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

Freshman girls’ soccer player Ava Mazzaferro has hit the ground running early in her high school soccer career, earning a starting spot for coach Katie Gingras’ team.

“She has been an anchor to our defensive line and has battled with some of the top athletes in Central Mass.,” Gingras said.  “Ava is hard working, dependable and the ultimate team player.”

Gingras has high praise early on for Ava, especially considering Ava is playing with and against players older than her on a regular basis.

“She asks questions, challenges her teammates and always brings a high level of energy to her training,” Gingras said.  “It is evident her teammates respect her and she has a very bright future as a Blue Devil.”

Ava started playing soccer when she was only four, thanks to her parents wanting to get her involved in sports.  

“My parents signed me up for Leominster Youth Soccer when I was four just to see if I would like playing sports,” Ava said.  

It turned out Ava did like sports, and excelled at them too, with soccer being her passion to this day.  Ava, who also plays club soccer with the F.C. Stars ‘07 ECNL Regional Team, said her Leominster team is a special, tight-knit group.  

“I love connecting with my teammates,” Ava said.  “We have a great group of girls on the team this year.  I also like the challenge of defending and competing against great players.  Winning the ball from the other team's attackers and being able to make smart and quality passes is something I strive for every game.” 

“I enjoy how all of the girls are really supportive of one another and how we push each other to play our best,” Ava added.  

Ava said she has also learned a lot so far from Gingras.

“My head coach, coach Gingras, has taught many things this season already,” Ava said.  “One thing in particular was a skill move that would help me elevate my play.  Overall she always tells us to raise the bar and always give our best effort.”

Ava hopes to one day play Division 1 soccer at a four-year college, but until then, she’s enjoying her time at LHS.

“So far, my favorite classes are Spanish 1 and Studio Art 1,” Ava said.  “My favorite teachers are Mrs. Piragis and Mr. Doherty.”

She also plans on playing basketball at LHS and joining Student Council.  

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Delmahr Wright Jr. (Football)

Delmahr Wright Jr. started playing football when he was five years old.  He got his start thanks to his father, a football player himself, who also happened to coach Delmahr in those early years. 

 

Delmahr said he loves the atmosphere that comes along with playing football on a Friday night.

 

“I like the competition every year and the support from the fans,” Delmahr said.  “The atmosphere from the coaching staff to the fans, especially our fan section is something I really enjoy.” 

 

Leominster coach Devin Gates said Delmahr has worked his way into being a really great football player for the Blue Devils.  

 

“He did a very good job in the off-season programs, and has been a coachable and dependable player for us over the last two years,” Gates said. “This year he has also started on the offensive line, and has done a great job thus far.”

 

“Delmahr is a great teammate and has earned a lot of respect from the team for his play and leadership,” Gates added.  “I am excited to see what he does the rest of the season.”

 

Delmahr said he has learned the value of being part of a team from coach Gates.

 

“I’ve learned that no matter what you still have your teammates around you to rely on,” Delmahr said.

 

At LHS, Delmahr said his favorite class is gym and his favorite teacher is Mr. Sheehan.  

 

Outside of school, Delmahr plays basketball and football.  

 

 

 

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Kyra Forsberg (Girls' Soccer)

Junior girls’ soccer standout Kyra Forsberg has been playing soccer since she was four-years old, thanks to her father, a lifelong soccer player, getting her involved in the game.  Kyra said she has really enjoyed being a part of the Blue Devils team.  

“I love playing with a team who is supportive through both wins and loses,” Kyra said.  “The team environment is so positive and we’re close on and off the field.”

Kyra also said she has learned a lot from her coach, Katie Gingras.

“I have learned how to communicate positively with my team on the field,” Kyra said.

Gingras said Kyra has all the qualities you look for in a well-rounded soccer player.

  

“Kyra has ‘soccer smarts’, she studies the game and has a strong understanding of both the technical and tactical side of the game,” Gingras said.  “Kyra is encouraging to her teammates, always finding a way to recognize someone for their hard work.  She comes to sessions ready to work hard and improve not only her game but her teammates as well.  She is a leader on the field, controlling the midfield line. Kyra is an exceptional student as well.”

Kyra, who also plays soccer for the FC Stars club program, hopes to one day attend a four-year college and play soccer.  Until then, Kyra has a lot to look forward to at LHS, where she also plays basketball and is part of the National Honor Society.

At LHS, Kyra’s favorite class so far is Current Topics, with her two favorite teachers being Ms. Nunez and Mr. Robichaud.  

Outside of school Kyra likes to travel, hang out with friends and go on hikes.