Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Luke Grebinar (Golf)

Freshman Blue Devil golfer Luke Grebinar has wasted no time making an impact on the golf team.  Luke has come out of the gates red-hot, earning team-medalist honors in three matches in the first month of the season for LHS.  In Luke’s very first match, he shot an even par, finishing birdie-birdie-birdie to shoot 35 that day at Oak Hill.  Luke is the first freshman in coach Daryl Robichaud’s 24 years with the program to shoot even par in his very first match.  

“Luke has been a welcomed addition to the Varsity Golf team,” Robichaud said.  “Luke has ingratiated himself into the team culture seamlessly.  Luke's on-course demeanor will be what separates him from others.  His physical talent is impressive, but I am even more impressed by the mental aspect of his game and his ability to handle pressure situations.”

 

Luke has lived in Leominster his whole life and started playing golf when he was nine.  

 

“I got introduced when my dad bought me some plastic clubs when I was small and then I always wanted to play on a real course,” Luke said.  “Now I’m 14 and loving every second of it.  And beating my dad who got me introduced all the time now.”

 

Luke loves playing golf whenever he has the chance to and has played over 60 rounds so far this year alone.  

 

“The thing I like most about golf is when I make long birdie putts or when I beat my dad when I play a match against him,” Luke said.  

 

Luke really enjoys being a part of the LHS golf team.

 

“I love all my teammates,” Luke said.  “They are all fun to joke around with and play a round of golf. Also my coaches because they believe and trust me in a spot to let the team have a good chance to win.”

 

Luke said playing smart is something coach Robichaud preaches.

 

“Do not do the stupid play, do the smart one and keep your head up,” Luke said referring to Robichaud’s message.  

 

In the winter, Luke wrestles and plays soccer.  At LHS, Luke’s favorite class to date is ELA with Mr. Roberts. 

 

“He has done a fantastic job as a first year teacher,” Luke said.  “ELA is not really fun for me but with him it is.”

 

As for the future, Robichaud said Luke has a ton of potential.

 

“I am looking forward to working with Luke over the next four years,” Robichaud said.  “He has an opportunity to compare favorably among some of the best who have donned the Blue and White provided he is willing to continue to make the sacrifices necessary to be great at this level.”   

 

 

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Emma Miller-Ayala (Field Hockey)

When current LHS sophomore field hockey player Emma

Miller-Ayala was ten, her mom found out about a local field

hockey clinic and signed her daughter up.  That decision has

proven to be quite wise.  

Emma is now flourishing at the high school level, playing the critical role of right wing on the varsity team.

“Throughout preseason she has shown a desire to learn and try new things and is continually pushing herself and her teammates to be better,” LHS field hockey coach Kate Phillips said.  “Her hard work has paid off as she will be the starting right wing for us.  This is a crucial position on the field as we try to overload and keep the ball on the right side of the field for the majority of the time.  Her speed and stick skills make her a very dangerous threat from that side.”

Emma was born in Mexico and moved to Leominster when she was just two months old.  Emma also is a standout lacrosse player for the Blue Devils, but she loves playing field hockey in the fall.

“Something I like most about the sport is how much of a team sport it is and how much effort each and every player needs to put in in order for the team to win,” Emma said.  “I love the friendships and bonds that you create with your teammates and how we all come together and share our love for the sport.”

Phillips said Emma brings a lot of positives to the team.

“She is always smiling and bringing a sense of fun to the field,” Phillips said.  “I am proud of her hard work and how much she has improved in such a short period of time.  I am excited to see what the year brings for her as well as the rest of her career as a LHSFH player.  She has the potential to do some amazing things!”

Emma said she has taken a lot herself from Phillips, who is in her first season with the Blue Devils. 

“Something that I learned from my head coach this year that has really stuck with me is that you should always push yourself to be a better overall person/athlete everyday,” Emma said.  

After LHS, Emma wants to go to college and pursue a nursing degree.  At LHS, Emma said her favorite class has been biology with Mrs.Cunha.

Outside of school, Emma enjoys playing lacrosse, doing yoga, and hanging out with friends.  

 

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Patience Roberge (Girls' Soccer)

Freshman girls’ soccer player Patience Roberge has only been a Blue Devil for a few weeks, but she’s already turning heads as a player to watch this year and into the future.  

“Patience is a freshman spitfire,” girls’ soccer coach Katie Gingras said.  “She is lightning fast, creative and her passion for the game is evident during every single session.  She is the perfect mix of humble and fierce.  She’s the definition of a team player and has a bright future ahead of her as a Lady Blue Devil.”

Patience started playing soccer when she was in first and second grade, and has grown to love the game ever since that introduction.  

“I love playing soccer,” Patience said.  “But mostly making a good passing sequence or creating a good play.  I love how it feels, how it looks, and the satisfaction of it.”

Patience said she has also learned a lot from Gingras in a short amount of time.

“Coach G has taught me moves and playing during the game of course, but her constant words like ‘you will not play if you do not work hard’ and ‘if you are standing still you are doing something wrong’ (are motivators.)”   “So I apply these to my game play and it keeps me motivated and I thank her for that.  Although I have not just learned this, I love how it is rapid and her constant focus.”

Patience has also enjoyed being part of the LHS team so far.

“The girls are all nice, I could have a conversation with all of them and it would be fun,” Patience said. “I also love the motivation of them and coach.  It makes me work harder and feel better.”

In school Patience said her favorite class so far is history with Mr. Barnaby.  

“(Away from school), I love to listen to music, be crafty such as going to festivals and working with my mom, painting, hangout with family and friends,” Patience added.  

Patience has even begun to think about life after LHS.

“I would like to play soccer in college as of right now,” Patience said.   “If not, I would still want to be included in sports as a sports manager or event organizer.  I think of going to college in a city, living in an apartment during or after.  Although I have no profession ideas, I would love to travel anywhere I can after high school.”