Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Zack Casey (Baseball)

Junior Blue Devil catcher Zack Casey started playing baseball when he was five, getting his start in Leominster American Little League.  Since that young age, Zack has always gravitated to all things baseball.

“I always had a bat or glove in my hand since I could walk,” Zack said.  “I also went to countless Red Sox games as a kid.”

Zack has evolved into one of the area's best catchers.  He is so good, most opposing teams don’t even bother attempting to steal on him.   

“Zack Casey is the best defensive catcher that I have had in 10 years,” LHS baseball coach Rich Barnaby said.  “Oftentimes the pitching staff gets all of the press, however baseball people know that a premier catcher takes a good pitching staff and makes them special.  For us, Zack is the best catcher in the area and he is a secret weapon that makes it really difficult for teams to score on us.”

Barnaby also remarked at Zack’s team-first mentality.   

“Zack is selfless, oftentimes giving up swings in practice to catch bullpens,” Barnaby said.  “A thankless job that he never complains about.”

Zack said he embraces his role on the team.

“As a catcher I love being a leader and playing the game from that perspective,” Zack said.

Zack also loves representing LHS on the baseball field.

“My teammates, coaches, the competitive nature and winning culture is what I love the most about being a Blue Devil,” Zack said.  

That winning culture starts with Barnaby’s unwavering commitment to playing the game the right way, as well as doing it the right way off the field.  

“Coach Barnaby has taught me to be relentless and to always compete,” Zack said.  “Whether it’s in practice, games, or in life.  To be a good person on and off the field and to give back to people who have helped you along the way.”

Zack hopes to play baseball in college and is in the process of seeing where the right fit might be.

“I am looking to major in Exercise Science focusing on becoming a Physical Therapist,” Zack said.  “I also hope to use my carpentry experience as a backup plan,” Zack said.  

Zack is in the CTEi Carpentry program where he and his classmates are currently finishing up an addition at a Leominster residence.  Zack also played football during his first two years of high school.   

Zack’s favorite class at LHS/CTEi was Geometry with Mrs. Mazzaferro last year, while also truly enjoying his shop experience.  

“Carpentry with Mr. Arnell, Mr. Bachant, and Mr. Fontaine is also a class I really enjoy because of the hands-on aspect of it,” Zack said.  

Outside of school, Zack enjoys hanging out with friends, playing travel baseball for the summer for the Nor’Easters, and working out.  

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Kaitlyn Perrault (Girls' Tennis)

Senior Kaitlyn Perrault has lived in Leominster all her life, but had never competitively played tennis before high school.  Unfortunately for Kaitlyn, and all other spring athletes in the class of 2023, their high school athletic careers had a delayed start.  

"Kaitlyn is a third year tri-captain for the team this year,” said LHS girls’ tennis coach Daryl Robichaud.  “Despite having her freshman year lost to the Covid pandemic she has shown steady improvement each year with the program."

Kaitlyn joined the team after conversations with Robichaud and has never looked back.

"Kaitlyn started her career as a doubles player as a sophomore compiling a 1-1 record at the Second Doubles position,” Robichaud said.  As a junior she posted an impressive 11-3 record for a team that qualified for the State Tournament, while playing in the First Doubles, Second Doubles and Third Singles slots.  This year she has solidified our Second Singles spot - while also playing one match at First Singles - and currently boasts a gaudy 5-1 record."

Following last season, Kaitlyn was named a Mid-Wach B All-Stat (Doubles) along with her partner, Gina Iacoboni, after they went undefeated during the 2022 campaign including a win against Danvers in the State Tournament.  Additionally, her teammates selected her as Co-Most Improved Player (along with Claire Desmarais) and as a Tri-Captain for her senior season.

Robichaud said Kaitlyn has provided valuable leadership during her time as a Blue Devil.  

"Kaitlyn's leadership will be sorely missed after this season as she has been a key component in the resurgence of the Girls' Tennis Program over the past three years,’ Robichaud said.  

Kaitlyn said the sport of tennis is unique when compared to other sports.  

“The thing I like the most about tennis is how you can be independently competitive with yourself and play in singles while still being on a team and being surrounded by support,” Kaitlyn said.  

As for being a part of the LHS tennis team, the benefits have been more than just the competitive, on-court components.  

“Being a part of the tennis team at Leominster High School has given me the opportunity to laugh and get my mind off of school when I had a difficult day and needed an escape,” Kaitlyn said.  “There are so many girls that know exactly how to cheer you up and make you laugh when you need it.”

She has also learned a great deal from Coach Robichaud. 

“Something I have learned from Mr. Robichaud this season is to trust that you will end up where you belong,” Kaitlyn said.  “I began my sophomore year playing second doubles and now I am in second singles winning a majority of the matches that I play.  Improvement takes time and you have to trust the process.”

Kaitlyn also has the next steps in her life figured out.

“My post high school plans are to attend Indiana University (Bloomington) and major in Law and Public Policy,” Kaitlyn said.  “After graduating college I plan to attend law school.  In my future I plan to be a corporate attorney.”

At Leominster High School, Kaitlyn is the Vice President of the Student Council, Vice President of the mock trial team, Secretary of S.T.U.M.P (Students for the Transparency and Understanding of Municipal Politics), a member of the National Honor Society, and was a former captain for the varsity volleyball team.

