Windham I girls’ varsity soccer team shuts out Greely in final summer game

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham I girls’ soccer team, similar to the WHS varsity soccer team, played their final summer game of the season against Greely at the Twin Brooks Recreation Area in Cumberland on Wednesday, July 16. Windham played hard for two halves and mowed down the Rangers, 7-0.

Windham sophomore Maria Rose is the first player to the
ball during a girls' varsity summer soccer game against
Greely at the Twin Brooks Recreation Area in
Cumberland on Wednesday, July 16.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“The takeaway from this game is how strong the team’s going to be, working together and how we can build throughout the season,” said Windham junior Maya Dries. “At the beginning of summer soccer we were starting to piece things together and getting comfortable with everybody and having this be our final game really showed how we can piece things together with our hard work and determination. Today, our defense went well, throughout the season our communication has really built (up), which has helped. Our passing through the middle has gotten way better and being there for our teammates when we need them and our communication out of the back has been really helpful.”

In the first half, both team’s defenses were strong, and no one scored until roughly midway through the half. Windham senior Nola Bryant scored on a direct kick that went out of reach of the goalie.

Windham players took multiple shots at the Greely goalkeeper, and a short time later, senior Marley Jarvais scored, followed by Dries. At the half, Windham led, 3-0.

Intensity did not dip for the Eagles despite the heat. Jarvais scored twice at the top of the half.

“This was probably our best summer soccer game (of the season),” said Jarvais. “Our passing, our building out of the back, our goals, everyone was there ... to finish. Our crosses were amazing; we just played amazing as a whole team tonight.”

Windham controlled the field, and their defense remained tough. Dries scored and then sophomore Maria Rose found the back of the net.

“From this game, I think we’ve grown even from just like a month of soccer,” said Rose. “I think our season is going to be really good, we have very strong relationships on the team and we’re going to have a great year. I saw good communication, we’re fast, our passing and everything is really coming together.”

Windham varsity girls’ soccer coach Deb Lebel said they had some big holes to fill after losing nine seniors last year. Initially, they thought this might be a bit of a down year but quickly realized this could be a team they have the most depth on; they’re going to be able to rest kids a little bit. Last year, kids didn’t come off the field, and there’s more opportunity for that this year which has been a goal of Lebel’s; to get more players in and to get more kids involved and they should be able to do that in the fall.

“Great chance for some of the underclassmen to step up and give everyone a lot of playing time,” said Lebel. “We’re really starting to communicate better, so when they keep the width and play with each other that’s starting to really come together, making runs and it’s that second ball that they’re automatically getting there. That’s evolved over the summer. We’re still figuring out, where we can get the most out of kids; as we continue to gain confidence, we’ll still be in the thick of things come tournament time.” <

WHS girls’ lacrosse star reaches major milestone with 200th goal

By Matt Pascarella

Windham junior Abby Trainor made Windham High School varsity girls’ lacrosse history when she became the first player ever to score 200 career goals at Windham High on Tuesday, June 3 in a game against Gorham. She was only two goals away from this monumental achievement and reached her 200th goal in the first quarter. The Lady Eagles won this game 16-6; Trainor scored six goals and along with several other teammates helped earn Windham its 12th consecutive win.

Windham junior Abby Trainor, center between both signs, 
celebrates with her teammates after she scored her 200th
career lacrosse goal at Windham High School on Tuesday,
June 3 against Gorham. PHOTO NY MATT PASCARELLA 

“I think the stats just come as the season goes on,” said Trainor. “The more we progress it’s just so easy for the ball to get in my stick because there are so many teammates and almost all of our goals are assisted, and that’s why the 200th goal stat was reached so much earlier than most other teams. It felt amazing especially on an eight-meter penalty shot; there’s the intensity ... and once I heard the ping (of the ball hitting the goalpost and going in) all of my teammates jumped up and I kind of got excited; inside I know that my team supports me and the fans and everyone from Windham – everyone supports each other. That’s why it felt so good because everyone was around me.”

According to Trainor, to reach this point in her athletic career took a lot of hard work, on and off the field in the summer and fall. It also helps that the team is closeknit and spends time together outside of the season, which only makes them stronger and builds up their chemistry – which is why they have been so successful this season.

Trainor scored her 199th goal in less than the first minute of play. Shortly before the end of the first quarter, Trainor scored goal 200 on a penalty shot.

