Youth Baseball Clinic helps younger players learn new skills

By Matt Pascarella

Windham’s varsity baseball team conducted its final week of a youth baseball clinic at Windham High School on Sunday, March 23 and called it a success as both varsity and younger players gear up for exciting seasons.

Windham fifth grader Jacoby Penney keeps his focus on the
ball while in the batting cage at Windham High School
during the Windham Youth Baseball Clinic on
Sunday, March 23. PHOTO BY MATT PASSCARELLA   

This six-week clinic is a perfect opportunity for youth to work on the skills of the game, while learning new techniques from current Windham High varsity baseball players and coaches.

“To practice and get better for a new season is why I’m here,” said Windham fifth-grader Alex McGonagle. “It helps me to get better and more in shape for the new season. I’ve learned how to control the ball more and hit better. I’ve learned how to just scoop the ball up when you’re running. It feels like you are one of the varsity players when practicing with them – my dream is to play varsity – they inspire me so much that I want to pursue my career in baseball and become a Major League Baseball player. Thanks to the community for letting us come here and learn so much.”

The youth clinic was broken up into three sections: infield/outfield, pitching and hitting.

“The goal of the clinic is it goes right in line with the culture and perspective of our program so we’re trying to build everything from the ground up,” said Windham High varsity baseball coach Chris Doughty. “That starts with T-ball, AA, AAA, Little League, Middle School until eventually they make it to the end goal for us which is them being at the varsity level.”

The varsity team emphasizes their culture, making sure younger players have characteristics of what they want in their program like positive attitude, hustle and good character.

When Doughty first started participating in these clinics three years ago, they had 30 kids sign up, and this year there were about 70 kids who participated.

Doughty said Windham baseball is on people’s minds, and they want to be a part of what the varsity program is doing and that starts at the youth level.

“I need the extra help to get better and I’m learning new fundamentals and skills to be just as good when the baseball season starts up,” said Windham fifth-grader Jacoby Penney. “I’m working towards playing varsity baseball.”

It's good life experience for varsity players and Doughty tells them before every single clinic that the younger kids look up to them. “You’re their heroes, talk to them, instruct, but most importantly give them your time because that goes a long way,” he said.

Doughty wants them to remember what it felt like when varsity players were young and a varsity player worked with them, and how cool that felt.

“It gives us a chance to give out our knowledge to these younger players and it boosts our program as a whole and teaches these kids essential lessons that they need starting out,” said Windham varsity senior Joshua Plummer. “The idea is we teach them what we know and by the time they are our age, they’ll already be ahead of the game. This helps us with our game the way we field the ball ... it’s good to teach them the things that I know. It feels great to be able to share knowledge in a sport that I know and am passionate about – this is a really fun thing for me; I really enjoy working with these kids.”

It's been a great six weeks for the varsity players and the coaches. Participants have seen steady improvement in at least one area of a youth player’s game.

Varsity players say that it feels great for the team to be able to give back to the community. <

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.” <

Players work on fundamentals during Windham Youth Softball Clinic

By Matt Pascarella

Every year, the varsity softball team runs youth clinics for kids in Windham and surrounding areas as an opportunity for younger players to get to know coaches and learn from the older varsity players.

Windham High School varsity softball player Kennedy
Kimball instructs an group of younger players in fundamental
skills during the Windham Youth Softball Clinic at Windham
High on March 16. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

The clinic lasts six weeks and is open to ages 6 to 12. Their second-to-last clinic of the year was conducted at Windham High School on Sunday, March 16. It was a great opportunity for younger players to learn more about the mechanics of the game while also having fun and getting to know the WHS coaches and varsity players.

“It's important for me as a high school coach to empower my athletes and I think putting them in situations where they can lead and teach youth athletes gives them more confidence when they step onto the high school field,” said Windham varsity softball coach Darcey Gardiner. “I get to know the kids and probably more importantly they get to know me and the high school athletes. My goal is to see those girls all come to tryouts their freshman year of high school. It’s important for me as a varsity coach to interact with kids all the way down to coach-pitch, that’s what we had here today. The more girls that we can keep interested in softball then the better our program and culture is as a whole.”

By participating in these softball clinics, when these younger players get to high school, they know exactly what is expected of them and are already familiar with the drills and what they want to get out of each drill they do. The growth that coaches see from the start of the clinic to its finish is tremendous.

Windham catcher Eva Doughty, a fifth grader, said she can’t wait to get better and play this year. At the clinic, Doughty got a chance to catch for a varsity player and she said it was hard but she tried her best and had a lot of fun.

“I have done this clinic years before and I always thought it helped start the season,” said Windham eighth-grader Niyah Cummings, who helped out during the clinic this year. “It helps me build relationships with the high schoolers as well as the younger kids. The varsity high school players are having fun and showing what it’s like to be a ‘big kid’ in the sport they love.”

