Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Luke Harper (Boys' Cross Country)

Standout junior cross country runner Luke Harper comes by running honestly.  His father and his father’s siblings all ran cross country and track at Leominster High.  So for Luke, who started running in the sixth grade before really taking it seriously in the eighth grade, it’s a natural fit.  

Luke has thrived as a runner at LHS since his arrival according to his coach, Danielle Lussier.  

“Luke is one of the most hard working and dedicated athletes on the team,” Lussier said.  “He comes to practice every day to work with a smile on his face and has been our number one runner all season.” 

Luke said he enjoys all the facets of running.

“I enjoy racing with my teammates and being able to challenge myself,” Luke said.  

Luke also he’s improved thanks to the quality coaching he has gotten while a Blue Devil.

“My coaches had expectations for me that I didn't think I could reach, but through their support I was able to reach them and continue to improve because of them,” Luke explained. 

Someday, Luke wants to continue running in college where he plans on studying engineering.  In the meantime, Luke, who also runs indoor and outdoor track at LHS, said his favorite class at LHS is Honors Electronics.

“My  favorite class is Honors Electronics and Mr. Antonetti and his approach to teaching makes the program interesting and enjoyable,” Luke said.

Outside of school, Luke enjoys skiing and volunteering at church.  

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Faith Benincasa (Girls' Soccer)

Even since senior Faith Benincasa was six years old, she has loved soccer.

“I love soccer and always have since I touched that soccer ball,” Faith said.  “But specifically having a breakaway and running all the way down the field and scoring or creating a great setup.  I love how everyone on the team has their own strength and we all work together and use them to be successful.”

More specifically, Faith has truly enjoyed being a part of the rejuvenated LHS girls’ soccer team.

“The sense of family it has,  we are all one big family here,” Faith said, referring to her favorite part of being a Blue Devil.

A big part of that rejuvenation effort has been brought about by new coach Katie Gingras.  Faith said coach Gingras has taught her and the team a lot.  

“Something I have learned from my head coach Katie this season was to always stay positive and give one hundred percent no matter what,” Faith said.  “Even if there are two minutes remaining in the game, you use those two minutes in the most efficient way.”  

Faith said Gingras’ tactical coaching has paid off too.  

“(Coach always preaches) to always have your head on a swivel and be aware of your space and positioning,” Faith said.  “She has helped me alot with being smart on the field and making the right decisions with the ball for the most success.”

Gingras said Faith has been an impact player throughout the entire season with her physical play and lightning speed. 

“Faith has the unique ability to take on defenders, keeping the ball in control while moving at a high speed,” Gingras said.  

Gingras said she also loves Faith’s personality and sense of humor.  

 

“She isn’t afraid to speak her mind and has built strong relationships with her teammates and coaches,” Gingras said.  “She is honest and true to who she is. Her spirit and spunk will be greatly missed next year.” 

 

“She has consistently been one of the top scorers in Central Massachusetts during her senior campaign,” Gingras added.  

 

Faith plans to attend college next year and study Biology with an aim at becoming a Physician’s Assistant in dermatology.  

During her time at LHS, Faith took part in Biology Club, Best Buddies Club, Student Council and track.

“My favorite class would probably be A.P. Biology,” Faith said.  “My favorite teacher at LHS so far would have to be Mr. Mooney.”

“Outside of school I like to be outside, hang with friends, go for hikes, listen to music, and explore new places.”

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Daniel Simons (Golf)

Daniel Simons has lived in Leominster almost his entire life.  When he was six months old, he and his family moved from Fitchburg to Leominster.  That move would ultimately give Daniel the opportunity to wear the Leominster blue and white for the Blue Devil golf team.  LHS golf coach Daryl Robichaud said Daniel has been a valued and consistent player since arriving at LHS in the Fall of 2020.  As a freshman, Daniel played in all eight matches in the Covid-shortened season including the first round playoff loss to Westboro. 

 

“Daniel has been a stalwart in the middle of the lineup since joining the team,” Robinson said. “Daniel is a fierce competitor, valued teammate and leads by example.  He is not ostentatious, but when he speaks he does so from a position of authority that the other members of the team respect.” 

 

“Provided he continues to be a student of the game, Daniel will be a fixture in the Blue Devils lineup throughout his Leominster career,” Robichaud added.  

 

Daniel started to play golf when he was around six or seven years old.

 

“I was just going to the driving range,” Daniel recalled.  “Like most people who play golf however, I used to have a plastic set of golf clubs during my early childhood that I would use around the yard.”

