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 Reed Wescott commits to Saint Joseph's College to play lacrosse

By Matt Pascarella

Windham senior Reed Wescott is a well-rounded individual. His high grades in Latin have made him a member of the Latin Honor Society; he’s done fundraisers through the Latin Honor Society, is a member of the Windham Chamber Singers and the Drama Club, plus he’s a star goalie on the WHS varsity boys’ lacrosse team. On Wednesday, May 31 at Windham High School, Wescott signed a letter of intent to attend St. Joseph’s College where he will play lacrosse and major in political science and history and enter pre-law during his junior year.

Windham senior Reed Wescott signs a letter of intent to
play college lacrosse for Saint Joseph's College as his
parents watch during a ceremony on May 31 at Windham
High School. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“We’ve been fortunate to have him as a starting goalie his entire high school career and we’ve been better for it,” said Windham varsity boys’ lacrosse coach Peter Small. “And not just because of who he is in the crease, but who he is on the sidelines, who he is in the school and who he is in the community. As a result, the ceiling doesn’t exist [for him].”

Wescott was looking for a smaller school that had a record of exceptional academics and a strong lacrosse program. Once he met with St. Joseph’s men’s lacrosse coach Bill Cosentino, he instantly wanted to work with him for the next four years because he’s such a great guy.

“Reed’s a stand-up guy on and off the field,” said Windham senior Owen Gaulrapp. “As a program we talk about the 21 ways to be a great teammate and I think Reed is the best guy to go to if you have anything needed. He has a lot of really awesome game IQ. I’ve grown up with Reed and we’ve played together for a while and some of the stuff he notices on the field is unbelievable.”

Gaulrapp said it will be great for St. Joseph’s College to have such an outstanding underclassman that has such a good attitude; Wescott will be able to play a role really early and Gaulrapp is excited to see how that plays out.

When Wescott was in the fourth grade, his father introduced him to lacrosse. In Wescott’s very first game they needed a goalie, so he jumped right in and did not flinch. After trying out other positions, Wescott found his way back to goal and wanted to stick with it and get better.

“I always enjoyed lacrosse,” said Wescott. “The teammates and the coaches all kept helping me and I had fun. There was never a practice or game, even a really bad loss that I felt ‘I hate this sport, I don’t want to do this anymore.’”

Wescott said a positive attitude is important when trying to get to where you want to go. He said keeping a positive attitude toward anything you do is necessary because without it, you’re not going to be able to see where you need to go or how you’re going to get there.

It felt great for Wescott to sign his letter of intent. He’s glad he’s going to play for St. Joseph’s College. It’s taken a lot of hard work and lot of practice along with summer clinics, club programs and hours outside of practice to get better.

“I can bring good positive energy, some motivation,” said Wescott. “I’d love to just motivate them. Help them get better on stuff they might not see, so in turn I can get better.”

Reed would like to thank all his coaches, Coach Small, Coach Seth Fournier and goalie coach Bob Ferro, all Wescott’s travel coaches and especially his parents, who have been so supportive all along to reach this point in his career. <

Windham senior Jackson commits to Husson University to play field hockey

By Matt Pascarella

Windham senior Annie Jackson signed her letter of intent at Windham High School on Tuesday, May 30 to attend Husson University where she will major in occupational therapy and play field hockey.

Windham senior Annie Jackson, left, signs a letter of intent
as her mom, Stephanie Smart, looks on at Windham High
School on May 30. Jackson will attend Husson University
in Bangor while playing field hockey and majoring in
occupational therapy. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Jackson would like to become an occupational therapist and will be part of a dual degree program which combines undergraduate and graduate classes into five years; this will help her get into her major quicker and allow Jackson to start her career sooner.

She first began playing field hockey in a sixth-grade summer clinic hosted by varsity field hockey coach Cory DiDonato. Afterward Jackson found a community with the other girls through field hockey.

“She works so hard and leads by example – her teammates can look to her,” said DiDonato. “She was a tremendous leader for us, my go-to; she didn’t crack under any pressure and there was quite a bit of pressure this season. She shines the brightest when she’s challenged.”

In the off season, Jackson spends a lot of time working on improving. For Jackson, practicing on her own and playing travel field hockey has helped her elevate her skills.

She’s wanted to play at the college level since seventh grade and it felt great for Jackson to sign her letter of intent.

Jackson said it’s taken a lot of hard work to get to this point. She’s built up a lot of her strength and confidence in her abilities and in her academics over the years.

“Annie’s a great teammate,” said Windham senior Emma Casale. “She’s always supportive and a really good friend of mine off the field. She’s really hard working and always brings a smile to my face and makes everybody laugh.”

Since Jackson is such a supportive player, Casale said she’ll succeed at Husson University, as an athlete and as a student.

