WHS graduate leads by example for Saint Joseph’s lacrosse

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School 2023 graduate Reed Wescott has had a love for lacrosse since his dad introduced him to the game in fourth grade.

Windham's Reed Wescott makes a save for Saint Joseph's 
College during a men's lacrosse game at Salve Regina 
University in Rhode Island last October. 
PHOTO BY JAIME RANGER  

In his very first game, a goalie was needed and Wescott volunteered without giving it a second thought. Now a sophomore at Saint Joseph’s College earning a degree in history/political science with a pre-law track, Wescott is now the goalie for the Saint Joseph’s College men’s lacrosse team, showing his skill and positive character as a teammate and player.

“To be given this opportunity to go to school and be able to play a sport I have been working at my whole life has made me stick with it,” said Wescott. I would be a completely different person than I am right now if it wasn't for this sport and the people I met through it. For me, lacrosse has been an outlet to let go of anything that was bothering me off the field; I knew no matter what day I was having, I could go to practice and leave it all out on the field with me.”

Playing lacrosse at WHS under Coach Peter Small taught Wescott how to overcome and deal with adversity, both on and off the field, he said.

Being able to go out onto the field and adapt to any changes that can occur during the game is a skill that Wescott cherishes from Small.

Saint Joseph’s College men’s lacrosse coach Matt Gilbert said that Wescott’s commitment and leadership skills have earned him the privilege of being selected to serve on the team’s leadership council. The goal of the council is to spread leadership throughout the team so if a teammate needs help, there are team leaders who they can go to besides the main captains.

“Playing goalie in our sport is very tough and the leap from high school lacrosse to our level is a jump for anyone,” said Gilbert. “Reed made that jump look easy at times. He's a fierce friend, devoted teammate and hardworking member of our team. He is intensely focused and works hard to prepare for game days and knows what it takes to be successful in those moments.

“He also has an ever-present and potent sense of humor and is always willing to lend a listening ear to his teammates,” Gilbert said. “He not only supports them emotionally but also is helping to scout shooters and organize our defensive efforts in real time whether on the field, on the sideline or in the film room.”

Wescott has put up some impressive numbers in his short tenure on the team. During this freshman year, he had 21 saves in a game against Emmanuel College in Massachusetts. The Monks went on to win 15-7 in an important Conference Game. Wescott had 147 saves, and 32 ground balls tallied his first year.

In a recent home game against Gordon College on Wednesday, March 19, he had 11 saves; and the Monks won 7-6.

His advice to anyone looking to play a sport in college is to never stop pushing yourself.

“If you get the chance to play collegiately, don’t take it for granted,” Wescott said. “Take every opportunity you are given and give it everything you’ve got with no regrets.”

His teammates have noticed his strong work ethic.

“Reed has been a leader on our team since day one,” said Saint Joseph’s College senior teammate Anthony Samiotes. “He was a freshman who had no fear speaking up in team huddles or making his voice heard to our upperclassmen. Reed is a very supportive and positive teammate. When in a close game, having a solid goalie is incredibly important, and Reed is always up to the task.” <