Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Ava Mazzaferro (Girls' Soccer)

For senior Ava Mazzaferro, soccer has been more than just a sport—it has been a way to escape, to compete, and to grow alongside teammates who feel more like family.

“I’ve been playing soccer since I was four years old,” Ava said. “My parents put me into many sports when I was young, but soccer always stuck with me.”

That passion has only deepened over the years. Now a standout player for the Leominster High School soccer team, Ava values the game not only for its competition but for the freedom it provides.

“What I love most about soccer is how it allows me to leave everything out on the field and not think about any real-world distractions or stress I may have going on in my life,” Ava explained. “When I play, nothing else matters except the game, the moment, and the team. It allows me to feel free.”

At LHS, the team culture has also been a major highlight. “I love the team culture at LHS,” Ava said. “Practices are always fun to be a part of. We can have fun joking around but also get better as a whole.”

This season, the lessons have gone beyond the scoreboard. “(My) coach Jensen (Perez) has taught me that the hardest working team will win the game,” Ava shared. “We have to work hard, be hungry for the win, and play our game to come out on top.”

“Ava Mazzferro has been a leader on and off the field with a great attitude and the drive to work hard,” Perez explained.  

That hard work has already paid off, as Ava is committed to continue playing soccer at the Division II level for Assumption University. There, the future Blue Devil alum plans to major in Business, though the specific focus is still undecided.

Beyond the pitch, Ava stays active at LHS, participating in the Best Buddies club, the National Honor Society, and cheering on other Blue Devil teams. Academically, her favorites have included Spanish 2 with Mrs. Piragis and AP Statistics with none other than her mom, Mrs. Mazzaferro.

Life outside of school is just as full—playing club soccer for the FC Stars ECNL Regional team, working at Paisanos Pizza and Spirits, and spending time with family and friends.

Whether it’s in the classroom, on the soccer field, or in the community, Ava embodies the spirit of what it means to be a Blue Devil: hardworking, team-focused, and always ready to take on the next challenge.

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Jaliany Santiago (Flag Football)

Senior flag football standout Jaliany Santiago has lived in Leominster her whole life, attending Frances Drake and Sky View before coming up to Granite Street.  That all will change this fall when she heads south to attend Lindsey Wilson College where she earned a full scholarship to play flag football.

Her ascension to the college ranks is the culmination of a dream that started when she started playing flag football when she was six years old.

“I wanted to play football but I couldn’t so my mom found a flag league and I was one of the first girls to play flag in Massachusetts,” Jaliany said.

Jaliany said she has gotten so much from her time playing flag football.

“The bonds you create and friendships from around the world (are the best things about playing flag football),” Jaliany said.  

Being a part of the Blue Devil team has been a truly special experience as well.

“We’re all like sisters and we’re all talented and it’s a loving team,” Jaliany said.  

She has learned a lot from this experience as well.

“People are always gonna hate on you cause you’re great but at the end of the day you can only control yourself and not what other people say or do,” Jaliany said.

At LHS, Jaliany also played basketball and was on the cheer squad.

“My favorite class so far has to be Mr Mooney's math class my freshman year or my math class my senior year with Ms. D’Aniello.”

Outside of school, Jaliany likes coaching and refereeing flag football.  

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Eduarda Silva (Girls' Tennis)

Current junior Eduarda Silva tried out for the girls’ tennis team back in the spring of 2023, earning her way onto the team, and has been a valuable member of the tennis team ever since. 

It was the first time Eduarda had ever played tennis.

“My mom introduced me to the sport,” Eduarda said.  “She wanted me to try something new in high school and thought tennis would be a good idea.  I wasn't too excited about it, but she convinced me it would be a great opportunity and that I would eventually fall in love with the sport. Thankfully I did.”

As a freshman, Eduarda was limited to only two matches, but her strong athleticism was something that caught LHS girls’ tennis coach Daryl Robichaud’s attention.  

Following her freshman year, Eduarda went to work building up her game.  

“She dedicated many hours in the offseason working on her own as well as with a private instructor to improve her talents,” Robichaud explained.  

"During her sophomore campaign, she was able to compete in nine matches both as a singles and doubles player, which highlighted not only her athleticism but her growing skills on the court,” Robichaud said.  

That effort led her to being voted a tri-captain by her teammates for her junior season.  

"Eddie has taken on the leadership role of being a captain quite admirably,” Robichaud said.  “In the offseason, she researched different fundraising opportunities that may be available and settled on a platform that saw the program raise the largest amount of money in its history."

This year, Eduarda started out playing singles, but has quickly transitioned to an important role anchoring the first doubles slot where Eduarda and her partner won six of their first eight matches.  

"I look forward to my continued time with Eddie on the courts this season and anticipate that she will realize even greater success next year as a senior,” Robichaud said.

Educarda said she loves being a part of the LHS team.

“I really like that we get to meet new people from other teams or just other folks that play tennis at Doyle Field. I also love being outside in the sun,” Eduarda said.  “Since we are only a group of thirteen, I love how we grow into a small family by the end of the season.”

She has also learned a lot from her coach.

