Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Patrick Kilduff Pereira (Boys' Volleyball)

Senior Patrick Kilduff Pereira has lived in Leominster for the past 12 years after moving from Chelsea.  He started playing volleyball back in his freshman year here at LHS.

“I got introduced to volleyball by watching a couple of the girls games after football practice,” Patrick said.  “I realized it looked fun.  Eventually I was invited to go to a captains practice and from there I fell in love with it.”

“Pat is probably the most ‘true team player’ I've ever coached,” LHS boys' volleyball coach John Antonetti said.  “He was a starter his freshman year (but) sophomore year his playing time was extremely limited compared to his previous season.  He never complained, often volunteering to help the team wherever he was needed.  He was selected as a captain his junior year because of his unselfishness and the respect he has from his teammates.”

Patrick said that team component is what he likes most about the sport.

“What I like about volleyball is that you can’t do it yourself, there’s six people on the court and all six people are constantly involved,” Patrick said.

In terms of the LHS team, Patrick said the team is a place where all are welcomed.

“What I like about being a part of a LHS team is that it brings in different people who all share a common interest in playing a sport,” Patrick said.

Patrick said he has also gained great perspective from Coach Antonetti.

“Something I’ve learned from my coach all four years playing volleyball is that nothing is guaranteed,” Patrick said.  “It’s helped me a lot in opening my eyes on and off the court that I have to give everything my 100% no matter what it is.”

While Patrick isn’t sure he will play volleyball after high school, he is sure he wants to stay connected to the sport.

“I genuinely think I will end up trying to coach volleyball and spread knowledge I have gained from playing to others that need it,” Patrick said.  

“For post high school plans, I plan on enjoying life and having some kind of freedom before heading to college,” Patrick said.  

Patrick is a member of the Living Water Club at LHS.

“So far in my high school career my favorite class has been physics, and my favorite teacher is my physics teacher, Mr. O’Leary,” Patrick said.  

Outside of school, Patrick likes golfing, fishing and playing all kinds of sports.  

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: William Wilson (Outdoor Track)

As a freshman, William Wilson was new to the LHS track team just trying to find his way according to Blue Devil coach Cathy Harris.  

“He started as a freshman not knowing what talent he was bringing to the team,” Harris said. 

Now a standout junior, William, who started as a 100 runner, has blossomed into a strong mid-distance, distance runner for the Blue Devils.  

“He runs with heart and soul, and puts in effort each and every time,” Harris said.  “He’s an asset to our team and (I have) loved watching him grow.” 

William said he was always interested in track, but it wasn’t until high school when he finally got to participate.

“I’ve wanted to (run track) since I was in elementary school, but never got the opportunity until my freshman year,” William explained.  “I wasn’t able to join other clubs at the time and my gym teacher helped me to sign up, (as I was) looking to get into some kind of sport or club.”

That decision turned out to be a good one for William.

“It takes a lot of hard work to be successful at (track),” William said.  “The discipline it takes to do well, at least to me is significant, and it’s pushed me to be the most productive, driven version of myself possible.  I fully attribute my academic, social  and personal successes and growth to having joined the team and put in the work to climb to the position I’m in now.”

William said he loves being a Blue Devil track team member.

“The team at LHS has a very relaxed environment,” William said.  “While I can be as competitive and serious about the sport as I’d like, it’s perfectly possible to do it just to feel in shape or find a welcoming social group.  While I hope for the track being built to be done as soon as possible, there’s a sense of teamwork you find running against more prestigious schools while only practicing in hallways and on asphalt.”  

William said he has learned a great deal from Coach Harris and his other coaches.  

“I’ve learned from my coaches to relax and slow things down in my mind,” William said.  “I was a very nervous person going into the sport and originally overwhelmed by everything.  But if there’s one thing to know going into track, it’s to calm your nerves and just run the race.”

“Track takes such a simple concept and breaks it down into complex mechanics, training, timing and perfecting small, quickly made movements,” William added.  “The coaches analyze all of this for you and allow you to keep it as simple as running the way you're taught through to the finish line.”

William said he would love to continue running and in college, and then stay connected with the sport after that.

“I’m not sure I’d like to walk away from track once I’m done with school, and what I’d like to do after is start a gym and become a personal trainer for both general fitness and track specialization,” William said.  “I’m currently taking nutrition courses and working with staff at the school to develop work out programs.  It took me a long time to learn what I have about fitness  and I’d like to be as much of a resource for people as I can be in the future.”

William runs cross country in the fall and participates in weight room training at the school.  He is also a percussionist for the LHS Marching Band and member of the National Honor Society.  

“I’ve enjoyed a lot of my classes in high school,” William said.  “I’m lucky to have had mostly great teachers who’ve really effectively taught me to be as academically inclined as I am.  If I had to say a favorite teacher, it’d probably go to my Spanish class with Mrs. Piragis.  Her teaching style made it so I didn’t have to deal with such a difficult language class as so many have, and I’m happy I’ve been able to learn from that class for the last three years.”

Outside of school, William stays quite busy.

“I play a multitude of instruments, primarily the piano,” William said.  “I find the challenge that comes with learning how to play a musical piece is very fulfilling.  I also enjoy any type of physical activity, whether that be biking, white water rafting, etc.  Soon I plan to take on a Spartan Race with some friends, as an example.  Outside of that, I often volunteer at Seven Hills, a company that assists those with special needs.”