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. <

WHS senior Tillery commits to USM track

By Matt Pascarella

Windham senior Marcus Tillery is headed to the University of Southern Maine in Gorham to major in criminology and be part of the men’s track and field team. He signed a letter of intent in front of a large group of friends, family, teachers and supporters on Thursday, May 16 at Windham High School. His coaches spoke very highly of him, emphasizing his leadership qualities, positivity as well as his skill on the field and the track.

Windham senior Marcus Tillery, left, joins his father Michael
after signing a letter of intent to attend the University of
Southern Maine in Gorham where he will major in
criminology and participate in track and field.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“It feels kind of unreal,” said Tillery. “Seeing all these people from the past three years in one room, they all in some way, somehow impacted my life – I love it; seeing everybody together like that brings joy to my heart.”

As a freshman, Tillery attended Lake Brantley High School in Florida. He competed in track and field as a way to train for football in the off-season. He quickly fell in love with track and field. He transferred to Windham High School as a sophomore where he faced adversity early on and felt like he didn’t fit in. It was Windham’s athletic program that opened big arms for him, to which he is forever grateful.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure; I’ve worked with Marcus for three years,” said boys’ track and field coach Paula Pock. “He picks up his entire team; he picks up his entire league; we can go to any meet and Marcus knows just about everyone, they all have to check in on him, it’s like one big family. His work ethic and commitment are great examples of what coaches want in their athletes. Once he leaves, there are going to be some big shoes to fill at Windham, but his positive role-modeling will last for many, many seasons.”

Tillery chose the University of Southern Maine because in talking to the players and the coaches there, they all seemed like a family; very supportive of each other. He said the coaches were phenomenal and are all USM alumni, so they know what it feels like to be in his shoes.

“His work ethic, like pushing us all ... the way to states, no matter who you are, what you do, he's always going to push you,” said Windham senior track and field teammate Aiden Hanson. “He's going to bring out the best in all his teammates, no matter what, just a great person all around. He’s going to uplift people even as a freshman.”

Tillery said it felt great to sign his letter of intent. He said he loves getting the opportunity to compete at the next level and knows not everyone gets that chance. He’s excited and can’t wait to start.

“I met Marcus as a sophomore,” said varsity football coach Matt Perkins. “Big personality, right away the way he talks to people at their level looks you in the eye, is as real as the day is long. He’s very kind, does anything for anybody and is a phenomenal teammate. This year he had a great year in football – he had many yards and touchdowns, he was more impactful as a person, because of who he is and what he is and what he stands for. What he’s done in the classroom from day one to now is very impressive ... he put the time in to get the grades and now he’s moving on. I’m proud of him and feel very, very fortunate to have coached him.”

Tillery’s advice to underclassmen is to know your priorities.

“Don’t take the classroom lightly,” said Tillery. “You’re a student and then you’re an athlete. Care about your academics, go to class every day, respect your teachers, respect everyone ... be a great student in the classroom and a great person in the community. Be a good example – lead by example.”

Tillery said he would like to thank Coach Pock, Coach Flaherty, Coach Blood and give a special thank you to Coach Perkins, and Coach Estey. <

Windham seniors Campbell, Woolston to continue lacrosse careers in college

Windham High seniors Will Woolston, left, and Logan
Campbell gather to sign Letters of Intent to play college
lacrosse on Tuesday, April 26. Woolston will attend
Clarkson University in New York and Campbell will attend
Southern New Hampshire University.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High lacrosse players Logan Campbell and Will Woolston came on as freshman in 2019 with a real passion for the game. They took that passion and elevated it in order to become the leaders they are today and they each signed letters of intent at Windham High School on Tuesday, April 26 to play collegiate lacrosse.

Campbell will attend Southern New Hampshire University and major in construction management. He’d like to use his major for building or designing homes or possibly work in real estate.

Woolston will attend Clarkson University in New York and major in engineering and management. He isn’t sure yet what he’d like to do with his major.

“They want to uplift everybody – to me that’s crucial,” said Windham varsity boys’ lacrosse coach Peter Small. “They are not cliquey individuals with groups of friends. They are reaching out to their teammates ... they invite their teammates; they want their passion of the game to spread to other people.”