“(Abby hitting this milestone as a junior) is incredible,” said Windham varsity girls’ lacrosse coach Matt Perkins. “Our program has been around 15 years, give-or-take, we’ve never had anyone over 150 goals and she’s a junior, so that’s pretty incredible. She works so hard on the ride, she causes turnovers. If you watch our ride, she and Morgan and the rest of them, they work their tails off and Abby’s steering that like ‘push, push, push, get the ball back, get the ball back.’ She’s so good in there which raises us at that level. The other thing about her game is she and Neve and Grace have elevated everyone around them. We have kids who weren’t varsity players last year who are scoring, and they’re scoring from all different areas and different players and it’s just unselfish play – if it’s there I’ll score, if I can pass, I’ll pass. That unselfish attitude has been so huge for this team.”

Roughly a year ago, Trainor achieved her 100th career goal. After this, Trainor did not set out to achieve another 100 goals. She credited her teammates for making it so easy for her to score.

“Abby is such a fun player to work with, I’ve played with her since middle school,” said Windham senior and teammate Grace Joly. “I’ve learned so much from her, everybody looks up to her on the team and she contributes so much on the field. She’s always setting everyone else up and also taking the best drives for herself. She’s so talented and I can’t wait to see where she goes ... I’m so sad I’m going to miss her next year when I’m not here. It’s just an incredible accomplishment.”

Trainor’s goals for the future are to help Windham win a state championship.

“That would be better than any personal accolade ever,” said Trainor. <

WMS field hockey delivers season-opening win over Gorham

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Middle School’s field hockey team started strong and showed they were an organized group right from its first game, walking off with an awesome 6-1 win over the Gorham Rams at Gorham on Sept. 20.

Windham eighth grader Hayley Johnsen heads toward the
goal while keeping her focus on the ball during the WMS
field hockey season-opening game at Gorham on Friday.
Sept. 20. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA   

From the moment the game started, Windham showed they had come to win. They moved the ball, had several shots at goal and Windham eighth grader Lucy Stretch scored twice in the first quarter.

“We were finally able to play as one, instead of playing against each other and trying to focus more on feelings than the actual play at hand and going for the gut of going for that goal,” said WMS field hockey coach Allie Belaire. “What I saw today was agility; their ability to stay in very, very, long; keep running as well as we passed the ball – there’s still much room for improvement. Another thing I thought we did very well was our stick skills and seeing the field, when a defender came to one of us, using a dodge and getting around those players. Our field positioning, our spacing and using the whole field (need work). If we pass the ball more, we’ll tire out the other team, instead of dribbling into them and letting them do the work. I think positioning and using the field is something we need to work on as well as attacking that ball right from the start. We have some experienced players and some brand-new players that you couldn’t even tell are brand new; but then we have some players who are all over the field. My expectation over the season is understanding your own role on the field and then being a leader for the younger players.”

Windham saw several opportunities to take advantage of any Gorham errors and capitalized on them. Eighth grader Hayley Johnsen was quick to score early in the second quarter, but the entire team was hustling and working hard to go after the ball. When Gorham had a corner shot, Windham defense was right there to keep them scoreless. After another goal from Johnsen, Windham led 4-0 at the half.

“I think we had really good communication,” said Stretch. “We came in from the start saying, ‘we want to win and win as a team and not just individual (players).’ I also think we had good spreading out and passing and we tried really good team chemistry for our first game. I think we need to work on passing and talking a little bit more, but other than that I think we had a really good first game.”

Johnsen scored from the top of the shooting circle partway through the second half. Windham pressured and its defense remained intense.

“It was a good start,” said Johnsen. “I’m just hoping it can stay that way and stay undefeated and let everyone get a goal and contribute to the team. Definitely good talking and teamwork, passing – which is what matters most. Definitely not clumping (needs work) when we all come to the middle and staying spread out to the sides.”

The whole team worked hard from start to finish, Johnsen said. <

Windham girls’ soccer sails by York in preseason game

By Matt Pascarella

As Windham’s varsity girls’ soccer team continues preparing for the upcoming regular fall season, they hit the pitch in a preseason game against York at Windham High School on Saturday, Aug. 24. Windham scored early and kept up their intensity in shutting out York, 3-0.

Windham senior Stella Jarvais focuses on the goal after
breaking through two opponents during a preseason game
against York. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

“I think we did really good today,” said Windham senior Emily Talbot. “It’s probably ... one of the most hard-working teams. For our running in preseason, it’s been some of the best times – we all just really want to win; we’re working really hard to get there. I think we play really well together, especially this year we’ve done a good job moving the ball around and working hard for each other. There’s no separation within our team and it’s really good to see that. It shows on the field and pays off. As the season goes on, I think we’re going to just get better from here, we overall did a really good job today.”

Windham stayed with the ball and commanded the field; they got the ball by York. There were multiple shots on goal. After a short time, Talbot scored; she followed up and found the back of the net again before the end of the half. Windham held a 2-0 lead going into the second half.