According to Jackson, she stuck with field hockey because she likes the fast-paced nature of the game coupled with the team dynamics. She really enjoys spending time with and playing for her teammates.

“I have put so much time and energy into improving my field hockey skills which made me feel more confident with the sport,” said Jackson. “I also believe that the atmosphere of the team and working together drew me closer to the sport. I believe that having a team to depend on and bond with will help me next year as I start my first year of college.”

Her advice to underclassmen who would like to achieve what she achieved through the signing of her letter of intent is to focus on academics first because they are the most important. She also said putting your mental health first is key. There’s a community and friendships that can be built that will help a student athlete through everything else.

DiDonato said Jackson will bring stability, confidence and consistency to the program at Husson University. DiDonato said Jackson is a work horse and people will look to her for how to consistently perform. When it comes to Jackson, there are no better words to describe her than hard-working, consistent and super driven.

Jackson would like to thank her varsity coach, DiDonato and assistant coaches, Tiff Theriault and Lyndsay Stretch, for all their hard work and for being an inspiration to her. Jackson would like to thank her mother for all she’s done for her. Jackson would also like to thank her teachers and friends who have helped her get to this point. <

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 senior Murphy to play college volleyball

By Matt Pascarella

Windham senior Sam Murphy began playing volleyball in eighth grade. She fell in love with the sport because of the people. She had tried other sports, but volleyball had a positive team aspect that she really enjoyed.

Amy Powers, left, Windham High senior Sam Murphy, and 
Michael Murphy smile after Sam Murphy signs a college
letter of intent on June 8 to attend Wentworth Institute
of Technology and major in industrial design while
playing college volleyball for Wentworth.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Now that love for the sport is taking her to the next level as Murphy signed a letter of intent at Windham High School on Wednesday, June 8 to play volleyball at Wentworth Institute of Technology this fall where she will major in industrial design.

One requirement for a student to have a letter of intent signing at Windham High School is to be someone with good character. This describes Murphy very well.

“Sam is a great teammate because no matter what she’s always helping us out and always brings good spirits,” said Windham sophomore and teammate Lilly McLean.

McLean said Murphy is always willing to drop what she’s doing if a teammate needs help.

It took a lot of hard work for Murphy to get to this point. She has a lot going on in her life and is very busy, but always puts volleyball first. All the hard work made it worth it for Murphy. She likes being around the people.

It felt great for Murphy to sign her letter of intent; it was really nice for her to make everything official.

Murphy played club volleyball her freshman, sophomore and senior years. She made varsity her junior year and was a varsity team captain her senior year.

“She’s very selfless, she’s very giving,” said Windham varsity coach Chuck Fleck. “She’s helped her teammates out whenever possible. Off the court, on the court, it didn’t matter. She's just a natural leader, very caring, very empathetic and I know she's going to do great.”

Her advice to underclassmen who want to follow in her footsteps is to just go for it. Make sure you are mentally prepared to play the sport. This is a sport that if you want it, you can have it. Murphy said working hard to get better has nothing to do with your physical skill; it has to do with how good a teammate you are.

Murphy says she would like to thank her parents for supporting her and helping her prioritize things. She wants to give a big thanks to Coach Fleck for taking over Windham High School’s varsity volleyball program when they needed him and for being supportive in both their skills and mindsets.

She also would like to give a big thanks to her team, they are like family. And to Mr. Drummond who worked hard to make her signing happen; she’s very appreciative. She would also like to thank her art teachers, Mr. Bell and Mr. McLaughlin, for being there to listen to her and letting her know it’s not a scary thing to go into an art field. She would like to thank her counselor Ms. Wayne for being there to listen, too.

Murphy said that she is really excited to start the next chapter of her life and wants to thank everyone who’s ever been in it, because it got her to this point. <

Windham’s Flibbert, Washburn to compete in college soccer

By Matt Pascarella

Windham seniors Wyatt Flibbert and Cole Washburn have both wanted to play collegiate soccer since they started playing soccer at a young age.

Windham graduates Cole Washburn and 
Wyatt Flibbert display their letters of intent
to play college soccer during a ceremony at
Windham High School. Washburn will
attend Thomas College and Flibbert will
attend New England College.
PHOTO BY TIFFANY FLIBBERT

Next fall, Flibbert and Washburn will have achieved their goals of being on collegiate soccer teams. Flibbert will attend New England College and Washburn will attend Thomas College.

They are both all-conference players. Flibbert is an all-state player and Washburn is an SMAA defender.

Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Ben Schulz said these accolades are just the beginning when it comes to these student athletes.

“Both New England College and Thomas College are getting not just great players, but quality people and student athletes. I’m really excited to see what next year brings,” said Schulz.

Wyatt Flibbert

Flibbert, who plans to major in early childhood education to become an elementary school teacher, started playing soccer when he was four and said it’s been a lot of hard work along the way.

