Windham varsity basketball shuts down Greely with strong start

By Matt Pascarella

Windham’s varsity summer basketball team faced Greely High in Cumberland on Monday, July 7 and its defense came out strong with Greely barely able to reach 10 points by halftime. All the while, Windham’s offense ran up the scoreboard with multiple players hitting three-pointers and the Eagles emerging with a 79-49 victory.

Windham senior Tyrie James wont be stopped as he heads
to the hoop during a summer prep basketball game against
Greely at Greely High School in Cumberland on
Monday, July 7.  PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

“I was just trying to come out here and play my best basketball,” said Windham junior Colin Janvrin, who knocked down at least five three-pointers. “We pushed the ball really well in transition and getting to the paint and kicking out for open threes or taking the layup if it was there. Something we got to work on is stopping middle drives; Greely would get to the paint a lot and have kick-out threes and it would just hurt us. We’re very confident with the team we have, and I think we’re going to go pretty far again and we’re going to have a really talented team this year.”

The Eagles took the court hungry and right away Windham sophomore Boston Krainis opened the game with a three-pointer. Moments later he hit another three-pointer.

Windham defense significantly held back Greely as they were unable to put many points up in the first part of the first half. Windham offense rebounded.

Senior Tyrie James sunk two three-pointers in a row. Janvrin sunk two three-pointers in the first half. Windham had a buzzer beater before the end of the half.

After one half, Windham led, 37-13.

“We pushed the ball well, I feel like we found our open shooters,” said James. “Defensively, we were pretty solid; we could work on rebounding. Everything you can work on, obviously. It was a great game in a hot gym, and we played well. There’s still more to work on and improve. We try not to let (the heat) affect us, but eventually it’s going to affect everyone; just got to stay hydrated.”

James said while summer wins are nice, players and teams can change a lot before the winter season begins, so it’s vital to not put too much importance on winning games.

The second half brought Janvrin opening with another three-pointer; then Moody followed suit as Windham intensity remained high – as well as temperature.

Janvrin sank two more three-pointers as Greely gained a bit of traction and closed the gap, but only a little.

Krainis hit two three-pointers as Windham answered by pulling away more. They were able to maintain the lead until the final buzzer.

“The guys just played hard,” said Windham varsity boys’ basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. “We’re trying to find out our identity, trying to figure out the chemistry our guys can have. We’re trying to find roles ... and I was proud of the guys; they did what they needed to do defensively. That’s what we can control how hard we play on the defensive side; our guys were pretty aligned there. We moved the ball really well and made a lot of shots, so that was important. What we need to work on is helpside defense, we let up a little bit and we got to keep that mentality to fighting to the last whistle and not give in; don’t worry about the scoreboard, just play through it. Those things we can improve on, we got a young team. Summer’s been great; the kids are bonding getting together, participation numbers are really big. Guys are getting into the gym early and getting their own shots up, so (there’s) a lot of hunger.” <

WHS seniors accept college athletic letters of intent

By Matt Pascarella

Seven Windham seniors Katelyn Cotter, Zoe Dries, Ava Gerrity, Carter Engelman, Tayla Pelletier, Marina Schwarz and Lukas Hammond signed their letters of intent at Windham High School on Thursday, May 28.

Windham seniors Marina Schwarz, left, Tayla
Pelletier, center, and Lukas Hammond each
signed college letters of intent at Windham
High School in May. Schwarz will attend
Thomas College in Waterville; Pelletier
will attend the University of New Hampshire;
and Hammond will attend the University of
Southern Maine in Gorham.
PHOTOS BY CHERI CROSSMAN and
MATT PASCARELLA   

The first group were profiled in The Windham Eagle’s July 4 edition; this is the second group of student-athletes to be profiled who signed college athletic letters of intent.

Tayla Pelletier – University of New Hampshire

“Profound impact, kind, humble, grit, devotion,” said Windham girls’ track and field coach Jeff Riddle about Pelletier. “As her junior teammate Sydney Broadbent said Tayla is the most dedicated athlete, teammate and leader that I’ve ever had the pleasure of being on a team with, despite the fact that she is highly successful in every event she tries, she maintains being humble, kind and is always encouraging me and all of her teammates. It’s not that Tayla demonstrates outstanding results in all that she does, it’s that she tries to master them, and she never stops. She consistently embodies the highest standards of sportsmanship, and character.”

Pelletier will major in exercise science and would like to become a sports physical therapist. She will also be on UNH’s track and field team.

“It was kind of relieving (to sign her letter of intent),” said Pelletier. “It sets what’s next in place. Windham sports has taught me determination while raising others up and working on yourself.”

