it takes a team that has hard work and plays together, but she also thinks it takes the support. In the stands during the championship was everyone who had ever cared about the team and that was really important to the players and the team as a whole.

“It’s honestly surreal,” said Trainor. “Going back on my camera roll and seeing those photos, I still can’t believe that’s what we’ve achieved. Watching the slideshows, it shows how far we’ve come. We didn’t have to rely on one person or two people, we had our whole team play a part in certain things. Everyone’s dream of winning states ... actually came true.” <

Lacrosse a major contributor to Windham graduate Yale’s life

By Matt Pascarella

During Emma Yale’s time playing varsity lacrosse at Windham High School, she scored 100 career goals, played in national tournaments and won national awards as well as succeeding academically and graduating in 2021.

Windham High School alumnus and Tufts University graduate
Emma Yale looks to pass during a women's college lacrosse
game at Tufts University in Massachusetts in April. Yale is
working to become a licensed architect and aims to obtain a
master's degree. PHOTO BY BRANDO PHOTOGRAPHY  

She is now a 2025 graduate of Tufts University in Massachusetts with a major in architecture and a double minor in architectural engineering and entrepreneurship. She is currently working with a local architect as well as Optimum Construction and plans to start work on obtaining a master’s degree in architecture next fall.

“I value the connections the sport brought me,” said Yale. “From my best friends and mentors to the young athletes and families I now get to coach. It’s really special to work with young girls and see their excitement for the sport. My favorite part is the relationships is being able to help them grow not only as athletes, but as people.”

While playing for Tufts University, Yale helped her team win two New England Small College Athletic Conference championships and participate in two national championship tournaments.

“Consistently being a national championship contending team, I got to practice amongst and against some of the best players in the country as a result I grew so much as a player,” said Yale. The experience of going to a Final Four is really special, you get to celebrate the months of work you've put in while also preparing to play your best lacrosse. That environment pushed me to grow tremendously as a player and is something I’ll always be grateful for.”

During the summers, Yale stayed involved with lacrosse through coaching for the Maineiax Lacrosse Club. She coaches travel teams, skill sessions and is in the Top Flight program, a next-level training regimen for the state’s most dedicated players. She also coaches individual lessons a few evenings a week.

The perspective Yale has gained over the years helps her understand how to support her players and guide their energy toward what will make them better and more able to succeed. She makes it a priority to do the same and help them believe in themselves.

While at Tufts University, Yale made the Dean’s List each year and was on the 2024 and 2025 Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association academic honor roll.

According to Yale, film is a big part of college lacrosse and when she played for varsity girls’ lacrosse coach Matt Perkins, that early exposure to film prior to playing at Tufts University was helpful.

Her advice to high school athletes who want to play collegiately is to be a sponge. She says that there’s a lot to learn and the experience goes far beyond the field.

Yale’s biggest piece of advice is to celebrate everything, from small wins to your teammate’s successes as that fun kind of energy becomes contagious. She says that when you buy into shared success and take pride in your role, no matter what it is, you make yourself and your team better; you help create something much bigger than you.

When Yale was a freshman at Tufts University, a junior on the team named Scooter tragically passed away. From her, Yale learned that even the smallest acts – listening, encouraging, celebrating or just showing up authentically can make a big difference on an individual’s confidence. Yale says she strives to carry her spirit of fostering a connection forward in her own life.“One of the major assets Emma brought to the team was the constant reminder of the spirit of the game,” said former Tufts teammate and current Stanford graduate student Kate Mastrobuono. “It’s easy in college athletics to lose a bit of perspective, but Emma always provided a lighthearted outlook and played with ease every day. Emma was an incredible lacrosse player, but even more importantly, she was a supportive, charismatic, and loyal teammate. I always valued going to her to ask questions about attacking dynamics. She was a selfless leader, always setting others up for success and putting the team first.” <

Open gym volleyball a hit for Windham Parks and Recreation

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Parks and Recreation’s open gym Sunday volleyball program has been running since 2015 and while there’s plenty of competition, the overall environment is one of fun, meeting new people and enjoying playing the game.

Windham  resident Scott McPherson returns a serve during 
an open gym volleyball game sponsored by Windham
Parks and Recreation at Windham High School on
Sunday, Nov. 23. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA     

There are individuals of all ages and skill levels from all over southern Maine, and all are very welcoming. The games get pretty intense from time to time, but the atmosphere is always fun.