“So many good things happening here,” said Windham varsity girls’ soccer coach Deb Lebel. “We’re just building from where we left off last year. I feel like we are a step forward – kids are making runs that maybe they wouldn’t a year ago; it’s becoming second nature to them. I think we have a couple freshmen who are pushing those upperclassmen – they can’t relax – because those freshmen have worked really hard and deserve to be here. I think with some incoming talent, some growth and maturity, this should be a great steppingstone for the year to come. Defensively, we need to sort out a few things in terms of quicker play, getting creative but quickly. If we can sort that out, I think we’re going to be really strong.”

The Lady Eagles’ intensity remained as Windham controlled the ball and had several shots at goal early in the second half. Their strong defense made it difficult for York to get many scoring opportunities. Partway through the second half, junior Myla Vercoe fired the ball past the goalie. Windham gave 100 percent right up until the final whistle.

“I think after a really hard week of tryouts and preseason and us all working really hard together and being able to come on the field and see where we’re at this year compared to last year,” said Vercoe. “We have good potential with us as a team and how we’re going to play; I think this was a good reflection of how we’re going to do this upcoming season. We all work really well with passing ... and our chemistry is getting better. We could always work on more communication ... and finishing. We’ve worked really good coming together and complement each other’s skills.” <

Windham graduate’s love of soccer leads to impactful athletic career

By Matt Pascarella

Starting as early as Pee Wee soccer, 2016 Windham High School graduate Ciera Berthiaume began her athletic career. She is now a second-year grad student at the University of Southern Maine and is working toward her master’s degree in leadership studies.

Windham High graduate Ciera Berthiaume keeps her focus
while playing for the University of Southern Maine
during the 2022 women's soccer season.
PHOTIO BY JAMES LIEBOWITZ

She eventually plans to go into teaching where she’ll be able to be involved in the community and still be active in the local soccer world. The youngest of three children, whether Berthiaume was playing in a game of her own, or watching one of her siblings, soccer has always been a big part of her life.

She took a break from the sport during her freshman and sophomore years of college. She started playing again because she missed it and its atmosphere.

During the 2022 season, Berthiaume helped lead the USM women’s soccer team to a Little East Conference (LEC) Championship win which advanced the team to the first round of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Championship.

“She is a remarkable mixture of athleticism and soccer technique,” said University of Southern Maine Women’s head soccer coach Seth Benjamin. “I don’t think you find many players that are as strong and as fast and as technical as Cici. She’s the all-time lead scorer for our program; I think people and teams have tended to underestimate her just thinking that she’s super strong and fast and she gets in really tight spots and gets double-teamed and she’s able to beat people on the dribble, keep the ball for us; she’s kind of the whole deal.”

She’s grown so much as a person and player in the USM program, Benjamin said. Her confidence and leadership skills have improved, and she has a great ability to bring people together and make them feel comfortable; everyone on the team looks to Berthiaume for her experience and guidance.

Benjamin says that he’s excited to see what's next for her.

"I grew up playing against siblings that never let me off the hook so when I decided to start playing again it was my determination that helped me get to where I am now,” said Berthiaume.

This season she got the opportunity to play with another Windham High graduate, Julia McKenna. They are a few years apart but were able to play together and contribute to a stellar season with the Huskies.

“I was in middle school when she was in high school playing,” said McKenna. “I do remember going

and watching her play at her high school games and thinking I wanted to be just like her. I will miss playing with her next year.”

During the 2022 USM Women’s Soccer season, Berthiaume set the University of Southern Maine women’s soccer career records with 43 goals, 20 assists and 106 overall points. Berthiaume’s also a four-time All-Little East Conference player, Second-Team player in 2018 and 2019 and First-Team player in 2021 and 2022.

Berthiaume said the accolades are something she tries not to think about. She is grateful for the second chance to play at USM and can’t wait to see where the program goes next.

When she began playing for USM in 2018, she had a goal to become LEC champions and playing for Windham taught her how to handle her nerves in high-stakes games.

She says the team plays because it’s fun and in high stakes situations it’s important to remember the foundation of why they are there. It’s been years of hard work and putting in time outside of the season to finally reach the finish line of becoming LEC champions this season.

Berthiaume likes to read and write in her free time and says she might have too many books she wants to read. She also enjoys walking her dogs and getting outside in the fresh air. <

Windham’s Thornton to play college soccer for UMaine-Orono

By Matt Pascarella

In front of friends, family, teachers, coaches, and other supporters, senior Abbey Thornton signed a letter of intent at Windham High School on Nov. 18 to attend the University of Maine Orono on a scholarship to play Division 1 soccer for the Black Bears and major in nursing.