Pelletier was in the top 10 percent of her 2025 graduating class and earned Honor Roll status all throughout high school.

Marina Schwarz – Thomas College, Waterville

“Her work ethic, resilience and unwavering commitment to improvement are manifesting in impressive results,” said Riddle. “These qualities make her a massive asset to our track and field program and broader community as well. She has safely gotten very strong and cultivated herself into an incredible shotput and discus thrower, a dedicated teammate and a true captain.”

Schwarz will major in marketing and minor in digital art. She’s undecided on what she’d like to do after college but has always wanted to be a real estate agent or possibly own her own business. Schwarz will be on the track and field team for throwing at Thomas College.

“I thought it was really good (to sign my letter of intent),” said Schwarz. “It was good to be along with some of my teammates ... it meant something to sign in front of my teachers, parents and all their friends; ever since my sophomore year I’ve tried my hardest with my grades. I received high honor roll in every single quarter and finished this year with all my grades being 97 and above.”

Lukas Hammond, University of Southern Maine, Gorham

“The adjective that jumps out the most for me when it comes to Lukas is overcoming adversity,” said Windham boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “From a heartbreaker season sophomore year that started out with an injury, I’ve never seen an athlete work so hard to come back. From that moment ... Lukas has always overcome. He never asked a teammate to do anything he wasn’t willing to do himself and gave 100 percent. His leadership, second-to-none; always set the example and set the bar very high. He’s a team-first guy.”

Hammond will major in mechanical engineering and go into the engineering field. He will play soccer and lacrosse at USM.

“Teamwork is the best thing I’ve learned (from Windham,)” said Hammond. “Relying on the teammates and bringing them up is this whole collective thing I’m going to be able to take with me for the rest of my life.”

He finished in the top 10 percent of his class and his advice to underclassmen is to do what you love; freshman year Hammond was playing baseball, and he picked up lacrosse and loved it and soccer has always been a passion of his. <

Windham senior Freese first recipient of Pat Moody Foundation scholarship

By Matt Pascarella

During Windham’s senior awards night at Windham High School last month, the first Pat Moody Foundation scholarship was presented to senior Braycen Freese in the amount of $2,500. The Pat Moody Foundation was created after the passing of beloved Windham resident Pat Moody who loved this town and was a champion for the local sports community and its youth.

Members of the Pat Moody Foundation gather after awarding 
the first Pat Moody Foundation Scholarship at Windham High
School during Senior Awards Night on Thursday, June 5 to
WHS senior Braycen Freese. Back from left are Todd
Hamilton, Geoff Grigsby, Chad Pulkkinen, George McCrillis,
Jedidiah Merrill, Tyler Graves, and David Harrigan. Front
from left are Tracey Lydon, Braycen Freese and
Sherma Moody. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“He was like a second father to me,” said Freese. “When I saw the scholarship go up, it was an opportunity to be felt in his name again and he’s still around in my life. He was a mentor to me, through basketball, through life, through school – every part of my life, he was a role model. It’s a great thing to be the first one, just when I see his name and my name next to each other, it brings joy to my heart. If I was ever having trouble with sports, with school, he was always there to talk, he was always teaching me new things whenever I was struggling ... he would teach me new things to get through the humps. He always celebrated me more than I celebrated myself, so he made me feel special.”

Freese said he applied to honor Moody’s name. Freese consulted his basketball coach, Chad Pulkkinen, on what he should say in his essay; Pulkkinen’s advice to Freese was to just write what was in his heart.

“Braycen is a great kid, he’s top 10 in his class,” said Pat Moody Foundation Executive Committee board member Geoff Grigsby. “He graduated a year early; he had a real strong connection with Pat. As a board, our primary focus is to be an extension of Pat; live by the model ‘What would Pat do?’ Braycen meant a ton to him and vice-versa – someone who was instrumental to Braycen’s athletic achievements. There were such strong candidates, and we wanted to help as many people as we can within reason; we thought broadening (the scholarship) to three people was the right move.”

The Pat Moody Foundation was impressed with all applicants; they added two additional $1,000 scholarships; those winners were seniors Stella Jarvais and Lukas Hammond. It was very difficult for the Pat Moody Foundation board to decide on who the winner should be – everyone’s resume was so strong, and each applicant had done so much to meet the criteria. Each applicant got a “Moody’s Army” T-shirt, which is representative of people who’ve gone above and beyond in the community.