The clinic is split into three sections: baserunning, fielding and hitting.

Coach Gardiner and the varsity players make it exciting for the younger players with a high level of enthusiasm.

“I love softball, and I love sports in general,” said Windham fifth-grader Colby Sargent. “I’ve just been playing since I was very little. I like how the high schoolers come in because they are very inspiring; we have the potential to be on the varsity team, so they’re basically just teaching us how to be good like them.”

Another positive aspect of the clinic is for the older and younger players to meet and lessen any intimidation that might be there for the younger players. The varsity players also might gain a new fan or two.

Varsity players and Gardiner want younger players to come watch them play. The varsity team also wants to continue to be role models for the community.

“I think it’s a good way for us to see some of the young talent coming up,” said Windham senior varsity player Kennedy Kimball about the clinic. “It’s good for us to see them and for them to meet older girls and to see and get some experience from us as well as have Coach Gardiner be able to look at what’s to come and keep girls in the program. It’s nice to be able to talk to them and know that you’re not just one of the people on the team, and that you actually help them.”

There’s one more clinic left; it will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 23 in the Windham High School gymnasium. The cost to participate is $15. <

WHS graduate Talon successful on both sides of the basketball court

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School 2020 graduate Hannah Talon has been tenacious on the basketball court since she was little.

Windham High graduate Hannah Talon
was honored as Greater Northeastern
Conference Basketball Tournament
Most Valuable Player in 2023.
PHOTO BY ALLISON TALON 

While earning her degree in exercise science at Saint Joseph’s College she’s been on both sides of the court. When she was injured before her senior year of college, she became a student-assistant coach.

A month before graduation she was asked to officially become an assistant coach of the women’s basketball program, and she has made a big difference.

She is currently attending Merrimack College online pursuing her master’s in clinical mental health counseling. She will continue to coach at Saint Joseph’s College as she works toward her master’s degree. Talon says she would like to build a career in sports psychology, supporting the mental health of athletes on and off the court.

“Hannah was a very strong player for us,” said head Saint Joseph’s College women’s basketball coach Mike McDevitt. “She was a very versatile player; she was a match up nightmare for our opponents. She used her time on the sidelines watching and learning like a coach. Not everyone can make the transition from player to coach and coach players they played with. She has been able to do that without any problem at all. I know when Hannah speaks with a player during a game, they really value her input.”

In third grade, Talon began playing basketball. In the seventh grade, she became passionate about playing the sport.

By eighth grade, she knew she wanted to play college basketball. This realization fueled countless hours of training in the gym. Although she tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) twice while in high school, her determination to play at the next level never wavered.

“Playing for the women's basketball team under Coach McDevitt was an incredibly special experience that shaped me both on and off the court,” said Talon. “My time at Windham with Coach Brody Artes laid the foundation for my collegiate career, instilling in me the values of hard work, resilience, and leadership. The lessons I learned extended far beyond basketball, preparing me for the challenges of college athletics and life beyond the game.”

In 2023, the Saint Joseph’s College women’s basketball team won the Greater Northeastern Athletic Conference Championship. Talon finished that game by scoring 27 points and was named as the Conference Tournament’s Most Valuable Player; she says this was one of her most unforgettable moments as a player on the team.

Before her senior year of college, Talon tore her ACL again and made the tough decision to medically retire. She transitioned into a student-assistant coach role in 2024 where she was able to observe the game, and it was an eye-opening experience that gave her a new perspective.

According to Talon, she gained a deeper appreciation for the immense effort that coaches put in behind-the-scenes.

“My journey wouldn’t have been possible without my parents unwavering encouragement, pushing me forward even on the toughest days of recovery,” said Talon. “I also owe a great deal to my physical therapist, Ryan Brown, and my sports psychologist, Jan Veinot. Their expertise and guidance were instrumental in both my physical and mental comeback to basketball.”

During her time on the sidelines, Talon learned that one of the most valuable lessons is patience. She adapts her approach while maintaining a steady and supportive presence. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and it takes time, repetition and encouragement to help athletes reach their full potential.

“I think her ability to take her experiences as a player and implement that into coaching is key,” said teammate and Saint Joseph’s College graduate student Angelica Hurley. “Hannah stepped up in the moments that we needed it most and brought important energy all around. Hannah is a great coach, and I am grateful that I got the opportunity to be coached by her in my last year.”

Talon says that success is the ability to achieve goals while learning and growing from your mistakes along the way. She said life has a way of opening doors you never expected; success looks different for everyone but setting goals, staying disciplined and being consistent are key to making the most of any opportunity. <

Four Windham seniors sign college athletic letters of intent

By Matt Pascarella

Four Windham seniors signed their letters of intent at Windham High School on Thursday, Feb. 27.