“Roby has taught me to stay positive no matter what’s going on in my match,” Eduarda explained.  “He’s also taught me to be proud of myself no matter the outcome of a match.”

Eduarda has also recently begun thinking about her post high school plans.

“After high school I plan on going to college,” Eduarda said.  “I don’t know my major yet but I plan on doing something in the area of Architecture or Engineering.”

Here at LHS, Eduarda is a  part of Student Council, Student Government, Program Advisory Committee and G.I.V.E.

“My favorite class at LHS so far has been Honors Geometry with Ms. A,” Eduarda said.  “She always kept the class interesting and easy to understand.  I’ll have to say my favorite teacher was Mr. Robichaud because he made sure his class would be like no other.”

Outside of school, Eduarda likes to go lap swimming since she used to be a competitive swimmer before high school.  

  

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Gianna Tata (Softball)

Sophomore Gianna Tata is having a great year coming off a season-ending injury a year ago during her freshman campaign.

“Last season she led our team in hits and batting average, and then a player from another team collided with her causing a season ending break of her throwing wrist,” LHS softball coach Tara Witzgall said.  “Gianna had to have surgery and bolts put in her wrist to repair it.”

Witzgall said she is so impressed with how Gianna came back from the injury.

“Most players may not have come back from an injury like that but Gianna did and is currently leading the team in hits (10) and a batting average of .625,” Witzgall said.  “She’s a tough, resilient kid who is a pleasure to coach.” 

Gianna is a Fitchburg resident, attending schools in Leominster via School-Choice where she attended Northwest and Sky View before coming to LHS.  

Gianna began playing softball when she was five years old.

“My dad started playing with me in the backyard and saw my potential,” Gianna said.  “I continued playing baseball with North Leominster Little League until I aged out at twelve years old.”

Gianna started playing travel softball when she was 12 and made the LHS varsity squad as a freshman.

Gianna loves the competitiveness that playing softball brings about and also loves being a part of the LHS team.

“(I like) my teammates,” Gianna explained.  “We are all team players and work well together.”

She has also learned a lot from Coach Witzgall in her time as a Blue Devil.

“Be confident, and regardless of how you feel about your own performance, don't drag others down with you, instead lift them up,” Gianna said.  

Gianna said her favorite class so far at LHS has been Health with Mr. Boyd.  

Outside of school, Gianna loves going to the beach and spending time with family. 

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Sydney Creaven (Outdoor Track)

Junior outdoor track athlete Sydney Creaven, a CTEi student in the Health Assisting program, started running track during her freshman year here at LHS.

“My mom told me I should run track freshman year and I signed up with some friends and have been doing it ever since,” Sydney said.  

Sydney Creaven was always a valuable asset to the track team,” LHS girls’ track coach Karen Marino said.  “She is extremely versatile and can successfully compete at a high level in multiple running events and has stepped up her game in field events.”  

Marino also said Sydney has grown into a team leader.

“She has become a very positive teammate and leader for us this year,” Marino said.  “I look forward to watching her compete this year.”

Sydney said she really likes outdoor track.

“I like having easy runs with friends where we can talk and go around the town, and I love having meets because they are so fun and great to go to,” Sydney said.  

“I like that everyone is friendly and inviting and the team is really kind,” Sydney added.  

Sydney said she also learned a lot from Coach Marino.

“I learned to have a more positive attitude and how being negative can affect your runs and life,” Sydney said.  

While Sydney hasn’t looked at any colleges yet, she does have a good idea what she wants to do someday.

“I would love to be a pediatric doctor in a hospital setting because I love being around kids and I would love to take care of them and make them all better,” Sydney said.

At LHS, Sydney plays on the soccer team, and is in Best Buddies and the Health Club.

“My favorite class has been Health Assisting taught by Ms. Poulin,” Sydney said.

Outside of school, Sydney likes to ski and go to the beach when the weather is nice out.  

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: The Freshmen Trio (Boys' Lacrosse)

The LHS boys’ lacrosse team is getting big-time production from an unlikely source this year - a trio of talented freshmen.  Jacob Halstead (goaltender), Jaxson Comley (defense) and Ben Hersey (attack) have burst onto the scene at the varsity level in their first year under coach Colin Davis.  

“This season, our Varsity Boys Lacrosse team is relying on three freshmen to be immediate contributors, and they have answered the call,” Davis said.  “We have not started or played this many freshmen since (current) assistant coach John Doherty led a group of six talented Varsity freshmen in 2015.”

Davis said the freshmen trio has done a great job competing against athletes who are older and more experienced.

“Also all three are absolutely great student-athletes with near straight-A grades, while all taking honors classes,” Davis added.  “They are exceptionally hard workers and outstanding representatives of Leominster High School.”

Davis said Halstead is an accomplished year-round club lacrosse player, who is already one of the best goalies in Central Mass as a freshman.  In his high school debut against a talented Algonquin squad, Halstead made a sensational 22 saves.  He went on to pick up his first win against Hudson.

“His pinpoint passing from the crease has improved the team's clearing so much, an issue that plagued the team last season,” Davis said.  

Jaxson Comely has started every game this year, and played nearly every minute for the Blue Devils.  