“I’ve been playing here at Windham for years,” said Standish resident Karen Macleod. “It’s one of my favorite places to play. It’s a great place to play, great people to play with; people are relaxed and allow you to play your own game. Everybody here loves to play volleyball so everybody here is looking for people to play with ... you don’t have to be here with a team; you can come here by yourself. The idea is to keep it even, keep it fun, let everybody play.”

Session one of open gym Sunday volleyball runs until Feb. 1. If you would like to get involved, you can purchase a season pass through Windham Parks and Recreation, register on their website or pay a $9 drop-in fee for non-residents, $8 for Windham residents. Participants must be age 21 or older.

Windham Parks and Recreation’s Deputy Director Kelsey Crowe said this program used to be held at the Windham Town Hall gym, but demand grew so much that the program expanded and needed to be moved to the larger high school gym. 

“These people are friendly,” said Westbrook resident Dave Peterson. “It’s fun, I get to see all these people; if you want to ... have fun, you play in a place like this. There are more competitive places to play, but I just like playing with my buddies.”

Scarborough resident Duncan Foster fell in love with the game a long time ago and has been playing since he was 19. Now, close to retirement, he plays in leagues at least three nights a week. He said these open gym Sunday games feature good players, and it’s a pretty good level. There are role models of setters, hitters and defense; you learn a lot every time you play.

“My husband and I are part of a league in Portland and there was someone there saying (Windham Parks and recreation’s volleyball program) was a really fun one,” said Brunswick resident Annie Turnbull who has been coming since January of this year. “I’ve been playing for three years now; we picked it up when we moved to Maine.”

Turnbull said she likes the format of getting to play volleyball for three hours. This gives you more space and the opportunity to play with a lot of different people and practice different positions on the court.

“The people really get into it,” said co-supervisor of the event and Windham Parks and Recreation per diem employee Jacob Chouinard. “It’s fun to see the competitiveness come out, a lot are former athletes who played in high school and college, you can see that fun, competitive spirit brought back to them ... I think it’s great to stay active, that’s a huge piece of it. It’s a lot of fun for everyone; it’s a great thing for the community.”

If interested, call Windham Parks and Recreation at 207-892-1905 or visit https://www.windhammaine.us/155/Parks-Recreation.com. <

WHS seniors Ledbetter, Trainor sign letters of intent

By Matt Pascarella 

 

(L to R) Windham senior Neve Ledbetter, center seated, with parents Nikki, Don, brother Will, back right, and grandmother June Williams after Neve Ledbetter signs her letter of intent at Windham High School on Friday, Nov. 14. Neve Ledbetter will attend Southern New Hampshire University to major in neuroscience and play lacrosse. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA Windham senior Abby Trainor, center, with parents Shannon and Jeremy and sister Addison after Abby Trainor signs her letter of intent at Windham High School on Friday, Nov. 14. Abby Trainor will attend Fairfield University in Connecticut to major in business and play lacrosse. PHOTO BY MARLEY JARVAIS

Windham seniors Neve Ledbetter and Abby Trainor have been inspiring each other on and off the lacrosse field their entire athletic careers. They became friends in eighth grade and have been succeeding ever since. They each signed their letters of intent at Windham High School on Friday, Nov. 14. Ledbetter will be attending Southern New Hampshire University to major in neuroscience and Trainor will be attending Fairfield University in Connecticut to major in business; both will play lacrosse.

“We knew right off the bat (as freshmen) with their work ethic what we had coming,” said Windham varsity girls’ lacrosse coach Matt Perkins about Ledbetter and Trainor. “What we didn’t know is in their sophomore years, we had some leaders who kind of struggled with (leading) and these two started to spearhead that leadership and their peers jumped onboard and helped them. They proved to us and each other anything is possible if you want to work your tail off. Last year, they elevated the program, they elevated the team, and the team really took care of each other and every kid felt like they were important. We’ve got one more season to go and I am very honored to be a part of it.”

Neve Ledbetter
Ledbetter started playing lacrosse in eighth grade and found it was a really good fit for her. This is when she met Trainor. The two played club lacrosse all through high school and Ledbetter continued playing because of Trainor’s encouragement.

When Ledbetter stepped on to Southern New Hampshire University she felt a real ‘at home’ vibe. The campus made her feel welcome and wanted. 

It felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders to finally sign her letter of intent. It made her think of all her past accomplishments and felt really good to sign alongside Trainor.

“Abby has been my ‘ride or die’ since middle school,” said Ledbetter. “She’s been someone I look up to and has been a huge leader to me throughout my lacrosse seasons. (Windham varsity lacrosse) paved a huge path ... they taught me how to be the person and player I am today. I wouldn’t be here without them, and my teammates especially have been super helpful.”

Ledbetter received the All-Academic Team award for maintaining a GPA of at least 3.5 for six semesters. She’s received the Dr. Richard Costello Memorial Award, based on leadership skills and captain characteristics.

She would like to thank Trainor, Perkins, Vanessa Ludka, Rusty Babb and Lauren Kane from Maineiax Lacrosse as well as her friends, family and varsity girls’ soccer coach Deb Lebel.

Abby Trainor
As soon as Trainor stepped onto the Fairfield University campus, it felt very welcoming. She thought the campus was full of life and very innovative. 

She’s been committed to Fairfield University for a while, so finally signing felt awesome. For her to get to sign with Ledbetter was an even better feeling because of their friendship. 

According to Trainor, it was important the two sign together to show each other that each of them had to rely on each other to get to this spot.

Trainor started playing lacrosse around kindergarten or first grade through Windham Youth Lacrosse. She played from third grade to the eighth grade in the youth program. She’s always loved the sport.

“All my teammates really push me every time I come into a new season,” said Trainor. “I became so much better (in high school) because of the coaches bringing me new plays and with the team being so heavy on offense and defense it helped me play at a higher level.”

Off the field, Trainor is part of the Spanish Honor Society and has participated in food drive donations and has given her time to reading to primary school students.

She would like to thank Coach Perkins, Babb and Ludka, as well as Ledbetter, Kane and her family. <

Windham’s Card leads team to All-Star Flag Football win

Windham junior Kiley Card showing off her ring
and team trophy after her All-Star team
won the Maine Girls Flag Football All-Star game.
PHOTO BY CINDY RUSSELL PHOTOGRAPHY

By Matt Pascarella 

 Windham junior Kiley Card has been playing flag football for six years. She originally wanted to play tackle football, but a girls’ team wasn’t available, so she joined the Maine Girls Flag Football league. She was selected to play on the All-Star team, and her team won the All-Star game at Deering High School in Portland on Saturday, Nov. 1, with a score of 27-21.

“I love the adrenaline rush from flag football,” said Card. “There’s constant pressure on you as a quarterback. I also like playing safety on defense and hearing the crowd get so excited when I intercept the ball. The friends that I’ve made from playing in this league is the best part of it all. It feels good to win altogether, as a team. They are a big part of what keeps me coming back. They make it fun.”

In 2020 the Maine Girls Flag Football league was formed. In the fall of 2022, they had 14 teams. They currently have over 160 girls spread over three divisions: elementary, middle and high school. 

The All-Star teams are a combination of girls selected from various teams from the regular season. 

Coaches vote to nominate players; two teams are created per division. The All-Stars play a championship game putting the best of the league head-to-head. 

“I drafted Kiley the year she became a freshman as I am a high school division coach,” said Card’s regular season Maine Girls Flag Football coach Ryan Campbell. “I got very lucky in the draft because the year prior, Kiley was the MVP of the middle school division. Kiley is one of the best players on the field as she can play all positions and at the highest caliber. She is a wonderful teammate and really bonds and connects with everyone around her. Kiley is the field general. She not only has to perform the play that I call into her but has to ensure her teammates are in their spots and ready and has to pull off the play successfully. Her natural athletic skills mixed with tenacity to win is the perfect combination.”

Card’s team was down at the half but fought their way back and tied the game with three minutes left. Card executed a flawless drive to put her team ahead and get the ‘W.’

“In my brief time, one-week period with her, she’s a strong competitor. Selfless teammate and has all of the tools to be a very good quarterback; very polished footwork and throwing mechanics,” said All-Star coach Andrew Fischer.

Card is also a star softball and basketball player and has been throwing a ball her entire life. Flag football gave her the confidence to go out and become a quarterback. 

“I can read where the football is headed and intercept the play because I have experience tracking pop flies,” said Card. “In basketball, which I’ve been playing since the age of 5, I read the offense’s body language and watch their eyes so that I’m able to steal the ball, in the same way that I watch a quarterback when I’m on defense playing football.”