 

“I got introduced to golf by my friends who I played baseball with,” Daniel said.  “Some of those people who first introduced golf to me are also playing high school golf, and it is always a thrill when I play them because it takes me back to when I was just learning how to play.”

 

Daniel said his favorite part of the game is executing great shots.  

 

“What I like most about golf is when I either chip in a shot from off the green, or get my approach shot close to the hole and have a tap-in putt,” Daniel said.  

 

With that being said, Daniel said he has learned to be a smart golfer under the instruction of coach Robichaud.

 

“Something that I have learned from coach Robichaud is that playing smart is better than trying to get fancy with the golf ball and take a stupid shot,” Daniel said.

 

Daniel said being a part of the LHS golf team is a special experience.

 

“What I like most about being part of the LHS golf team is that everyone has a different level of golf experience,” Daniel said.  “For some people this is their first year of playing golf, but for others, golf has been their life for as long as they could walk.  We all have fun together no matter the talent level, and for that reason this is why the golf program is so much fun.”

 

Daniel also hopes to also play baseball this spring for the Blue Devils.  

 

In school, Daniel’s favorite class so far has been history.  His favorite teacher is Mr. Oxford.

 

“My favorite teacher so far has been Mr. Oxford because he always wears a cool tie to school,” Daniel said.  

 

Outside of school, Daniel enjoys playing baseball, hanging out with friends, and playing airsoft.  

 

 

 

 

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Julian Booth (Boys' Soccer)

Senior wingback Julian Booth is in his third season of playing varsity soccer for the Blue Devils.  He came up to varsity during his sophomore year and became an integral part of the District Championship run which culminated in a 1-0 win over St. John’s.

“Julian earned starts late in the season and in the playoffs and started to demonstrate his fearless approach to the game right away,” Blue Devil soccer coach Steve McCaughey said.  “Over the past two years, he has continued to build upon his already high skill level and has also solidified his reputation as one of the toughest players in the program.”  

Julian’s impact on the program is significant.  

“Julian has an incredibly high fitness level and a high soccer IQ, and because of that, we have actually designed our formation and our game plans in a way that purposefully gets him involved as much as possible,” McCaughey added.  “As a wingback, he is required to play a lot of defense, but he is also expected to get up the field and initiate our attack.  Julian's work ethic is second to none, and he is an incredible role model for younger players in our program.”

Julian credits his fitness level to being pushed by his coach.

“I’ve learned to push my fitness to bring me to a new level in soccer,” Julian said.  

After living in Revere until he was two, Julian moved to Leominster and has been here ever since.  At the age of four he started playing soccer.

“My family on my mom's side had all played the sport,” Julian said.  “I enjoy the competition and noticing my improvement.  The LHS soccer team feels like a second family to me.”  

After high school, Julian plans to study business and hopes to play soccer.  

His favorite class at LHS was during his sophomore year when he took American Studies with Mr. Kyne.  

In his free time, Julian enjoys watching all genres of movies and playing video games.

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Rylee Levine (Girls' Volleyball)

After not making the volleyball team here at LHS during her freshman year, current senior Rylee Levine didn’t let that end her dreams of playing volleyball at the high school level.  Rylee put her head down and worked hard, making the roster her sophomore year playing both at the JV1 and JV2 levels.  As a junior, Rylee didn’t make the varsity roster, but was varsity team manager and did an outstanding job in that capacity according to varsity head coach John Antonetti.  Now a senior, Rylee is a member of the girls’ varsity volleyball team and is flourishing.

“Rylee has probably worked the hardest of any player that I have ever coached,” Antonetti said.  “This season, not only has she made the varsity team, she's currently a starter.  Her resiliency and her dedication to herself and her team is unparalleled.  We are so fortunate to have her as one of the leaders in the girls’ volleyball program.”

 

Rylee said coach Antonetti has been a real motivator for her.  

 

“I’ve learned from Coach A that even if something doesn't work out the way you thought it would, a positive attitude and a hard-working mindset will help you in the long run,” Rylee said.

 

Rylee also said being a part of the girls’ volleyball team here at LHS has been a tremendous experience.

 

“The hype and support everyone gives you when you achieve something or a skill is what I like most about volleyball,” Rylee said.  “The family you get along with being a part of the team. I love how the school and staff come to the games.”

 

In school, Rylee has come to truly enjoy her time working in the Life Skills program.  

 

“They are the sweetest people and you never get judged in that classroom,” Rylee said.  

 

Rylee’s favorite teacher is Ms. Dawson.  

 

“She is my school mom and one of my biggest supporters,” Rylee said.  “She always has an open ear and open arms and a warm heart.”

 

Away from school, Rylee enjoys four-wheeling and playing with her dogs.