Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Caroline Kelly (Field Hockey)

Junior field hockey player Caroline Kelly has lived in Leominster her entire life and started playing field hockey when she was in sixth grade.  Her mom, a field hockey player herself in college, was not surprisingly the one who introduced Caroline to field hockey.  From that early start, Caroline fell in love with the sport.

“I love the fact that you immediately have a family and that everyone is so welcoming,” Caroline said. “I enjoy playing against skilled players because it helps me become a better player.”

Caroline also said being a part of the LHS field hockey team has a great overall experience.  

“I love the connections I have made with my teammates and coaches over the years,” Caroline said. “They made my love for field hockey skyrocket and they made me realize that I want to play this sport in my future."

LHS field hockey coach Kate Phillips said Caroline brings a lot to the team each and every day.  

“As a junior captain and center midfielder, Caroline leads with both skill and determination, controlling the game from the heart of the field. She consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership and playmaking ability, and is a huge asset to our team.”

Caroline said patience is something she has learned from Coach Phillips.

“Things take time and practice,” Caroline said.  “You are not going to be amazing at something the first time you try it.  It takes hard work and determination in order to achieve your goals.”

After high school, Caroline hopes to continue to be involved in the game.

“I would definitely like to continue playing after high school,” Caroline said.  “My plans are to play field hockey in college at a high level, with the possibility of coaching in the future.”

“As of now, it is my goal to go to college and study sports management or business,” Caroline added. “It would be a dream to become a commentator or a coach after school.”

At LHS, Caroline is also on the varsity basketball and lacrosse teams.  She is in Best Buddies and National Honor Society.  

“My favorite class has been chemistry my sophomore year and my favorite teacher is Mr. Billingham,” Caroline said.  

Outside of school, Caroline loves to go to the fields, work, hang out with friends and sisters and travel.

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Conner Nevins (Golf)

Junior golfer Conner Nevins has lived in Leominster for the past nine years after moving to Leominster from Milford, MA.  Conner is a third-year member of the LHS Blue Devil golf team and has emerged as a genuine leader according to LHS golf coach Daryl Robichaud.  

“Conner is a leader both in the classroom as well as on the course as evidenced by his ambitious, honors-laden schedule and his selection by his teammates at the end of his sophomore year to serve as a co-captain during his junior season."

Conner has also shown major improvement on the course since joining the team. 

“His scoring average as a sophomore was 5.47 strokes lower than his freshman year and his current average for his junior campaign is 4.65 strokes lower than that,” Robichaud said.  

“Conner is developing a keen sense of course management while also adding distance,” Robichaud added.  “This combination has made him a threat to go low at any time and on any course." 

Conner’s impact has gone well beyond the course as well.  

"Conner was single-handedly responsible for the largest fundraising effort in program history when he coordinated with the leaders and membership of Monoosnock Country Club to secure approval for a three-day fundraising event in late July that fully funded this year's ancillary purchases." 

Conner’ golf journey began four years ago when Conner and his dad picked up the clubs and started playing a lot of golf together.  Conner was immediately hooked on the game.

“The mental challenge in golf makes it so difficult but really rewarding when you start playing well,” Conner said.

Conner said joining the LHS golf team brought things to a new level.

“The team brings together a group of athletes who can help each other get better and I look forward to school starting because I have the routine of golfing nearly every day after school,” Conner said.

Conner also said he has also learned a lot of Coach Robichaud, particularly about the mental side of the game.

“Golf is really mental and one of the most important things for me to think about is to just play the game I know how to,” Conner said.

While still  a bit early to think about, Conner would like to continue playing golf after high school while furthering his education.  

“I would love to play golf in college but it's very competitive and will take lots of work for me to make it,” Conner said.  “I will stay dedicated and hopefully I will be fortunate enough to play in college.  I am really interested in engineering and would like to pursue a career designing.  I'm not exactly sure what type of engineering I would like to do but I plan on figuring lots out this year.”

At LHS, Conner also plays lacrosse and is the ski racing team.  His favorite classes have been his honors classes with Mr. Robichaud.  

Outside of school, Conner is golfing as much as he can and skiing with friends and family.