Card would like to play flag football next year and continuing playing in college.

“I was proud of myself,” said Card. “Getting a championship ring is something that I’ve wanted for years.” <

Windham varsity boys’ basketball gear up for another high-energy, championship season

Senior Tyrie James slam dunks the ball.
The regular season begins Friday, Dec. 5.
PHOTOs BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

A lot of the players trying out for the Windham varsity boys’ basketball team began preparing for the 2025-2026 season since before the fall season began. Windham has made themselves well-known as they’ve won back-to-back state champions in 2024 and 2025, and this naturally makes them a bit of a target with the regular season approaching. However, Windham is well aware of the hard work it takes to accomplish what they have previously and are more than up to the challenge. The team you see step onto the court during the regular season is different from the team that won the gold ball in March. Some of the same players are returning, but this new team is here to carve their own path, not defend an existing one.
“Every year is a brand new group, a brand new identity, and a brand new climb,” said Windham varsity boys’ basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. “What we did before doesn’t guarantee anything now. “It just reminds us to stay humble, stay hungry, and focus on the day in front of us. We’re attacking this season the same way we always have with work ethic, togetherness, and a growth mindset.”

Expectations will always be there when a team has had a lot of success, but that credit goes to the players who came before this team. The goal for this team is to try to be the best version of themselves they can possibly be. 

This year’s motto is ‘entitled to nothing.’ It’s a clean slate for every team at the start of this new season. Success comes from daily habits, not banners on the wall. Tough competition is not new in Class A South; it forces Windham to stay sharp and continue to grow.

In the offseason, the coaches of Windham varsity boys’ basketball challenge themselves just as much as they challenge their players. Pulkkinen and his assistant coaches George McCrillis, Geoff Grigsby, Noah Estey and Chris Sargent reflect as a staff on what worked and what didn’t last season. They provide honest feedback, and each try to improve individually before they start building a plan for the group they have coming in.

As coaches, they believe they have to model the expectations they ask of their players; they can’t just talk about growth and improvement, they need to work toward it. Every coach on this team wants to be better than they were a year ago.

“Our job is to be ready to give this team the best coaching we’ve ever given,” said Pulkkinen.
The team graduated eight seniors last year, so there are some spots to fill in the upcoming season. Seven high-quality players will return and, in that returns a group with a lot of experience and character.
While the roster will be different, the strength of the team is their mindset, maturity and the standards these returning players bring. They understand the work and the culture and are ready to prove themselves. Juniors Landon Wyman and Luke Drottar, and sophomores Sean Lebel and Boston Krainis are all returning; they have been in the varsity environment, learned what it takes and are ready for their turn. The time is now for them to make their impact.

Seniors AJ Moody and Tyrie James will be leaders on the court once again, just like they have been in previous seasons, along with junior Colin Janvrin, who played a major role in the success of last year. 
“We just want to be together and as close as we can because we can be nothing without the (underclassmen),” said Moody. “The guys under us bring us up ... we’re relying on them how they’re relying on us. We just want to become a family and build our chemistry as soon as we can. No easy games in our league. Taking it one-day-at-a-time, trying to better ourselves; every day we’re going to get better and better; every team will not be taken lightly.”

James said as seniors and captains their job is to motivate underclassmen and have them give their all. The team has been bonding and spending time together on and off the court to strengthen that bond.
Janvrin said there are going to be some tough games ahead, but they’ve got to battle through that adversity.

While they’d like to earn a third consecutive state championship win, it’s more important to prepare themselves to improve as the season progresses.

“Every program wants to win championships, but we don’t start the season talking about trophies, we talk about habits,” said Pulkkinen. “If our habits are championship-level, the results will take care of themselves.”

The regular season begins on Friday, Dec. 5 at Thornton Academy in Saco at 7:30 p.m. The first home game will be ‘Pat Moody Night’ and is on Tuesday, Dec. 9 against Sanford at 7 p.m. <

Windham's Fothergill gives back to a sport he loves

By Matt Pascarella 

Windham resident, Bonny Eagle graduate
and under-14 Maine Evolution Hockey assistant
coach Bobby Fothergill cheering on
his team during a game against the Midcoast
Polar Bears at the Colisee in Lewiston
on Saturday, Nov. 8.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Windham resident, former Trail Blazer hockey player and 2022 Bonny Eagle graduate Bobby Fothergill has stayed involved with hockey through coaching. He currently is an assistant coach for the under-14 Maine Evolution hockey team. He has also entered the workforce in a family-run company in the electrical trade. He’s going to Maine Electrical Institute to become a certified electrician.

