Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Annika Hjelm (Field Hockey)

In just a few short years, Annika Hjelm has become a key player for the Leominster High School Blue Devils field hockey team. Now a junior, Hjelm has proven herself as a talented athlete with a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to her teammates.

“Annika has developed into a strong and reliable player for our team,” said coach Catherine Brow. “She consistently demonstrates confidence and focus on the field, and she is always willing to put in the work to improve. Her positive attitude and team-first mindset make her a valued member of our program.”

Hjelm first picked up field hockey as a freshman, inspired by friends who played. 

“A couple of my friends played, and I wanted to play a fall sport,” she said. 

Over the years, she has grown to love the team aspect of the sport and the way it allows her to develop her skills with each practice and game.

For Hjelm, being part of the LHS team goes beyond competition. 

“I have made so many new friendships that will last a lifetime,” she said. “Our team is like a family, and we support each other both on and off the field.”

Coach Brow praised Hjelm’s development and confidence. 

“Annika has learned to be more confident in herself and her skills, especially in her position on the left side,” Brow said. “She is a dedicated athlete who strives to improve and consistently uplifts her teammates.”

Looking ahead, Hjelm is considering continuing her field hockey career at the club level in college, while also planning to pursue her goal of becoming an elementary school teacher.

Beyond field hockey, Hjelm is active in indoor track and lacrosse and serves as a student representative for the Class of 2027. Academically, her favorite class has been Spanish 3 with Mrs. Piragis, whom she credits for helping her master the language.

Outside of school, Hjelm enjoys spending time with family and friends and giving back to the community. 

“I love to volunteer, whether it is with church, Challenger baseball and basketball, or anything else around the city,” she said. “Being involved with others inspires me to be my best every day.”

For Annika Hjelm, field hockey is more than just a sport — it’s a way to grow as an athlete, build lifelong friendships, and contribute positively to her school and community.

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Ben Marchetti (Football)

Whether he’s making a tackle on defense or pushing through a long, intense practice, Leominster High School/CTEi junior Ben Marchetti approaches everything with focus, effort, and quiet leadership — the kind of player every coach wants on their team.

“Ben is such a valued member of our football program,” said head coach Devin Gates. “He is extremely coachable and rarely makes the same mistake twice. He’s the leader of the defense and a great weapon on offense. Ben leads by example, on the field and in the classroom. He’s an excellent student and just does everything the right way. He never cuts corners.”

Marchetti first started playing football in second grade, continued through fifth, and returned to the game as a freshman at LHS — a decision that has clearly paid off. 

“I got introduced to the sport (by) watching it on TV and gaining an interest in playing it,” Ben said. “What I like most about football are the friendships and bonds that come out of it.”

Those friendships are what make the team experience at Leominster so meaningful to him. 

“What I enjoy most about being a part of the team at LHS is the friendships and team activities we all do together,” Marchetti said. “It’s always a great time whenever we are all together.”

From his coaches, Ben has learned that success takes both trust and teamwork. 

“I’ve learned that every coach, including our head coach, cares very much about everyone on the team,” he said. “In order to succeed, you have to work together and not get down on one another.”

Coach Gates praised that mindset and the example Ben sets. 

“He has a great motor and flies around the field on defense,” Gates said. “On top of all that, he’s a stellar person with A+ character. Ben’s future is very bright.”

Off the field, Ben keeps just as busy. He’s a member of Best Buddies and the National Honor Society, and he also plays lacrosse for LHS. In the classroom, his favorite course so far has been freshman year history with Mr. Barnaby. 

“I had a bunch of friends in that class, and it was just a great time all year,” he said. “There was no fooling around — we all worked together on classwork and projects and had fun.”

Outside of school, Ben enjoys spending time outdoors and with family. 

“My main hobby throughout the fall season is hunting,” he said. “I’ve grown up hunting with my family and have enjoyed every last minute of it.” 

He also loves dirt biking, fishing, mowing lawns, and hanging out with friends — anything that keeps him active.

Looking ahead, Ben plans to attend college and hopes to continue playing football if the opportunity arises. Academically, he’s focused on pursuing a career in electrical work, a field he’s already studying in the LHS electrical shop program as a CTEi student.  

With his strong work ethic, leadership, and character, Ben Marchetti represents the very best of Leominster High School/CTEi — a student-athlete who excels on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Lilly Mundie (Girls' Volleyball)

Less than two months after picking up volleyball as a freshman, Lilly Mundie was already swinging her way toward varsity. Now a junior at Leominster High School, Mundie has grown into a standout player whose talent, poise, and leadership have made her an integral part of the Blue Devils’ girls’ volleyball team.

“Lilly Mundie has shown so much potential since day one of her volleyball career,” said head coach Samantha Comeau. “She has made a great name for herself both on our team and throughout the Mid-Wach league because of her strength, high volleyball IQ, and her ability to adjust to any type of play. Lilly remains calm in the most intense situations, and is extremely reliable. We can always count on her to make a smart play, and she always keeps our opponents on their toes.”

For Mundie, volleyball has always been about teamwork and connection. 