Both Campbell and Woolston have spread their passion for the game in the community by working with the younger players to help develop the same love and skill for lacrosse they both have.

Logan Campbell

Campbell’s father showed him how to play lacrosse when he was in the fourth grade. From that point on, he was hooked.

“I enjoy the fast-paced game, I enjoy playing defense,” said Campbell. “Club teams are really good; really fun to play with. I still communicate with guys from my club team. It’s really fun and I’ll cherish those memories we had over the summer.”

It felt good for Campbell to sign his letter of intent. The program at SNHU is a nice one; Campbell felt welcomed by the Coach Paul Calkins and is looking forward to it.

Campbell knew that if he wanted to play in college, he needed to work hard every day and continue to do so throughout his athletic career. He realized the pace of the game was much faster in college. In order to prepare for lacrosse at SNHU he’s been going to New England Fitness and Athletics in Windham every day after practice.

Campbell would like to thank his family for all their support, especially his mom, as well as his teammates and coaches.

Will Woolston

Woolston chose Clarkson University because they have a very strong academic program. Woolston said the lacrosse coach, Coach Bill Bergan, is an old-school coach, which he likes.

He feels relieved and said it felt good to sign his letter of intent. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to this point.

“Academics is a big part of moving forward with your collegiate career,” said Woolston. “Some schools where you grind for lacrosse, you won’t be able to get in without academics. I’ve always worked hard with lacrosse, but this year I’ve really stepped up my academics.”

Woolston’s older brother, Tyler, got him interested in lacrosse. Tyler Woolston, a Windham alumnus, currently plays Division I lacrosse for the University of Vermont.

Will Woolston began playing in the second grade and just fell in love with the sport. Will Woolston said his brother always pushed him to be better and work harder.

Woolston would like to thank his dad and his mom for pushing him to be better. <

Athletics help Windham’s Sadie Nelson achieve her goals

Windham High graduate Sadie Nelson went on to
play college basketball for the University of
New England and is now a graduate assistant
coach at Cedar Crest College in Pennsylvania.
PHOTO BY DAVID BATES 

By Matt Pascarella

When Windham alumna Sadie Nelson looks back on her time during high school, it’s hard for her to not think about all the memories that she was able to create through sports.

Sports has had a very positive effect on her life. Nelson is currently an assistant women’s basketball coach and graduate student at Cedar Crest College in Pennsylvania going for her master’s degree in Education: Art of Teaching.

Nelson graduated in 2016, and while at Windham High School played soccer, basketball and softball. She is a member of basketball’s Thousand-Point Club.

After Windham, Nelson went on to the University of New England where she played basketball and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. While at UNE her team won two Commonwealth Coast Conference championships and had two appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

UNE’s Head Women’s basketball coach Anthony Ewing said Nelson brought a great work ethic and desire to get better and win. She worked hard in practice every day, leading by example. She was a versatile player both offensively and defensively.

“Basketball put me in scenarios that have made me a stronger person today,” said Nelson. “I tore my ACL my sophomore year of college and that was one of my hardest years to date. I knew that I had to put my all into my recovery if I wanted to come back stronger than I was before.”

Nelson did come back stronger the following year and was nominated a First Team All-Conference player.

After UNE, she knew she had more to give the game and wanted to explore the coaching field in order to see the game from another perspective.

Coach Ewing, reached out to her about coaches looking for graduate basketball assistants. Nelson jumped at the chance.

At first, it was hard for her to get out of the player mindset; she later found that mindset helped her relate to, teach and motivate her players.

Nelson said being part of the coaching staff has really opened her eyes to a lot of the hard work that goes into coaching a team.

“Sadie brings ... a great level of experience,” said Cedar Crest College women’s basketball coach Kenric Carter. “By playing basketball for a good program in college, playing in the Division III NCAA tournament, she understands what it takes to win as a player which correlates to her becoming a good coach. I am very happy to have Sadie as my assistant and I am looking forward to seeing her grow as a coach.”  

Nelson sets goals for herself in sports and life and does what it takes to get there. She said it’s important to note she’s failed just as much as she’s succeeded. Athletics have helped her achieve many of her goals and she’s very grateful for this.