 

“My last year of 18U Hockey I took the time to really understand everything about the game as much as I could,” said Fothergill. “After that season I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do as I had opportunities to play at other places, but I was lucky enough to be asked to help coach the program I grew up playing for and that made my decision clear as I wanted to help and stay closer to home and be involved in the game of hockey.”

 

The electrical trade was something that had piqued Fothergill’s interest more than college. Fothergill wanted to be able to learn how to grow a business while learning more about leadership and becoming someone that people can look up to. His dad offered him a job and Fothergill felt something his family was based around was what he wanted to do.

 

By the time Fothergill was nearing the end of his under-18 hockey season, he felt like he had coaching capabilities because he was a good listener, open and wanted to learn more about the game as he got older. He still plays in men’s leagues and tournaments here and there.

“He’s been great, and it’s been huge for the kids having someone that they know and can look up to,” said Maine Evolution under-14 head coach Dave Grant, who used to coach Fothergill in the under-18 league. “Bobby hops right in the drills with them, skates with them, competes with them hard. It’s great to have him because he’s obviously got knowledge from a player’s perspective, but it’s awesome for the kids to have him around the bench. It’s a coach’s dream to have a kid that you coached ... to now be on the bench with you. It’s one of the better things that I’ve experienced; it’s a highlight to see the next generation of coaches coming up.”

Grant said Fothergill is still a very good player and challenges his players; he was where they were five or six years ago. Fothergill brings great energy to the practices, and he can tell he is having fun.

In addition to coaching, every season the team teaches kids how to skate, and Fothergill attends those to encourage them by teaching the basics of the game.

“He’s taught me where I need to be in my certain position and what I need to be to stop the puck from entering the zone,” said Maine Evolution Windham freshman Cooper Fournelle. “He’s good as a coach, I feel like I’ve improved and we’ve chatted a couple times about what I should do with the puck. Overall, I think he’s helped me a lot.”

When Fothergill reflects on his athletic career, hockey has played a major part in teaching him how to become a leader and a better all-around person. He’s been able to use the knowledge given to him throughout his time as a player to teach others what it takes to become not only a good hockey player but a good person.

 

When playing for the Trail Blazers he learned to work hard, have fun and not to let anyone push you out of the saddle. The team also taught him how to strive to maximize his potential on and off the ice.

 

His advice for any current players who want to consider coaching after high school is opportunities come from so many places that there is no right or wrong choice. Being involved in sports at any age brings community and togetherness as well as being a great place to learn, teach and have fun.

Youth Cheerleading program ends season with showcase

By Matt Pascarella

(L to R) Windham Youth Cheerleading flyers
Ava Laney, left, Morgan Bell, Valentina Grazoc,
Harper Daigle and Charlee Prokey from
the sixth to eighth grade team at WYC’s showcase
at Windham High School on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
PHOTO BY GIANNA LANE

Windham Youth Cheerleading program has been a sideline program for kindergarten through eighth grade for the last 10 years. They cheer for the Windham Youth Football program from flag to tackle. The 10-week program has grown exponentially over the last three years, totaling over 100 athletes. At the end of the WYC season, the teams put on a showcase to highlight all their hard work. The showcase is not scored and is about providing encouragement, celebration and having fun.

“I think that our program has grown so much in the last several years because there has never been a robust sideline cheering program for young athletes,” said assistant sixth grade to eighth grade coach Stacy Davis. “In years past, some athletes were only exposed to cheer once they entered high school. Many believe that they need to commit to competition cheer ... our program allows for a different form of cheer that may suit other families. We also try very hard to make this program financially accessible. We have the ability to provide financial scholarship to athletes should this be needed, as we never want the financial burden to affect participation.”

The program is considered a feeder program for the high school, so the job of coaches at WYC is to make sure the girls are aware of any new cheers the high school is using. WYC works closely with the high school cheering squad that serves as a role model to the younger group. The coaches start the younger groups out with the basics and progress up to more complex skills for the older kids.

This year’s showcase featured five teams, all grouped by grade, and they show friends and family their routines which include cheers, jumps, stunts and tumbling.