Stella Jarvais will attend the University of Maine Orono to play soccer, Grace Joly will attend Colby-Sawyer in New Hampshire to play lacrosse, Luke Cunniffe will attend Bates in Lewiston to play soccer and Sarah Inman will attend Wheaton College in Massachusetts and be a member of the swimming team.

Windham senior Grace Joly signs a letter of intent to
attend Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire to
play lacrosse and study nursing at the school.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Stella Jarvais

“Stella is the rare, dying breed of a three-sport athlete,” said girls’ varsity soccer coach Deb Lebel. “She’s a tremendous player, but an even better person. Teams have an additional coach when Stella’s their teammate.”

While Jarvais is undecided on her college major, she chose UMaine Orono because of the community environment.

She began playing soccer at a young age through travel and recreational soccer.

Jarvais said it was surreal for her to sign a letter of intent. She reminds underclassmen to remember the process is about what you love and not what people expect from you.

She said she would like to thank all her coaches, teachers, family, and friends that have shown her unconditional love and support through the years.

Grace Joly

Joly will major in nursing at Colby-Sawyer College and might eventually work in pediatrics.

She began playing lacrosse when she was 4 because her club coach, Taylor Colangelo, was a referee for her games.

“It’s amazing to sign the letter of intent,” said Joly. “I feel like people wait for this day and it’s a really good feeling to look in the crowd and see all my family and friends, coaches.”

Her advice to underclassmen is to put in the work and make connections at a college before committing.

“We were afraid she was going to get broken the first time she got hit on the lacrosse field,” said girls’ varsity lacrosse coach Matt Perkins. “Right away she had that smile and personality, and she has really brought our program to a place where everybody is involved.”

Joly said she would like to thank WHS lacrosse coaches Perkins, Babb and Ludka; Coach Colangelo and her parents for everything they’ve done for her.

Luke Cunniffe

“He is a student of the game,” said varsity boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “Anyone that’s watched him and what’s he’s done with our program and how he’s carried himself is so heartwarming.”

Econometrics is what Cunniffe will major in at Bates College and he says that he would like to get a position in finance after that.

Signing a letter of intent was something Cunniffe always saw his friends do and he was grateful to have his moment.

His interest in soccer began during youth sports. He had tried several sports, and soccer quickly became a good outlet for him. He said soccer keeps him making good decisions and motivates him to work hard and to be a good person on and off the field.

His advice to underclassmen is to keep working; keep pushing and working toward their ultimate goal.

“As long as you’re playing the game for the right reasons, and you have people around you supporting you, and motivating you, it’s great,” said Cunniffe.

Cunniffe said he would like to thank his mom, dad, brother Sean, grandmother and his grandfather Bob Witham.

Sarah Inman

Inman says that it felt good for her to sign a letter of intent. She will major in biochemistry at Wheaton College and would like to someday make natural medicine with fewer side effects.

When Inman found swimming, she realized she was naturally born for water. She quickly moved through various swimming groups and pushed herself to do well.

“One of the very few to come through Windham and medal in both the regional championship and the state championship for four years in a row,” said WHS swim coach Peter Small. “She’s an ambassador of the sport and a true leader who approaches everything with grace.”

Her advice to anyone who wants to sign a college athletic letter of intent is to speak the truth and be confident in your choices; do what feels right and know there are people supporting you.

She would like to thank her coaches, teammates and friends who supported her through high school. <

Windham Unified basketball ends season with positivity

By Matt Pascarella

It was a big night for Windham’s Unified basketball team, which joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Monday, March 10 was the last home game of the season and Windham took on Scarborough at home.

Windham junior Zachary O'Brion takes a shot from just 
inside the paint during a Unified basketball game against
Scarborough at Windham High School on Monday,
March 10. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

It was also Senior Night for the Windham Unified team as Devan Kennie, Talia Campobasso, Colby Schmid and Jacob Smith were presented with a gift to thank them and their parents for their time and dedication to Windham Athletics.

The Eagles started strong and held onto their lead until the end of the game, emerging with a 57-41 victory.

“We did good,” said Smith. “Our partners were able to tell us when to not shoot. Talia told me to back down when (it was appropriate). What I saw that went well was we did better at communicating with each other and we did better at helping out our own team. I am so excited that we won that I’ll be thinking about it for a couple days.”

Windham came out strong and moved the ball well. They rebounded and went hard at the hoop. Schmid got a turnover and a basket. Then it was a parade of Windham athletes scoring; there was solid teamwork. The crowd roared in support for all Unified players.

Windham jumped out to a big lead early. Windham junior Mary Jean had a turnover and scored. Junior Zachary O’Brion hit a three-pointer before the end of the half where Windham led 27-18.