“Hard work ... can lead to opportunities you couldn’t have gotten without it,” said Nelson.

She plans to use her master’s degree to further herself in athletics and would like to be a head coach or athletic director someday.

Her advice to students who would like to continue their athletic careers after high school is to advocate for and put yourself out there. It’s important to understand the task at hand and take every opportunity that arises. Set goals for yourself and know the little things matter; be in the moment and don’t take anything for granted.

When Nelson is not on the court, she’s found a new passion for running and is currently training for her first half marathon this summer. She has taken her time to get used to and explore new places, being new to the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania. Nelson also took up golf last summer and plans to get out on the course soon.

“Being an athlete will always be a part of who I am, but it doesn’t truly define me,” said Nelson. “It gave me the qualities and lessons that will lead me to my next stop in the road and luckily for me I get to continue to wake up and do what I love every day.” <

Coach positively impacts RSU 14 athletics in many ways

By Matt Pascarella

Windham varsity girls' soccer assistant coach Chris Aube,
left, holds Windham's third state championship ball with Coach
Deb Lebel and assistant coach Jen Sullivan on Nov. 6 at
Massabesic High School. Aube has been involved with
Windham athletics for five years now. 
PHOTO By ALLISON TALON   

Windham coach Chris Aube has been involved with Windham athletics in some form or another for five years. He’s an assistant coach for the varsity girls’ soccer team but is also an announcer for Windham’s varsity volleyball team, varsity boys’ and girls’ lacrosse teams and Windham’s unified basketball team.

He will be entering his fifth season as coach for Massabesic’s varsity girls’ basketball team and his 25^th year as a head coach.

Aube’s family got him interested in athletics. His grandfather was an All-American pitcher at Fordham University and was drafted by the New York Yankees. Aube’s father coached baseball. Aube played soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter and baseball in the spring.

Between seasons, Aube found a gym or outdoor court to play. He played three sports in high school and four years of college basketball. The friendships he formed through athletics are still strong today. Aube said he was fortunate to have had some great coaches and educators.

Since sports were a major part of his upbringing, being a coach scratched his competition itch. He served as a volunteer coach, worked camps and would scout for whomever would take him.

Initially he got into coaching for the competition, but now it’s about the relationships he’s built with the players.

“There is a bond between player and coach that cannot be replicated in the classroom,” said Aube.

His biggest coaching influences are his father and his Westbrook High School basketball coach, Art Dyer. Aube is still close with his teammates from Westbrook, and they frequently talk about lessons they’ve learned and how they can apply them to student athletes. Aube hopes he has the same impact on the players he is fortunate to coach.

Massabesic senior basketball player Emily Jacobs said Aube always has his player’s best interests at heart and creates a comfortable, fun environment that allows the team to prosper. He has taught his players to always strive to be better.

Before coming to Windham, Aube worked in athletics at Thomas College where he was an admissions counselor and coached the women’s basketball team and was named two-time coach of the year.

Aube also coached men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball for one season at Thomas College.

After he left Thomas College, he taught at Buckfield High School coaching varsity girls’ soccer. He’s coached varsity girls’ soccer at Gray-New Gloucester and Westbrook High School, too.

“Chris is definitely a great coach to have working with the team,” said Windham varsity girls soccer Coach Deb Lebel. “He has a great sense of humor that he brings daily and helps him connect with the team; he loves ... bringing creative drills to practice and pushing athletes to play at a higher level.”

Aube was in awe of the girls’ soccer team this season. He said what they did is a tremendous accomplishment, but to accomplish a win like that when everyone expects you to win adds a lot of pressure. Windham brought their ‘A’ game every night.

“Playing for coach Aube is very easy and relaxing,” said Windham varsity soccer junior Abbey Thornton. “He is so supportive and just wants everyone to do their best. It's fun to play for Aube because he is so passionate about soccer, and you want him to be proud of the way we represent him.”

Aube grew up in Westbrook and still lives there. He has been at Windham for 10 years and teaches social studies. He earned a Master of Science degree in Education from Thomas College. <