Participants of WYC begin cheering on the field in kindergarten. It’s fun for individuals to cheer on friends and classmates.

Eighth grader Rosie Dumont has been participating in WYC since she was in first grade. She was a dancer and loved uniforms, pompoms and the sass of cheerleading. She always loved being on stage, doing routines.

“Having great coaches that push me to try things that are hard for me or that I don't have confidence in yet (have made me a better cheerleader),” said Dumont. “This program builds strength and confidence and gives you happiness after you complete a routine. It teaches you that you have to work hard to achieve your goals; cheering is a very competitive and difficult sport. Having good teammates and coaches makes a huge difference. If an athlete wants to do cheerleading, they should because it's a rewarding sport.”

Dumont loves participating in the showcase every year. She said it went really well this year. Her stunt groups hit every stunt nicely. Dumont said performing in the showcase is awesome because you see all of the different age levels perform, and you get to reflect on your own progress. Dumont plans to cheer in high school and wants to see how far her potential can go.

Third grader Bristol Grondin started cheerleading through WYC when she was in kindergarten but took a couple years off because she felt she wasn’t ready. She really wanted to join WYC because she saw her sister, who is also involved in the program in a cheer competition last year; seeing her sister in the competition made Grondin want to join back up and be just like one of them.

“I was happy with what we did,” said Grondin about this year’s showcase. “I think my team did an awesome job cheering for the other teams and showcase. I was excited to see how good we did. I also enjoyed to see all our families there to cheer us on. My favorite thing about Windham Youth Cheerleading is I really like the stunts, dances, and I like to show off what I have learned. I ended up learning my front walk over. I’m very proud of myself and my team.”

WHS girls’ soccer drops regional final to Scarborough

By Matt Pascarella

After Windham varsity girls’ soccer held back Falmouth in the semifinal playoff game at Falmouth on Saturday, Nov. 1 with a 3-2 win, the third-placed Eagles returned to Falmouth and took on top-ranked Scarborough in the Class A South regional final on Tuesday, Nov. 4. This was an incredibly hard-fought game that lasted over 100 minutes of play and a penalty kick round.

Windham senior Marley Jarvais keeps the ball away from 
her Scarborough opponent during the Class A South girls'
soccer regional final game against Scarborough at
Falmouth High school on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA   

The Eagles truly left it all on the field and remained tough for over 110 minutes. Scarborough just slipped by when they scored one penalty kick more during the round and won 2-1.

“They being the No. 1 seed had everything to lose and we didn’t,” said Windham senior Marley Jarvais. “We came out and not only did we play with them, but we outplayed them most of the game and I think that’s something we should remember. I think Scarborough was overconfident coming into this game and thought they could easily get a win against us, but I think we just proved that we can outplay them – I think this team has grown so much since the summer.”

During the first half Windham had the upper hand with more offensive chances and very strong defense. The score was 0-0 at the half.

“Our energy ... this game, we all came ready to play,” said Windham sophomore Morgan Clark. “We all knew that we could play with Scarborough and would play however long it would take. How much we’ve grown as a team is a positive that stands out. Coming into this year a lot of us thought this would be a rebuilding year. A lot of us knew what we could be and we all put in the work to be (the team we’ve become).”

Windham sophomore goalie Jennifer Schwarz said she went into this game feeling like there was nothing to lose and she needed to go for every ball. She couldn’t be nervous; she knew her team had her back. Schwarz said once the game started, she was happy out there, doing what she loved. She was a solid barrier and had 10 saves during regulation and overtime play.

In the second half, the Eagles had no diminishment of their hustle. They had earned the right to be there, and every player gave it everything they had.

Roughly 65 minutes into the game Scarborough scored. Windham had a shot at the Red Riot’s goal that bounced off the crossbar. This game wasn’t over yet.

About 72 minutes into regulation play Clark scored. The game was tied 1-1 as the clock ran out.

“We brought it to them, we brought our ‘A’ game, we weren’t intimidated,” said Windham varsity girls’ soccer assistant coach Jim Stewart. “When Windham was down a goal they kept playing, got the goal back, they kept playing. They believed in themselves and they believed in each other. They should be proud of themselves; you play like that, and you lose, ... you hold your head high. You did everything you could do; you gave every bit of effort you could give and that’s all as a coach we could ask for.”

Both overtimes were no different for Windham. They remained aggressive, pressured and had offensive chances and shots on goal.