He’s enjoyed playing and it has created many friendships through the years. He’s also had a lot of support from his friends and family.

Flibbert said it felt good to sign his letter of intent. He wasn’t sure if he would make it and be able to play collegiate soccer. After all the hard work he’s put in, it’s nice to have something to show for it.

His advice to underclassmen who want to sign a letter of intent and play collegiately is to keep working. Flibbert said there is a spot for everyone; work hard, keep your grades up and be a good person – you’ll get there.

He would like to thank his brother and sister who have had a big impact on him. His brother helped him get better at soccer; they even played a couple years together in high school. He would also like to thank his mom and his dad who he said are really proud of him.

Cole Washburn

Washburn said he chose Thomas College because it was a good fit, both athletically and academically.

Washburn plans to major in entrepreneurship with a minor in digital media. He would like to do something with sports videography and photography.

Washburn began playing soccer when he was three or four. He played recreational soccer for Windham, then club soccer all the way up to varsity.

It has been a lot of hard work to get to this point, a lot of grinding it out over the preseasons in high school and double sessions.

Since it’s been a dream of Washburn’s to play in college, signing his letter of intent really solidified Washburn playing for a good, competitive Division III program.

To underclassmen who want to sit where he sits Washburn said to work hard, never give up and always have a good attitude about playing, even if you’re not starting. A good attitude is important when it comes to thinking about your future athletic endeavors.

He would like to thank Nick, his coach at New England Fitness and Athletics; he’s helped Washburn train and get a lot better. He’d also like to thank Coach Schulz, all his coaches and club coaches, his parents and sister. <

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. <

Kindness, teamwork drive Windham High lacrosse star’s success

By Matt Pascarella

Windham’s Isabelle Babb is a kind, encouraging player who leads by example on the lacrosse field. Along with being selfless, Babb has been playing lacrosse for most of her life and continues to work hard to improve at it.

Windham senior Isabelle Babb signs a letter of intent to play
Division III lacrosse for Johnson & Wales University in 
Rhode Island next year during a ceremony at Windham High
School on Monday, March 21. Her parents, Megan and Rusty,
were also on hand to watch her commit to a college program. 
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Babb signed a letter of intent at Windham High School on Monday, March 21 to play Division III lacrosse for Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island next year.

She will bring a strong work ethic to Johnson & Wales and will work hard to get where she wants to be, athletically and academically. She plans to major in psychology with a minor in criminal justice.

"It felt pretty good, [to sign her letter of intent,]” said Babb. “I’ve been wanting to do so since my brother did it, so he’s really helped me. He inspired me to be a scholar athlete and continue to play sports in college.”

When she first visited Johnson & Wales and met with the lacrosse coach there, she felt like it was where she belonged and she could see herself there, even if she wasn’t playing lacrosse.

"She’s always supportive and always encouraging everyone,” said teammate and Windham senior Kayla Flanders.

Flanders said that Babb is supportive not only during games but in practices, too and that Babb is always there for her teammates.

Babb’s older brother, Matty Babb, played lacrosse, too. When Isabelle was younger, Matty was a role model for her and motivated her to also play lacrosse.

When Isabelle was in the eighth grade, she began playing with Maineiax, a premiere boys and girls lacrosse club for grades 2 through 12 in Maine. She has played for Maineiax year-round which has helped her to improve in her athletic career.

“She’s going to bring a lot to the team and the locker room as someone who works hard and somebody’s whose so kind to others,” said Windham girls’ varsity lacrosse coach Matt Perkins. “She is just one of the most positive people I’ve ever met and it’s going to be so good for that team and that program.”

Perkins also said Babb is a great role model for the younger players. If you want to show a younger player how they’re supposed to act or what is expected of them, Isabelle is a great example.

Babb said that Coach Perkins has been very supportive of her on and off the field.

She’s grown to love the sport and said lacrosse is something she sees herself playing throughout her college career.

She’s looking forward to the upcoming Windham spring lacrosse season.

“I'm excited to have fun with everyone. Of course, I like winning, but I just want everyone to have a great year and have fun with it,” said Babb.

She would like to thank Coach Perkins and Coach Meghan Flanagan, her father Coach Rusty Babb, and her family and friends for helping her to get to this point in her career. <

Windham’s Danielle Libby to play field hockey for Saint Joseph’s College

Windham senior Danielle Libby signs a letter
of intent to attend Saint Joseph's College and 
play field hockey for that school. She will
major in sports and recreational
management in college. 
PHOTO BY TRICIA GOUD 

By Matt Pascarella

Like many student athletes, Windham High School senior Danielle Libby has put a lot of time into her sport. She began playing field hockey in middle school and has continued through her high school career. Her hard work continues to pay off.