“The thing I like most about volleyball is the amount of teamwork it requires,” she said. “This sport is all about trust in yourself and your team. I think that volleyball is one of the sports that relies most on team chemistry and cooperation. I love my teammates and love developing a greater connection with them every time we play, at practice or a game.”

Mundie also values the community she has found within the LHS team. 

“What I like most about being part of the team at LHS is having a distraction from school and things going on outside of it,” she said. “I love being a part of a competitive team that helps me grow as a person and a player. My team at LHS is an incredible group of girls that have made my experience here so much better, and I know we will continue to be friends even after we graduate.”

Her growth as a player is a direct result of her coach’s guidance. 

“I’ve learned many things from Coach Comeau over the three seasons I’ve played,” Mundie said. “She taught me everything about volleyball and made me the player I am today. She also taught me how to have confidence in myself. Every practice my sophomore year she would say, ‘Lilly hit the ball!’ She kept making me hit until I was able to do it on my own. This translated to my life outside of school as well, and I’m so grateful for that.”

Comeau emphasizes not only Mundie’s skill but also her character. 

“Most importantly, Lilly is an incredible teammate and athlete. She is kind, compassionate, and humble. She consistently strives to better herself and those around her, and always celebrates her teammates’ victories over her own. She is a key factor in our team and our program’s success, and we are so lucky to have her.”

Looking ahead, Mundie plans to continue playing volleyball through college club teams while pursuing a career in physical therapy with a major in biology. Beyond sports, she is active in the Mayor’s Youth Council, student government, National Honor Society, and plays lacrosse in the spring. She also enjoys coaching younger athletes, particularly helping her little sister with her middle school basketball and softball teams.

Academics are also a priority for Mundie. 

“My favorite class at LHS so far has been biology freshman year,” she said. “One of my favorite subjects is science and I love to learn about the human body and anatomy. My biology teacher, Mr. Larson, also did many hands-on activities which I enjoy and that help me learn the best. My favorite teacher so far has been Ms. Spylios. She has always been there for me and has helped me finish many tough classes, through academic and social advice. I’m extremely grateful for her, and my experience at LHS would not be nearly as good without her!”

For Lilly Mundie, volleyball is more than just a game. It’s a way to grow as a player, a teammate, and a person — and it’s clear her dedication is leaving a lasting mark on Leominster High School’s volleyball program.

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Sawyer Corbin (Golf)

Four years ago, Sawyer Corbin picked up a golf club for the first time. Now a senior at Leominster High School, Corbin has become a steady presence on the Blue Devils’ golf team, not only sharpening his own game but guiding a roster full of young players.

Corbin, who was introduced to the sport by his brother, said golf quickly became a way to relax and connect. 

“I like to go golfing and be (calm) with my friends,” he said. 

While his favorite memories include bus rides with teammates, his progress on the course is what has defined his time at LHS.

Head coach Daryl Robichaud praised Corbin’s growth and leadership. 

“Sawyer is in his third year with the team and was elected a co-captain for the 2025 season,” Robichaud said. “Sawyer has shown consistent improvement during his time in the program. He averaged a 51.48 his freshman year while playing in eight matches. He took his sophomore year off to focus on his baseball career. He returned with a vengeance during his junior year where he shaved an amazing 11.26 strokes off of his scoring average.”

That improvement led to a postseason breakthrough. 

“At the end of his junior year, Sawyer qualified to compete in the Division II Western Massachusetts Sectional Championship at Taconic Country Club in Williamstown,” Robichaud said. “His strong showing in that tournament allowed him to move on to the State Championship at Berkshire Hills Country Club in Pittsfield.”

This fall, with six rookies on the team — including four freshmen — Corbin has embraced a new role. 

“With six rookies on this year’s team, Sawyer has really stepped up and into a leadership role on the team and has been very helpful to these new players as they navigate the rigors of tournament golf at the high school level,” Robichaud said.

Corbin himself credits his coach for helping refine his game. 

“I’ve learned many parts of my game from (Coach Robichaid),” he said. “Mostly the short game, putting and chipping.”

Though he doesn’t plan to pursue golf after high school, Corbin has ambitious goals for his future. He is weighing two paths: attending Norwich University or joining the Army.

Away from golf, Corbin is also a member of the Leominster varsity baseball team. He points to sophomore year chemistry as his favorite class and names Mr. Robichaud as his favorite teacher. Outside of school, he enjoys playing both baseball and golf recreationally, as well as spending time with friends.

As he closes out his senior season, Corbin leaves behind a legacy of dedication, improvement, and leadership — qualities that have set an example for Leominster’s next generation of golfers.

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Brooke Mundie (Field Hockey)

For LHS junior Brooke Mundie, field hockey is about more than competition. It’s about family, leadership, and learning to believe in herself.

Mundie, who plays deep center midfielder for the Blue Devils, first picked up a stick in eighth grade after her mother — a former high school player herself — encouraged her to try the sport. 

“My mom introduced me to the sport. She used to play in high school, and I wanted to try it out,” Mundie said. “I was a backup goalie my freshman year, just like her!”