“We wanted civic-minded, well-rounded individuals, said Moody’s best friend and Pat Moody Foundation board member Tyler Graves. “We wanted student-athletes, just because that was kind of Pat’s medium in terms of connecting with kids. They all had amazing GPAs and cumulative scores, their citizenship and volunteerism were beautiful; they had to write an essay of how they were deserving and what Pat meant to them, plus a letter of recommendation from a coach or a teacher.”

Graves said Freese’s essay really stuck out because it delved into how much Moody affected him and shaped him over the past few years and that was really touching to Graves; this person knew Moody and the way they described Moody’s impact really tugged at Graves’ heart strings.

“I’m just honored to win” said Freese, who will attend the University of Maine Orono and major in mechanical engineering and then plans to attend law school. He is still deciding if he’d like to become a private attorney or mechanical engineer. <

Seven WHS seniors sign college athletic letters of intent

By Matt Pascarella

Seven Windham seniors including Katelyn Cotter, Zoe Dries, Ava Gerrity, Carter Engelman, Tayla Pelletier, Marina Schwarz and Lukas Hammond signed college letters of intent at Windham High School on Thursday, May 28.

The first group of student-athletes signing letters of intent will be profiled this week, with the remaining student-athletes appearing in next week’s edition.

Windham High seniors get ready to sign letters of intent 
to attend colleges and play sports. Back from left are
Zoe Dries, Katelyn Cotter, Ava Gerrity, Marina
Schwarz, and Tayla Pelletier. From from left are
Carter Engelman and Luka Hammond.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

Katelyn Cotter – Husson University, Bangor

“Katelyn has been the cornerstone of our varsity team from her first match as a freshman to her final season as our captain,” said Windham varsity tennis coach Katy Dresnok. “She consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication, grit and poise on and off the court. She’s led by example, not just through her strong work ethic and play, but also through positivity and sportsmanship.”

Cotter will major in elementary education and would like to teach fourth or fifth grade. She will also play tennis.

“It was a big deal for me (to sign my commitment letter),” said Cotter. “When I started tennis freshman year, I never thought I’d be in the place I was today and play college tennis, so being able to recognize that ... was a huge moment for me.”

Zoe Dries – Colby-Sawyer College, New Hampshire

“Zoe’s impact goes far beyond the field or the classroom,” said Windham varsity field hockey coach Cory DiDonato. “She’s the definition of drive and dedication. Every early morning workout, every extra rep and every sacrifice is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence. I was able to depend on her all throughout her high school career to be a positive influence on those around her.”

Dries will major in nursing and would maybe like to become a travel nurse. She will also play field hockey for Colby-Sawyer.

“It felt really good and everything just kind of comes together and now I’m ready (for college),” said Dries. “It was also great to thank all my coaches and friends. My love for the sport and how we all felt like a family (is something she learned from Windham athletics); I’m going to miss this so much, but I’m also excited for my next couple chapters and seeing where I go from there.”

Ava Gerrity – University of Southern Maine, Gorham

“She picked up the game with remarkable ease, showing instinct and skill far beyond her experience,” said DiDonato. She’s a strong, independent young woman who carries herself with confidence and pride. The program benefited from having her around every day. Her opponents knew they were in for a challenge and her teammates knew they had a rock-solid defender they could count on.”

Gerrity will Major in biology and might pursue a pre-veterinarian track or pharmacy track. She took AP courses throughout high school and gained 10 credits for the fall. She will play field hockey and be on the track team for USM.

“It felt really good signing with my fellow classmates and just seeing where we’re going to go,” said Gerrity. “I wanted to do it because ... it’s a big deal for us to be able to sign together and have one last thing (we do) before we continue our academic and athletic careers in college.”

Carter Engelman – Northeastern University, Massachusetts

“His dedication and personal motivation have been unmatched, and his quest to be the best version of himself.” said Windham boys’ track and field coach Paula Pock. “He’s highly committed, very competitive ... he’s motivated, he’s innovative ... he takes the time to work with his teammates and demonstrates great sportsmanship.”

Engelman will major in chemical engineering but is undecided as to what he’ll do after college. He will also be on the track team for Northeastern.

“It’s always good to have a physical stimuli for an achievement,” said Engelman about signing his letter of intent. “It helps you feel the culmination of everything you’ve done and all the hard work you’ve put in.”

Third in his class, Engelman said Windham taught him that community is everything in any sport; having a support group and friends among your teammates is one of the largest things that contribute to your success. <

WHS girls’ lacrosse captures first-ever Class A state title

By Matt Pascarella

WHS varsity girls’ lacrosse team had already shattered records when it won its first-ever Regional Championship by defeating Falmouth on June 18. But it was far from finished and faced the team that had given Windham its only loss of the season, top-ranked Kennebunk, on Saturday, June 21 at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland with the Class A State Championship on the line. Windham emerged as State Champions with a 12-9 win and secured the first-ever state championship for the program.