“He has handled the responsibility of one of the opponent's best scorers each game,” Davis said.  “He has caused quite a few opponent turnovers, and scooped up seven ground balls, in addition to helping out on the clear and working well and communicating with his teammates on defense.  He has a bright future ahead as a big, mobile and agile defenseman.” 

Ben Hersey is a great example of hard work paying off Davis said.

“Initially after tryouts, Ben was placed on JV, but within about a week of practice, he had already earned an elevation to the Varsity team,” Davis said.  “Ben immediately contributed right away and helped out an offense that has been struggling.  He has started a Varsity game, and played in several others, in addition to being the leading goal scorer on our JV team.”

Ben learned how to play lacrosse from his father and started when he was in the first grade.

“What I like most about being a freshman playing varsity lacrosse is the team camaraderie that has quickly developed,” Ben said.  “We have great upperclassmen leadership.”

Ben’s favorite teacher is Mrs. DiPinto.  

“She has helped me with my writing and will help shape my college essays,” Ben said.

Outside of lacrosse Ben likes to stay active and work out. He also loves to downhill ski in the winter and travel with his family.

Jaxson said his parents signed him up for lacrosse when he was five years old and has been playing ever since.  

“The best thing about joining the team is that everyone is very welcoming,” Jaxson said.  “I have been looking forward to the more physical high school games, and I appreciate that the older players value my skills.” 

Jaxson said his favorite teacher is his HVAC teacher, Mr. Gross.  

“He is laid back, funny, and has a lot of knowledge to share about what HVAC has to offer,” Jaxson said.   

Outside of lacrosse, Jaxson enjoys snowboarding in the winter and he likes to work out in the summer and eat good meals. 

Jacob first started playing lacrosse in second grade following in the footsteps of his older brother.  

“I enjoy learning from the other people, like our captains who have been great, but as a goalie I also enjoy the whole aspect of being the leader of the defense and commanding, to try and save goals,” Jacob said.  

Jacob’s favorite teacher at LHS is his Spanish teacher, Ms. Piragis. 

“She has been great at helping me learn Spanish as well as being really nice and a great teacher,” Jacob said.  

Outside of lacrosse, Jacob plays basketball for the school and he likes golfing, skiing and hanging out with friends and family.

 

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Maggie Leighton (Girls' Tennis)

Prior to the spring of her sophomore year, now senior Maggie Leighton wasn’t thinking much about tennis, let alone being a part of the tennis team.  However, thanks to a friend and some carefully crafted words from LHS girls’ tennis coach Daryl Robichaud, that all changed. 

“One of the members on the tennis team, that I played on the volleyball team with, thought I would be a good addition to the team and told Coach Robichaud,” Maggie explained.

Coach Robichaud seized the opportunity.

“After my strong recruiting pitch to her in D-Wing during the winter of 2023, Maggie joined the team at the start of her sophomore season in March of that year,” Robichaud said.  

Since that point, it has been a steady climb for Maggie, who is one of the tri-captains for the 2025 campaign.    

“Having a veteran-laden roster of accomplished players ahead of her on the depth chart during her sophomore year, Maggie was relegated to only one match in which she paired with fellow rookie, Natalie Brady and won their respective debut at North Middlesex,” Robichaud said.  

For her junior year, Maggie carved out a larger role for herself with her continued improved play.   

“During her junior campaign, Maggie established herself as a valued member of the team, appearing in seventeen matches, posting an 11-6 record in those matches and most amazingly, earned match wins with seven different teammates at both First and Second Doubles, with five of those wins being with rookies playing in the first matches of their career,” Robichaud said.  

Now a seasoned veteran, Maggie said she loves playing tennis and being a part of the LHS girls’ tennis team.

“I like collaborating with another teammate while playing doubles,” Maggie said.  “Being up at the net is my favorite part because I can bring in techniques from other sports to make my playing better.”

“The team has a great balance of being competitive and having fun,” Maggie continued.  “By the end of the season, the team feels like a family to me.”

Maggie said she has learned a lot from Coach Robichaud, especially considering she had never played tennis before appearing on the court for her coach back as a sophomore.  

“I had never played tennis before making the team, so besides learning tennis from the very beginning, I’ve learned to not give up and not get in my head,” Maggie said.

Maggie will be attending Harvard University in the fall, where she will be studying Human Regenerative and Developmental Biology on the pre-med track.   She hopes to play club or intramural tennis while she is there.

Here at LHS, Maggie is on the volleyball team in the fall, is the president of the Chorus, dance captain of Ignition Show Choir and member of the National Honor Society. 

“My favorite class at LHS has been my Italian class,” Maggie said.  “I started studying it as a freshman and am currently in AP Italian.  My Italian teacher, Dr. Lajoie, is my favorite teacher, and last summer, she gave us the opportunity to travel to Italy on a class trip.  It was an amazing experience to travel abroad and I hope to return to practice my language soon.”

Maggie stays busy outside of school as well. 

“I have been dancing since I was a little girl and am currently preparing for my senior year recital,” Maggie said.  “I have also been studying the piano for 10 years.  I have been busy around the state in my role as Miss Massachusetts’ Teen, and am currently organizing a concert to benefit school music programs.”