Over time, she grew into her role on the field, where she now thrives as a playmaker and motivator. 

“Field hockey is an amazing team sport,” she said. “I love being able to uplift my teammates and set them up for success in games.”

That spirit of encouragement is matched by the bond she’s built with her teammates. 

“What I like most about being part of the LHS field hockey team is the sense of family we’ve built together,” Mundie said. “It’s more than just a team — it’s a group of people who care about each other on and off the field. We are always there for one another.”

First-year head coach Catherine Brow praised Mundie for her impact on both sides of the game.

“Brooke is the kind of player every coach hopes to have,” Brow said. “As our deep center midfielder, she plays with tremendous poise and effort, always finding herself in the right spot and making the game look smooth. She consistently steps up in big moments, delivering when it matters most. Beyond her skill, Brooke is a quiet leader who leads by example, always supporting her teammates and elevating those around her. She’s not only an incredible athlete, she’s an even better teammate and person.”

Mundie credits her coaches, Kate Phillips and Brow, for helping her grow not only as an athlete but as a person. 

“My head coaches taught me to be more confident. They have always set high expectations for me, and emphasized that mistakes I make do not define me,” she explained. “Whether in practice or games, they pushed me to keep a strong mindset. Over time, that encouragement not only taught me to believe in myself as an athlete, but also a person. I am truly grateful for them.”

Her goals extend beyond her high school years. Mundie hopes to continue playing field hockey in college, whether on a varsity team or a club. She’s also beginning to map out her academic path. 

“I am planning on going to college, and getting a degree in psychology or human resource management,” she said. “There is a lot I am still figuring out.”

At Leominster High, Mundie’s involvement stretches far beyond athletics. She is a member of the mayor’s youth council, National Honor Society, and student government. She points to American Studies history with Mr. Robichaud as her favorite class, and credits Ms. Spylios as a teacher who has made a lasting difference in her life. 

“She has been a person I could always rely on, and always showed that she cared about me not just as a student, but as a person too. I would not be where I am today without her.”

Off the field, Mundie enjoys drawing, spending time with family and friends, shopping, taking her dog for walks, and even coaching her younger sister’s sports teams.

Though she lives in Fitchburg, Mundie has been part of Leominster schools since kindergarten through school choice — and now, as she continues her high school career, she is leaving her mark as a leader, teammate, and role model on and off the field.

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Sofia Gates (Cross Country)

When Leominster High School senior Sofia Gates laces up her running shoes, she brings more than speed to the course — she brings determination, resilience, and a mindset shaped by years of inspiration from her grandfather.

Sofia didn’t always picture herself as a runner. She joined the cross country team as a junior, though she had been competing in track and field since her freshman year. The inspiration came from someone very close to her — her grandfather.

“The person who introduced me to cross country and track and field is my grampy,” Sofia said. “Growing up, I’d always watch him train every day so that he could beat his times in marathons.”

That early inspiration turned into a passion that continues to drive her. 

“What I love the most about this sport is the way that it has strengthened my want and need of becoming the best version of myself,” she explained. “This sport also strengthened my mental toughness—even outside of the sport, whether it’s at work, in school, or just overcoming any challenges.”

Sofia’s hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed by her coaches. Head coach Karen Marino praised her captain’s growth on and off the course.

“This is Sofia's 2nd year on cross country,” Marino said. “She started this year off with a three-minute improvement from her last year’s best time. She has really worked hard over the summer to become one of the team’s fastest runners. As a team captain, she is a great motivator and example to her peers. It has been very rewarding to me as a coach to watch Sofia improve and grow as an athlete. I truly believe she will take another two to three minutes off her time by the end of the season.”

At Leominster High, Sofia credits her teammates and coaches for helping her thrive. 

“I really like all of my teammates and coaches. They all are very supportive and push you past your limits to help you unlock your true potential,” she said.

Among the biggest lessons she’s taken away is a simple but powerful one: “Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.” It’s a motto reinforced by her coaches and that mindset has paid off. Sofia has seen her performance improve dramatically by focusing on positive self-talk and mental preparation.

Looking ahead, Sofia plans to keep running at the collegiate level. She has her sights set on either Worcester State or Fitchburg State, where she hopes to compete in cross country. But running is only one part of her future vision.

Outside of sports, Sofia hopes to join the North Atlantic Carpenters Union while pursuing higher education with the goal of becoming either a petroleum engineer or an architect.

Her interests stretch far beyond the track. At LHS, she participates in the ski and snowboarding club, and outside of school she enjoys snowboarding, skiing, going to the gym, pilates, carpentry, and even playing basketball for fun. Building projects — cabins, sheds, furniture, or home décor — are among her favorite hobbies.

Academically, her favorite classes have been carpentry and her junior-year courses, and she credits her shop teachers, Mr. Fontaine and Mr. Bachant, as standout mentors.

As she finishes her senior year, Sofia continues to balance athletics, academics, and her many hobbies with the same determination she brings to every race. For her, cross country is more than just a sport — it’s a way to test her limits, build resilience, and prepare for the road ahead.

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.