Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Nicole Kelly (Girls' Basketball)

Senior girls’ basketball player Nicole Kelly is known for unwavering work ethic and exemplary leadership on and off the court according to LHS  girls’ basketball coach Rusty Frederick.   

“As one of the team's hardest workers, Nicole's dedication is palpable, setting a high standard for her teammates,” Frederick explained.  “When she steps onto the court, the energy level experiences a noticeable surge, a testament to her impactful presence and ability to elevate the team's performance.   Nicole Kelly's commitment and leadership make her a valuable asset to the basketball program.”

Nicole, a Samoset graduate, started playing basketball in the first grade thanks to her mother,

“My mom used to take us out in the driveway and shoot around when I was little,” Nicole said.  “When I was old enough I played for my school at St. Anna.”

Nicole said she loves basketball because of the “camaraderie, excitement and fast pace of the game.”

She also loves being a part of the LHS hoop family.

“I get to play with my little sister, and have built a strong bond with my teammates and coaches,” Nicole said.

Nicole credited Coach Frederick for helping develop a complete game.

“He helped me learn that a strong defender can have a huge impact on a game,” Nicole said.  “Emotional intelligence and motivation, resilience and perseverance.”

Nicole will be heading off to AIC in the fall on a soccer scholarship but still wants to play club basketball with her friends.  Nicole will major in sports management at AIC.  

At LHS, Nicole played soccer, runs track, and is on the Student Council, National Honor Society and is part of the Best Buddies program.  

“My favorite classes are TV Media and gym,” Nicole said.  “My favorite teachers are Mrs. Letarte and Mrs. Russo.”

Outside of school, Nicole enjoys hanging out with friends and family, running and going to the gym.  

 

   

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Riley Moore (Girls' Ice Hockey)

Senior girls’ ice hockey player is a lifelong Leominster resident who started playing ice hockey during her freshman year thanks to a timely conversation with her father.

“My dad came up to me one day and asked if I would be interested in playing hockey since the team was looking for players and some of my family plays,” Riley said.

Once on the ice, Riley said she got hooked pretty quickly.  

“I love the feeling I get when I’m skating and the adrenaline that comes with it,” Riley said.  

Riley said she also loves being a part of the team and learning under the coaching staff including LHS head coach Nancy LeBlanc.

“I like the amount of friendships that I made and continue to make,” Riley said.  “I learned that effort matters and to always work hard.”

Riley would like to play DIII or Club hockey in college at the University of New England.   

“After high school I’m planning on attending the University of New England to major in marine biology,” Riley said.  “My goal is to earn my master’s degree.”

At LHS, Riley’s favorite class was Earth Science and her favorite teacher is Ms. Grimes.

Away from school and the rink, Riley enjoys skim boarding and riding her bike in the summer.  

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Cassandra Dirsa (Girls' Indoor Track)

Senior Cassandra Dirsa transferred to Leominster High School for her junior year and made an immediate impact for the Blue Devils as a three-season varsity athlete competing in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track.  Her coach Karen Marino said Cassandra has continued to grow both as a leader and an athlete since coming to LHS.  

“She was a captain in cross country and indoor track,” Marino said of Cassandra.  “She can always be found rooting on or assisting her teammates when not competing.  We are lucky to have athletes like Cassandra.”

Cassandra grew up in Bolton and started competing in track in middle school because her friends were participating.

“It's a great way to meet people and stay fit,” Cassandra said.  

Cassandra said she has learned from her coach that the first step to success is having the right mindset.

“Simply showing up and having a good attitude will get you pretty far,” Cassandra said.  

Cassandra wants to continue her athletic career in college and is considering attending Worcester State University.  

Besides sports at LHS, Cassandra is a member of the Computer Club.  

Cassandra’s favorite class and teacher is Mrs. Johnson’s English class.  Outside of school, Cassandra enjoys biking and swimming.  

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Nick Lamey (Boys' Indoor Track)

Nick Lamey started running track as a freshman and has continued to improve during his sophomore year.  Leominster boys’ indoor track coach Cathy Harris said Nick is an incredible kid.