Thornton recently broke Windham High School’s record when she scored 34 goals in a season. With all the success she has had over her high school soccer career, you might never know it as Thornton is very humble.

Jill Thornton, left, Troy Thornton and Tyler Thornton
watch as Windham High senior Abbey Thornton signs
her letter of intent on Nov. 18 to play Division 1 women's
soccer for the University of Maine-Orono.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA   

She made the All-State team, was the Southern Maine Activities Association’s Offensive Player of the Year, All-New England team and the Class A Player of the Year, just to name a few of her accomplishments during her time playing for the Windham High School varsity girls’ soccer team.

It felt really good for Thornton to sign her national letter of intent. It was satisfying and rewarding for her with all the hard work she’s put into the sport, she’s happy to have reached this point.

Like many athletes, she began playing soccer when she was very little. Her brother and her cousin already played, so Thornton followed their lead. She began at the recreation level and from there a passion was ignited which made soccer a part of Thornton’s life and one which she is excited to continue to pursue.

“Abbey would never tell you ‘I am the best soccer player.’ She’s been a standout since her freshman year,” said Windham varsity girls’ soccer coach Deb Lebel. “She’s been playing center midfield – the strongest position – and really led our team to states last year and a really great season this year.”

Lebel said Thornton will bring a strong work ethic to UMO. She’s quiet but will be a consistent hard worker every day and someone who is super talented, can play all over the field and should be able to score some goals for them.

Lebel is excited she’s staying in Maine because there are many little girls in the community who are excited to see a Windham athlete play at the Division 1 level.

The atmosphere at UMO is what drew Thornton to the school. She likes the program the women’s soccer head coach Scott Atherley has created; it’s just like a family.

Windham senior and teammate Ashley Clark has played with Thornton since they were 10. They’ve played both travel soccer and high school soccer together.

“She’s selfless on the field, a great friend and a great teammate,” said Clark. “Obviously she’s incredibly skilled, she finishes, she passes well; she’s amazing.”

Thornton would like to thank everyone in her life who helped her reach this accomplishment.

Windham High School gave Thornton the chance to play with her best friends and taught her that in the end, soccer is all about having fun. She says that she’s looking forward to continuing to play a game she loves so much. <

Windham Youth Lacrosse turns in solid defensive effort

Windham Youth Lacrosse Organization's Ivan Arsenault,
right, a sixth-grader, gets by  a Cape Elizabeth opponent
on Sunday, May 15 at Twin Brooks Recreation Area in
Cumberland. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Youth Lacrosse Organization’s fifth and sixth-grade team played back-to-back games with Cape Elizabeth and Marshwood at Twin Brooks Recreation Area in Cumberland on Sunday, May 15 and looked sharp defensively.

Cape came out strong and scored several goals early on in the game. In the second half, Windham came back and got close to tying the game. Unfortunately, Cape scored a flurry of goals before the final whistle and won.

In the Marshwood game, the Hawks scored a bunch early on, but Windham worked hard to close the gap. Despite a great effort by Windham, Marshwood overtook this game.

Windham fifth-grader Kaleb Fitch thought the team played pretty well but could have done better. He said they had good passing, had some nice chances and their defense did well.

During the game with Cape Elizabeth, Windham had solid defense early on and blocked several opportunities for Cape Elizabeth before the end of the first half. Sixth-grader Josh Arbour scored first for the Eagles. Windham fifth-grader Carson Richard put the ball between the posts ahead of the first whistle.

In the second half, Windham kicked it up a few notches when Fitch, fifth-grader Bryce Rogers, Richard and sixth-grader Ivan Arsenault all scored.

Cape fired several goals in goal before the last whistle.

In Windham’s game with Marshwood, Windham defense held off Marshwood early on and Windham took several shots at goal. Richard found the back of the net three times in the first half.

In the second half, Windham’s Arbour scored. He was followed by Richard, who scored back-to-back goals, then Fitch. Windham scored two more times.

Richard said he thought they did well passing-wise and spreading out was decent. As the season has progressed, he’s seen their spacing, when to cut and where to be improve.

Windham fought Marshwood up to the last seconds and never wavered in intensity.

“The passing was better this game than the last,” said Windham Youth Lacrosse Organization’s fifth and sixth-grade boys’ coach Joe Somma. “The kids need to work on spreading the ball around doing cuts toward the goal, but overall, they did a pretty good job.”

Somma said that Windham continues to show improvement. 

“It depends on where the kids are playing; I want to get the kids in as many positions as possible. Some kids are better at other positions ... but they should all play those positions. Depending on who’s where, you’ll get different effort,” Somma said. <