Windham freshman Brooklyn Roy winds up to take a 
shot at goal and scores early during the Class A Girls'
Lacrosse State Championship Game against Kennebunk
in Portland on Saturday, June 21. WHS won, 12-9,
and won the program's first-ever state title.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Second-ranked Windham had a strong start and scored four goals in the first quarter. Windham’s defense held off Kennebunk and the Rams had a much harder time scoring than in their previous game against the Eagles.

“The connection we have with each other is unmatched; everyone trusts each other to the full limit,” said Windham senior Grace Joly. “We have girls stepping up that at the beginning of this season that couldn’t have – they really just jumped a step. Everybody looks for everybody; it’s not just two players running the whole field. Everybody is setting everyone up. (Comparing the two games) we were a little nervous, coming into our first game of the season, but we came into this game with a lot more confidence, knowing that we could do it and that set the tone.”

Windham won the draw and freshman Brooklyn Roy scored very early in the game. Seconds later Windham sophomore Morgan McLain scored and was assisted by junior Mady Donnelly.

The Eagles’ defense remained strong, and Kennebunk struggled to score, although they did tally one in the first quarter.

Windham remained intense throughout the entire game. They were first to the ball and passed well throughout. With just 18 seconds left in the first half, senior Grace Joly scored for the second time and WHS led at halftime, 7-4.

Junior Abby Trainor scored twice at the beginning of the second half against Kennebunk, once unassisted and once assisted by Roy.

“I think all parts of our team are really strong,” said Trainor. “Our defense is so locked down and we make quick adjustments and offensively, all seven people on the ball can score. They might not score, but they can score and anyone on the bench, too, can score. A lot of our goals are assisted ... it’s just very team ball. We’re patient and everyone is so skilled ... always being in the lead displaced (Kennebunk’s) momentum. We’ve been phenomenal on the draw all season.”

Going into the fourth quarter, Windham led by six.

“We were definitely tired (going into the fourth quarter), said Joly. “When you’re 12 minutes, six minutes, four minutes away from winning a state championship that really pushes you to dig inside the deepest part of you that wants to leave everything out on this field – especially since it’s your last game.”

Kennebunk made a little headway down the final stretch, but not enough. Windham led by three with 30 seconds remaining in the game. As the clock ticked away, Windham had possession, it became more and more evident that it was about to win its first state title and it did.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Windham girls’ lacrosse coach Matt Perkins. “I’m just so happy for these kids and this program. The kids and coaches that came before us to help build it and start it and all the work that’s gone into how we do things, how we work and how we treat each other, just really special to see it happen today. We did a much better job taking care of the ball (compared with when they played Kennebunk earlier in the season.) We took care of the ball well, we ... controlled the tempo, even when it was up three points, we still had control.” <

Windham High wins second Class A State Softball title in three years

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High’s varsity softball team derailed top-ranked Cheverus in the Regional Championship Game and then took on seventh-ranked Edward Little at Saint Joseph’s College on Saturday, June 21. Windham got the bats going early and immediately put runs on the scoreboard, ultimately winning 7-0 and capturing its second state championship in three years.

Windham junior Addison Caiazzo swings at a pitch while
batting against Edward Little during the Class A Softball
State Championship Game at Saint Joseph's College
on Saturday, June 21. WHS won, 7-0, to earn its 
second state softball title in three years.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA
 

“I think our chemistry as a team (led to the win),” said senior Stella Jarvais. “We all love each other; and I think we were doing it for each other. It’s just amazing, having this bond with the kind of people that you love and cherish and getting to practice and seeing everyone’s face is the highlight of my day. Being able to get in this game, the final game of the season, that’s what we wanted to do because we wanted to spend as much time as we could together. We’ve prepared and we’ve worked so hard. Obviously knowing this is our last game, just keep it simple; we know how to play together.”

Windham defense sent the first three Edward Little batters back to the dugout in the top of the first inning. But in the bottom of the first inning, Windham scored when junior Addison Caiazzo tripled for Windham and was followed by a single by Jarvais scoring Caiazzo. Junior Oakley McLeod reached first base and when freshman Yani Kostopoulos doubled, McLeod scored.

Windham would eventually put runs on the scoreboard in every inning but the fourth and fifth.

In the third inning, senior Kennedy Kimball reached first base following an error. McLeod singled and Kostopoulos singled. Sophomore pinch runner Abhilasha Jain scored. Later in the inning, McLeod scored on a passed ball, as did Kostopoulos.