When it came down to penalty kicks, Scarborough got one more than Windham.

Both Jarvais and Clark agreed the team has grown and improved over the season. They worked hard all season, every game, every ball, every chance. The seniors were playing for the underclassmen, and the underclassmen were playing for the seniors.

“That’s really, really hard what they just did,” said Windham varsity girls’ soccer head coach Deb Lebel. “As much as our kids don’t like it and they all make fun of me for stressing the fitness, I don’t think we dipped too much out there. Windham got a lot better opportunities when we played to feet, they did great.”

When Lebel and Stewart look back on the season, growth and team camaraderie stand out. <

JSMS boys’ cross country ends season with championship win

By Matt Pascarella

The Jordan-Small Middle School boys’ cross country team won the Cumberland County League championship on Thursday, Oct. 23 at Twinbrook Recreation Area in Cumberland.

Jordan-Small Middle School's cross country team gathers
after the Gray Invitational Meet at Gray Middle School 
on Friday, Oct. 3. PHOTO BY JOHN POWERS

Competing against 15 other middle school teams, the JSMS boys’ team edged out Yarmouth Middle School by three points to win the Cumberland County League championship.

Hard work and grit paid off in a big way for these boys,” said JSMS cross country coach John Powers. “With a goal in mind and support from teammates, coaches, parents and their friends they were able to take on a league filled with much larger school populations to win it all.”

Three weeks prior to the event, the JSMS boys’ finished second to Yarmouth during a regular season meet. The day after that second-place finish, Powers said the team got to work with their goal being to defeat Yarmouth in the championship meet and win it all.

He said that the entire team contributed to the improvement and everyone in their top five runners that figured into the score set a personal best during that race.

Eighth grader and team co-captain Miles Moreau finished first in the championship event for JSMS and fifth overall with a time of 11:40 minutes. Eighth grader and co-captain Franklin Murray finished 10th overall and second for JSMS with a 12:19 time.

Sixth grader Mason Hall finished third for the team and 13th overall with a time of 12:28. Sixth grader Brady Cirrinone was fourth with a 12:56 time; and seventh grader Will Carroll finished fifth with a time of 13:13.

"Winning the championship is a reflection on how hard our team works,” said Murray. “By putting their full effort in practices every time and having team spirit that pushes us to be the best we can be.”

Moreau said he knew the meet was going to be close and was relieved when he saw JSMS had won. Afterward, he said he felt proud of his team and its championship accomplishment. <

Windham boys’ soccer falls to Falmouth in quarterfinal playoff

By Matt Pascarella

Tenth-place Windham varsity boys’ soccer played second-place Falmouth at Falmouth on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Windham kept Falmouth scoreless for 60 minutes of an 80-minute game, but Falmouth scored halfway through the second half. The Navigators got two more goals before the end and won, 3-0.

Windham senior Camden Patin keeps his eyes on the ball
during the boys' soccer quarterfinal playoff game against
Falmouth at Falmouth High School on Wednesday, Oct. 29.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“For this contest, getting them on their heels early by coming out more aggressive and looking to push the scoring opportunities was the strategy,” said Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “Windham faced adversity all season long on and off the pitch, but they all picked each other up day-after-day, working hard to find a pathway to get better. While we may not have met initial expectations, I can proudly say as a group they represented the community and program as well as a group of young men can.”

Neal said the team worked hard all season to develop a more aggressive and positive shooting posture while doubling down to improve striking technique to generate more consistent scoring. As the season progressed, WHS improved on this. Their defense really improved after losing a number of veteran players to graduation last year.

Windham’s defense was strong from the start and remained strong for a very large portion of the game. The Eagles moved the ball well and worked hard to be first to the ball. They made solid attempts to go after scoring opportunities, but Falmouth defense was also strong. It was 0-0 at halftime.

“Coming into this game, my teammates and I went with the mindset of having nothing to lose,” said Windham senior and goalie Tate Robinson who had nine saves during the game. “We knew that this wasn't going to be an easy game, however, we were still confident in our ability to compete against them. I was confident in our team's abilities and fully believed we could win. This was the best I've seen us play and really showed that we were able to compete with one of the best teams in Maine.”

In the second half, Windham maneuvered and remained aggressive with incredibly strong defense. After several blocks by Robinson, Falmouth was able to score, but only after almost 60 scoreless minutes.