On March 5 at Windham High School Libby signed a letter of intent to attend and play field hockey at Saint Joseph’s College in Standish, where she will major in sports and recreational management.

Libby began playing field hockey in the seventh grade. She wanted to try a new sport, she did some field hockey clinics and fell in love with it. In the eighth grade, she joined the Maine Styx Field Hockey Club, a club team that offers programs to players of all ages and abilities. From there, her field hockey career took off.

“It has taken a lot to get to this point athletically through lots of training and work that I have put into becoming the field hockey player I am today,” said Libby.

Windham varsity field hockey coach Cory DiDonato said Libby has become a leader over the years. When situations are tough, her teammates look to Libby because they know she can handle anything. Libby wants those around her to succeed as well.

“Dani has always been a hard worker and wants to do everything she can to be the best she can be. She plays in the off season competitively and is always looking for ways to improve her skills,” said DiDonato.

Libby has played in a lot of college recruiting tournaments and traveled to many different states playing in front of a variety of college coaches.

“I picked Saint Joe’s because I felt like it was a great fit for me to further my academic and field hockey career,” said Libby.

She would like to use her degree in sports and recreational management to become an athletic director or be part of a parks and recreation program.

“It felt great being able to sign the letter of intent,” Libby said. “I am very excited to get the experience to be a part of a college team and learn all the different fundamentals it takes to be a part of a college team.”

Libby would like to thank her mom and dad for being there and supporting her every step of the way.

She said that she would also like to thank her sister, Jada who gives her endless support no matter how far away she is and her boyfriend, Noah Parks, for supporting her in every game and always being there for her. <

Windham seniors Gant, Yale commit to college athletic programs

From left are Central Maine Community College
soccer coach Rob Rodriguez, Windham senior Madi
Gant, Windham varsity girls' soccer coach Deb Lebel,
and Windham varsity girls' soccer assistant coach
Chris Aube. Gant signed a letter of intent to play
soccer for CMCC and major in nursing.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

By Matt Pascarella

Windham seniors Madi Gant and Emma Yale signed letters of intent at Windham High School on March 26 and will take their athletic careers to the next level.

Gant will attend Central Maine Community College to play soccer and major in nursing, while Yale will attend Tufts University to play lacrosse and major in architecture.

Madi Gant

Gant said that she chose CMCC because of its friendly atmosphere and the fact that she didn’t feel lost while on campus. For Gant, it was the perfect fit to play a sport she loves while pursuing her degree in nursing.

Gant has been playing soccer since preschool and cannot remember a time when she wasn’t playing. She transferred to Windham High School from Greater Portland Christian School this year and seamlessly fit into the varsity soccer team. Gant has a passion for the game and feels like herself when she’s on the field.

"I’ve pushed myself a lot,” said Gant. I’ve known what my weaknesses are and I’ve ... worked harder and harder.” Gant has put 110 percent into everything she has done during practices and on the field.

Windham varsity girls’ head soccer coach Deb Lebel said Gant had a fantastic attitude and would play wherever she was needed any day.

“She has a rocket of a shot, but also knew the importance of keeping opponents out of the box on defense. She has a great work ethic and I'm sure is destined for great things in the future,” said Lebel.

Gant said it felt really good to sign the letter of intent. It felt like all her hard work has finally paid off.Gant would like to thank her parents and Rich Penny, her first soccer coach, who taught her a lot about the game and how to be a smart player.

From left, Robert Yale, Windham senior Emma Yale,
Evan Yale and Danielle Yale are shown. On Friday
March 26, Emma Yale signed a letter of intent at
Windham High School to play lacrosse at Tufts
University and major in architecture.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Emma Yale

When Yale was looking at colleges, she said that she wanted to be challenged academically and athletically. Tufts met those needs and the university’s lacrosse team is a national championship contender, which fit nicely with Yale who has been playing lacrosse since third grade.

Along with playing at the high school level for four years, Yale has been involved with Maineiax, a premier boys and girls lacrosse club in Maine since the eighth grade. Maineiax named Yale the top lacrosse player in Maine for 2020 and 2021.

“I was constantly putting myself outside of my comfort zone, and ... really elevated my game,” said Yale. 

Windham girls’ varsity lacrosse coach Matt Perkins said the two major things that really impress him about Yale are her kindness to everyone and her work ethic. In all Perkins’ years of coaching, he has never seen someone put in the work ethic and time Yale has. Her drive is unmatched.

“(Yale) is the total package; she’s a wonderful person and I’m excited to see her go to Tufts.” said Maineiax owner and coach Lauren Reid Kane.

Yale said it was really cool to have everyone that’s been a part of her journey at the intent signing; she felt so much support.

Yale would like to thank her coaches for everything they’ve done and continue to do. She is also very thankful to her family who are her biggest supporters; she said she is very lucky and grateful for everything they have done for her. <