Kimball had 11 strikeouts, no walks and no errors in the game and she only allowed three hits. She threw 84 pitches, 63 of which were strikes.

In the sixth inning, Windham senior Chloe Edwards singled and Jarvais grounded out, scoring Edwards.

“Our main goal for today was communication and keep talking to each other ... that was a big key for us”, said Caiazzo. “Once you get quiet your mind starts to wander, so just talking to everyone, talking on every pitch, kept us in the game. It feels amazing; I’m so blessed that we have the seniors we have this year – so thankful, we wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.”

In the top of the seventh inning, Windham was three outs away from another state title and recorded a strikeout, a fly out before allowing several singles. A final strikeout started the championship celebration for Windham.

“Surreal (to win a second state championship in three years),” said Windham varsity softball coach Darcey Gardiner. “I never thought taking this job I would have the caliber of athletes that I have. I can’t say enough about this team. They show up to work ... to get better and they show up every day to compete. This is where they want to be. They want to be playing the last game every year, and I couldn’t be prouder of my team. 17 girls in that dugout today, we don’t win it without one through 17 supporting us all.”

Gardiner said a lot of practice and preparation led to the victory. Their biggest focus was the change in pitchers it expected to face. The team had been prepared for a while to face Cheverus’ Addison DeRoche and now they had to turn the page and face a pitcher who wasn’t her. The coach said having pitchers like Lydia Marden, Lacie Higgins, Abhilasha Jain made their offense better by pitching to WHS batters during practice. She said the championship game wasn’t just won on Saturday, rather it was won throughout practice all week long. <

Windham softball wins second Class A Regional Championship in three years

By Matt Pascarella

Second-ranked Windham varsity softball made program history again when it won its second regional title in recent years, ousting top-ranked Cheverus at Saint Joseph’s College on Tuesday, June 17. Cheverus had beaten Windham twice in the regular season, but Windham came in ready to go and sent the Stags packing 1-0 as the Lady Eagles advanced to the Class A State Championship.

Windham Senior Chloe Edwards slides into home plate to
score Windham's winning run in the Class A Regional
Championship Game against Cheverus at Saint Jospeh's
College on Tuesday, June 17.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“It felt like we deserved it; it was a team win; we came here as a team and that’s how we executed it was together,” said Windham senior Chloe Edwards, who scored Windham’s winning run. “I saw that the ball was in the air, I had a good lead on it, and I had to go. It went past her, and I went.”

Windham defense only allowed four Cheverus hits. Windham senior pitcher Kennedy Kimball struck out eight and only walked two; she threw 69 strikes out of 98 pitches.

Cheverus loaded up the bases in the first inning, with one out; strong pitching by Kimball, plus stellar Windham defense left those bases loaded as they ended the inning.

Windham was able to get the bats going in the second inning when junior Nola Bryant doubled to left center field.

The game was scoreless until the top of the third inning. Windham loaded up the bases when Edwards walked, junior Addison Caiazzo singled and senior Stella Jarvais singled. A hit from Kimball to center was a fly-out, and Edwards didn’t tag up to score. She corrected the mistake on a passed ball and crossed home plate for the only run of the game.

“It definitely helped us that we’ve seen (Cheverus pitcher) Addison (DeRoche) for two games, that was a bonus for us,” said Windham varsity head coach Darcey Gardiner. “They stayed together and constantly played together and that’s why in moments like the first inning (Cheverus) bases loaded, seventh inning runner on – we talk about give and not break, that’s the composure that we want our girls to have, and it was awesome to see them show up with it and act like we’ve been here before.”

While Cheverus shut down Windham in a few innings, Windham returned the favor and never let them cross the plate.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, a walk put a Cheverus runner on first base with one out. Kimball struck out one and then a ground out ended the game.

“We had timely hits when we had runners in scoring position,” said Kimball. “We had good at-bats and were able to get more people on base than we had before, which was good. We did well in the field, we made all our plays in the infield and that was nice.”

In preparation for the state championship, Kimball said they need to make sure the team stays healthy and to brush up on any mistakes the coaches might have noticed during this game.

“As much as you say there’s not nerves, there always is,” said Gardiner. “If we keep communicating, that helps settle our nerves. We say in the dugout ‘stay within ourselves.’ Going into that seventh inning we said, ‘it’s a 0-0 ballgame, let’s keep playing like it’s a 0-0 ballgame.’ It goes back to us having composure with baserunners on. We can give a little without breaking and that’s exactly what we did today. It’s very hard to break this team.”<