“I went around and scored some baskets from the left (side of the court),” said Windham freshman Tristan Stanley, who scored 12 points.

“It felt pretty great to score so much; getting good baskets went well,” Stanley said.

In the second half, Scarborough closed the gap a bit, but Windham was not letting up. Just a few minutes into the second half, Windham led by over 10 points.

Smith sank a three-pointer, and it was nothing but net. Schmid also hit a three-pointer for Windham and scored 15 points in the game.

Windham’s defense kept Scarborough at bay throughout the contest.

WHS Freshman Maddi Small connected for a basket before the final buzzer to end the season on a high note.

“They were really excited for tonight,” said Windham Unified assistant basketball coach Connor McNeil. “They were excited for Senior Night. We do usually come out to a pretty good lead; the problem has been holding on to it. They did a really good job playing with energy today. They really passed the ball pretty well. We saw a couple give-and-goes which we’ve worked on in practice, that I haven’t seen in the game, so we were pretty pleased to see that. It’s a great team; they play with a lot of energy, and they have a lot of fun. I think the most important thing about Unified basketball is it brings the community together. We had a big event at school to encourage people to come, we had a good turnout – I think Senior Night means a lot to them for that reason. It’s really nice for us to win, so we’re really happy to see everybody come out and support us; that means a lot to us and to the players.”

McNeil said Unified sports are inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding. <

Windham varsity basketball coach Pulkkinen earns 100 career wins

By Matt Pascarella

Before winning his second straight boys’ state basketball championship, Windham High varsity basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen notched his 100th career win during the state semifinal game against Portland on Thursday, Feb. 20 at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, just 10 years after becoming the team’s head coach.

Windham High varsity boys' basketball coach is interviewed
after his team won the state championship defeating South
Portland on Saturday, March 1. Pulkkinen posted his
100th career victory earlier in the state playoffs 
during the state semifinals against Portland.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to coach and to play a small role in the success of the kids at Windham,” said Pulkkinen. “It (100 wins) means I’ve had the privilege of working with so many great young men who share the same passion for basketball that I do. Our culture has been a priority from the very beginning. The true foundation of our program is the people within it—starting with my assistant coaches. They are instrumental in shaping our culture, embodying the same character, work ethic, and attitude we expect from our players.”

Pulkkinen has always had a personal goal of giving back to the town where he grew up. He is grateful for the opportunity to do so.

After college, Pulkkinen got the opportunity to achieve a lifelong goal – to play basketball professionally. He was invited to several pro-camps where he was scouted internationally and selected by the Northampton Neptunes in England. He was involved in the team’s developmental program, working with nearly 400 kids from ages 8 to 16 teaching them basketball. It has become one of the most enriching experiences of his career.

“Working with Chad, and the rest of this staff, is one of the most rewarding parts of my life,” said Windham assistant coach Geoff Grigsby. “Chad, specifically, is why I wanted to join the program in the first place. Watching a couple years of him coaching at WHS showed he had a lot of potential as a coach. I appreciate the culture he's built and the relationships that will last a lifetime because of his leadership far more.”

In 2015, it was Pat Moody who recruited Pulkkinen for the WHS head coaching position. Pulkkinen and his wife had just had their second child and coaching wasn’t on his mind. Although hesitant, Moody could sense this and continued insisting he could excel in the coaching role. Eventually, Pulkkinen took the job and says that he’s glad he did.

“From the start, Pat set me up for success, including introducing me to two incredible assistant coaches who had already been part of the program: Peter Brown and George McCrillis,” said Pulkkinen. “They are two of the best people in this town. I was fortunate to have their experience and guidance in those early years.”

McCrillis is still coaching with him today alongside three other coaches including Grigsby, Noah Estey and Chris Sargent.

“It’s hard for me to explain what a big part (coaching) is in my life,” said McCrillis. “It’s more than just basketball; it’s the kids, it’s the relationships, it’s their families, the community – and that really starts with Chad. We demand high standards and good sportsmanship. To us it’s about the big picture ... it’s not just about wins and losses (for Chad) and trying to feed our own personal egos. He talked about this right from the get-go that he wanted to develop a culture in Windham that Windham would become known throughout the state as a basketball town.”

Pulkkinen was so intensely focused on the team’s success that McCrillis had to remind him the semifinals victory was his 100th win.

Basketball is a vehicle for life and Pulkkinen, along with his coaches, want players to leave the program feeling prepared for life’s challenges through basketball. The game teaches invaluable lessons about resilience, teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. It means a lot to him to know that he has played a small part in his players’ success, hopefully, has had a positive impact in their journey.

“The impact that he has on us is tremendous, he builds confidence in us on the court as people, students, children,” said senior AJ Moody. “He’s the best coach I’ve ever had; he pushes us through walls to make us the team we were during the State Championships.” <