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.” <