Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Ma'Kai Stinson Newton (Football)

Senior Ma’Kai Stinson Newton has been providing production and leadership for the Leominster High football team since he was an underclassman.

“Ma'Kai has been such a solid leader for our football program over the last three years,” coach Devin Gates said.  “He has been the unquestioned heart of this team.  His passion for the game, this team, and his teammates is something so special to witness.  

Ma’Kai has rushed for 657 yards and nine touchdowns this season, making him one of the more productive backs in the region, on top of being a standout defensive player.   

“He is an incredible talent on the field as well,” Gates said.  “This has been the best season he has had running the football and playing defense for us.  He is the glue that keeps us all together.”

Gates also said Ma’Kai is a great communicator and makes everyone raise their game to the next level.  

“Ma'Kai is just a special player all around,” Gates said  “We are all so proud and thankful for all of his contributions to Leominster Football.  He has cemented a great legacy wearing the blue and white this year.”

Ma’Kai lived in Fitchburg up until four years ago when he moved to Leominster.  He has been playing football since he was four years old after his older brothers introduced him to the sport.  

Ma’Kai said football provides a lot of benefits.

“The ability to channel stress and discomfort by focusing on a specific goal is what I like the most about football,” Ma’Kai said.  

Ma’Kai also loves being a part of the LHS football team.

“I feel valued and appreciated for what I bring to the table,” Ma’Kai said.

At LHS, Ma’Kai’s favorite class is literature.  He is also a CTEi student where he is in the Machine Shop.  Outside of school, he likes to chill at home, sketch, and sleep.  He also hopes to continue football career at the college level next year.

“I would like to continue in college but whatever happens, happens,” Ma’Kai said.  

  

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Kailyn Cuddahy (Field Hockey)

Sophomore Kailyn Cuddahy is enjoying a tremendous season as the Blue Devil goalkeeper despite this being her first year playing the sport after an injury while playing soccer precipitated a change in sports.  

LHS field hockey coach Katherine Phillips said Kailyn has stepped up dramatically for the team this year.  

“Kailyn has become a force within the field hockey cage,” Phillips said.  “She is becoming more and more comfortable and confident with her role and her decision making.”

“She is extremely quick and willing to make the routine save as well as multiple diving saves at a time,” Phillips added.  “She is more than willing to learn and get better at her craft.  I can't wait to see where her game takes her as she has enormous potential in the field hockey world.”

Kailyn said she has been welcomed with open arms to the LHS field hockey team.

“Whenever I am with (my teammates), it’s always a great time and they are so supportive,” Kailyn said.  “I love that it is a team sport and we work together to accomplish our goals.”

Kailyn said she views the LHS field hockey team as family and that tone is set by coach Phillips. 

“She has taught me that my team isn’t just the people I walk on the field with,” Kailyn said.  “It’s a family that I will be bonded with forever and that they will always have my back no matter what.” 

Kailyn also plays basketball and lacrosse at LHS and her favorite class at LHS is Honors Biology with Ms. Cunha.  

After she graduates from LHS, Kailyn hopes to play field hockey in college and hopes to study Exercise Science to be able work with athletes and become a coach.  

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Madeline Parker (Field Hockey)

Senior Madeline Parker is one of the pillars on the turf for the Blue Devil field hockey team this year.  Madeline started playing field hockey during her freshman year here at LHS thanks to her sister who also played field hockey here at LHS.  

“I love playing with my friends and I love competing against other teams,” Madeline said when asked what she likes the most about the sport of field hockey.  

She also said being a part of the LHS field hockey team has been a great experience.

“It's so welcoming and it’s like being a part of a family, not just a sports team,” Madeline explained.  

LHS field hockey coach Kate Phillips Madeline brings a lot to table in terms of helping the team be successful.  

“She is given the responsibility of marking some of the other team's most dangerous players and is also a key part to distributing the ball on offense,” Phillips said.  “As a captain, she is able to lead the team by example both on and off the field.  She put in tremendous amounts of work over the summer to improve her game and it shows.  Her infectious smile always finds a way to make people feel at ease when they talk to her.  She is an absolute joy to coach and is a phenomenal young woman both on and off the field.”

Madeline hopes to play field hockey in college and wants to study psychology.  Here at LHS, she is in the National Honor Society and her favorite class is A.P. Psychology.  Her favorite teacher is Ms. Fields.  

As for her coach, Madeline said she has learned a lot.

“As long as you believe in yourself and your teammates, you will make it far so do not give up right now,” Madeline recalled as being a key takeaway from coach Phillips.

Away from school, Madeline enjoys skiing at Wachusett Mountain.  

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Anna Serafini (Cross Country)

Sophomore cross country runner Anna Serafini started competing when she was in the sixth grade after getting introduced to running by her mom and her friends.  Anna burst on the scene last year as a freshman quickly establishing herself as one top of the runners in the area while being named a Mid-Wach All-Star.  

Her coach Danielle Lussier said Anna has picked up right where she left off this year.

“Anna continues to lead the cross country team this season as our number one of the ladies team,” Lussier said.  “She is dedicated, hardworking and always gives 100% at practice.”

Anna said she enjoys the sport of cross country for a variety of reasons.

“I like how individual of a sport this is and how I can improve when I put in the work,” Serafini said. 

Anna said she has also learned quite a bit from coach Lussier.

“I have learned to not get In my own head and that It’s okay to be nervous before racing,” Serafini added.

Anna said her team being a part of the LHS cross country team has been rewarding.

“What I like most Is how close we bond as a team and how comfortable I am whenever I’m around them,” Anna said.  

Anna also plays lacrosse here at LHS and runs indoor track.  Her favorite class is Spanish I and her favorite teacher so far has been Mr. Riggieri.  

Outside of school Anna likes to play lacrosse, loves shopping and enjoys art.  

After graduating high school, Anna hopes to study business in college and hopes to run cross country in college too.  

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.