Robinson did not let this get him down and said he knew there was plenty of game remaining to tie it up.

“As a team we held Falmouth up really well,” said Windham senior Camden Patin. “Everything we talked about executing we executed to our best. The first half was some of the best all-around soccer we had played all season. It was simple mistakes that led to the defeat. Looking back on the season what stands out is our ability to push through adversity ... this team came every day to work and grind to get better.”

The Navigators scored again with eight minutes left and once more on a penalty kick.

Captain and senior Daniel Hancock said leading up to Falmouth’s first goal, they had executed their game plan well but just had a small break in it. When Robinson made back-to-back saves, in the moments following Hancock said Windham did not have Robinson’s back to clear the ball. They ran out of gas, and some unfortunate bounces deflated them. He’s proud of the effort Windham gave against a strong team.

“We controlled the ball well and kept the score to a 0-0 game,” said Windham senior Dylan Crockett. “We are a very talented team with great players, but we did not fully adapt to Falmouth’s urgency and hunger in the second half. Due to our lack of endurance toward the last 15 minutes of the game we got put under pressure. (While) we possessed the ball a lot better, and we had a ton of attacking chances, we just couldn’t finish the chances. I’m very grateful for all the opportunities this team has given me; this brotherhood we all had will stay as a core memory for the rest of my life.” <

Windham varsity field hockey falls in preliminary playoff game

By Matt Pascarella

Eighth-placed Windham varsity field hockey played ninth-placed South Portland/Westbrook in a preliminary playoff game at Windham on Friday, Oct. 24. Windham scored in the second half, but South Portland/Westbrook scored in each quarter except the second quarter and won, 3-1.

Windham sophomore Peyton Archibald moves the ball 
quickly toward the goal during a prep field hockey playoff
game against South Portland/Westbrook at Windham 
High on Friday, Oct. 24.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“We came into the game really wanting to win; one of our best players wasn’t here, so wanted to show up and get her another game as a senior,” said Windham sophomore Sarah Smyth. “Scoring gave us some momentum ... but we couldn’t pull through. We went into every game, even the tougher teams, like we can do this; anything can happen, even the lower teams we went in thinking this was an even playing field.”

Smyth said in the beginning of the season, with new coach, Maddy Perfetti, the team wasn’t sure what to expect, but the season went better than expected. Each game, they played hard and did the best they could. Smyth said their fast breaks went well during this playoff game. Junior Morgan McLain got the ball down the field quickly; Smyth thought passes were connecting well between the forwards.

Windham began the game with intensity and passed the ball well. Each team had strong defense, and scoring was restricted for most of the first quarter. Windham sophomore Peyton Archibald had a solid shot at goal, but it was blocked.

Minutes before the end of the first quarter, South Portland/Westbrook scored.

During the second quarter, Windham worked hard to be first to the ball but wasn’t able to score. South Portland/Westbrook led 1-0 at halftime.

About 90 seconds into the second half, Smyth scored and tied the game 1-1. Windham had cranked up the intensity and hustle in the third quarter. Their defense kept their opponent away until late in the third quarter when South Portland/Westbrook took a 2-1 lead.

South Portland/Westbrook would score a final time early in the fourth quarter.

Windham stuck with it until the very end.

“I think when they got their first goal (things started to unravel),” said McLain. “We’re not as strong at finishing the ball as most teams and I think ... when South Portland/Westbrook got the first goal our mindsets changed. We had more of a negative attitude; at halftime, we weren’t saying positive things to one another, I think that had its biggest impact.”

According to McLain and Smyth, senior goalie Olivia McPherson was amazing minding the net, she’s been doing amazing work all season. McPherson had six saves during this game.

“South Portland did better than us, said Perfetti. “They beat us to the ball, they were hungry, they really wanted it, and it looked like that. They were all over the ball. We haven’t had many games where we’ve come back from losing. I think that comes down to experience and age; a lot of them haven’t played or started for varsity – dealing with emotions, how you talk to your teammates and how you give feedback, how you keep a positive attitude. I think they really did improve their tactical play in a lot of games, they’ve played some really good field hockey against some good teams, so I’m proud of them for that – they’ve learned the game in a way that I wasn’t necessarily expecting from high school kids. As a first season ... it’s building, we’re going to be patient, we’ll be back next year, and we’ll be ready to assess and see what we need to do better.” <