“(Nick) has continued to work hard to achieve his goals,” Harris said.  “Nick's grandfather was very involved with our league for many years, long before Nick was born.  Sadly, his grandfather passed away during cross country last fall unexpectedly so he never got to see Nick compete at the high school level.  We do not have middle school track so it’s very unfortunate his grandfather was unable to see him compete in a sport he loved.   Nick still showed up even after the loss of his grandfather and continued to bring his best.”

Nick said he got involved in track because his mother always coached and he enjoyed running.  

“I think it’s great for staying in shape,” Nick added.  “You have to really push yourself to get better.”  

Nick also said he enjoys being around his friends who also run track.

In the spring, Nick plays baseball at LHS and in the fall he runs cross country.  

Nick said his favorite teacher is Mr. Barnaby.  When outside of school, Nick unsurprisingly stays active by going to the gym and going for walks.  

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Terrance McCormack (Boys' Basketball)

The Blue Devil boys’ basketball team is off to a fast start thanks in large part to the stellar play of senior Terrance McCormack according to LHS boys’ basketball coach Kevin Grutchfield.

“He has worked really hard year round to become one of the best players in Central Mass.,” Grutchfield said of Terrance.  “Through our first 8 games he has led us in points and has been a big reason we are 7-1.  We look for great things from Terrance the rest of the way.”

Grutchfield also described Terrance as an exceptional young man who has become a leader and a role model for the younger players on the team. 

“His enthusiasm is contagious and no one works harder in practice than Terrance,” Grutchfield said.  

Terrance started playing basketball in kindergarten after getting interested by watching his father play pickup basketball.

“I like getting better at it,” said Terrance.  “It's fun to play and watch yourself develop to try to become the best version of yourself.”

Terrance enjoys being a part of the LHS hoops family.

“I like the people I play with and the coaching staff,” Terrance said.  "We are a fun group to play with and communicate with each other well.  We are all on the same page when it comes to what we want to accomplish.”

With regard to the coaching staff led by coach Grutchfield, Terrance said he has learned a lot.

“What I learned from my head coach in past seasons is that anyone can get better and want it more than the next person but it comes down to if you want it or not and if you're going to work hard for it,” Terrance said.

After graduation, Terrance hopes to play college basketball and study Business.

At LHS, Terrance is a Life Skills mentor and helps out with the LHS Unified basketball program.  

“My favorite class at LHS would be Sociology with Ms. Grimes and my favorite teacher would be Ms. Comeau when she taught Health,”  Terrance said.  “Both amazing teachers that I'm thankful to have.”

Outside of school, Terrance enjoys going to gym, listening to music and when he can, traveling.  

 

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Liliana Giannoni (Girls' Ice Hockey)

Senior girls’ ice hockey player Liliana Giannoni, a Samoset and Frances Drake graduate, is currently working hard to return to the ice after knee surgery in the fall.  The lifelong Leominster resident is just one of two Leominster players on the Leominster girls’ ice hockey co-op, a team consisting of players from around North Central Massachusetts.  

Liliana started playing ice hockey during sophomore year at LHS, but has played dek hockey since she was six years old.  She was encouraged to join the LHS ice hockey team by a friend.  

“(I love) the intensity about (ice hockey) and how it pushes me to do better,” Liliana said.  “Being part of a team that cares for each other and is really connected (is what I like most about being a part of the LHS girls’ ice hockey team).”

Liliana said she has learned a lot from her coach, Nancy LeBlanc, since joining the team.

“(Coach LeBlanc has taught me) to never give up and keep at anything that’s difficult,” Liliana said.  

Liliana is a CTEi student in the Electrical Wiring program.  Additionally, she takes five Honors level classes.

“(I am) thinking of going to college for Engineering, or maybe work for a year and get licensed as an electrician,” Liliana said of her post high school plans.  

Liliana is fully dedicated to returning to the ice as soon as possible.

“I used to do sewing club and stage crew, but I’ve been more focused on recovery from an injury and a surgery and on hockey,” Liliana said.  

“I really enjoy my senior year classes, but I loved Ms. LaBruna who taught English last year,” Liliana added.  

Off the ice and outside of school, Liliana enjoys crocheting, painting, trying different crafts and playing dek hockey when she can.