Her favorite classes at LHS have been A.P. U.S. Government with Mrs. Murphy and A.P. Environmental Science with Mrs. Montaruli.  Picking a favorite teacher however was not an easy question for Kaitlyn to answer.  

“Picking a favorite teacher would be extremely difficult because I love and appreciate every teacher I have had for different reasons,” Kaitlyn said.  "Mr. Robichaud has always been there to support and help me in both school and as a coach when it came to tennis and always showed me the values and return for being a student first and athlete second.  Mrs. Murphy opens her room each day at 6:30AM to myself and others and is always free to talk about what’s going on in my life and I know I am always able to rely on her to help me when I need it.  Mrs.Murphy has been both a friend and a teacher to me and that is all any student could ask for.”

Outside of school, Kaitlyn works at the 110 Grill in Leominster and volunteers with the United Way Youth Venture team Holiday Spreaders.

  

  

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Michael Halstead, Gray Dallaire, Gio Arman (Boys' Lacrosse)

For Leominster boys’ lacrosse coach Colin Davis, it’s been a true pleasure coaching his senior trio of Gio Arman (middle photo), Gray Dallaire (bottom photo) and Michael Halstead (top photo).

“All three are multiple sport varsity athletes as well as academic all-American candidates, so they are stars on the field, in the classroom and in the community,” Davis said.

Halstead started playing lacrosse in sixth grade after seeing a flier on the wall at Skyview Middle School.

“I love the pace of the game and how every play requires something different,” Halstead said.  “The connections, making new friends with teammates as well as the recognition off the field are what I like the most about being a part of the LHS program.”

Dallaire started playing in second grade because his older brother played and showed him how to play.

“I love how fast-paced the game is, there is no down time, it's just go, go, go,” Dallaire said.  “The atmosphere of being part of a team day in and day out that is going through the same ups and downs as you is what I like the most about our LHS team.”  

Arman started playing lacrosse in the fifth grade.

“My brother at the time was in high school where he was introduced to the sport and convinced my mom to sign me up for the youth team,” Arman explained.

“I like the competitiveness when I’m up against a defender during a game and it comes down to who’s better,” Arman said.  “Knowing that I’m part of a unique group of individuals who have each other's back is what I enjoy about being a Blue Devil.”  

For Arman, this will be his last year playing lacrosse as he will attend Fitchburg State and study Biology next year.

“Unfortunately my lacrosse career ends here,” Arman said.  “I honestly had no desire to play the sport in the near future.  I was offered to play at the D2 division from two colleges but I turned them down thanking them for the consideration.”

Dallaire will be attending Iowa State University next year where he will study Animal Ecology and hopefully continue playing lacrosse with the club program.  

Halstead plans on attending Syracuse University and studying either Environmental Engineering or Environmental Science while also playing club or intramural lacrosse.  

Here at LHS, Halstead plays soccer and basketball and is in the National Honor Society and part of the Best Buddies program.  His favorite class was Physics with Mr. Noviello.  Outside of school, Halstead likes to golf, ski and hang out with friends.  

Dallaire was the captain of the field hockey team in the fall, and is the Vice President of STUMP, as well as the President of the United Way Youth Venture “Holiday Spreaders.”  

His favorite class was A.P. Biology and his favorite teacher is Mr. Sheehan, a teacher he calls “the greatest physics teacher” as well as Ms. Murphy who Dallaire said was instrumental in getting him into STUMP.

Outside of school, Dallaire enjoys going on rides with friends, going to the movies and listening to music, in particular, Frank Sinatra.

Arman has run cross country here at LHS and was a team captain in addition to running indoor track.  He’s also been a member of STUMP, Student Government and Biology Club.  Arman said his favorite teacher here at LHS Biology during his freshman year and his favorite teacher is the now-retired Mrs. Foley.  Outside of school, Arman enjoys relaxing.  

 

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Nina Marchetti (Girls' Lacrosse)

LHS junior girls’ lacrosse player Nina Marchetti started playing lacrosse when she was in first grade thanks in large part to someone who had a good deal of experience and success in the sport.  

“My mom played when she was in high school and college, so when I was in first grade my mom started the U9 team and coached me, my sister, and some of my current fellow teammates,” Nina said.  “We have all been playing together since then.” 

Nina continues to blossom as part of a highly talented LHS girls’ program under the direction of coach Ken Aubuchon.  

“Nina is a third year varsity player who continues to improve as the season progresses,” Aubuchon said.  “She is a two-way player, and has significant roles on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.  She has a great left hand shot, a competitive spirit and high sports IQ which has helped the team (to our strong start).  She is a great kid and a pleasure to coach.”

For Nina, lacrosse is all about that balance between getting after it and having fun doing it.

“I like that lacrosse is both competitive and fun,” Nina said.  “We win games but also have fun together both inside and outside of lax.”

A big part of that formula is the fact that her mom started things years ago.

“I like that I have been playing with the same girls since youth lax,” Nina said  “It is and always has been something we have been able to do together.”

Nina also said that this tight-knit group has learned a lot from coach Aubuchon.  

“Coach Ken has taught us how to keep a good mindset and have good sportsmanship in any game we play, no matter win or lose,” Nina said.  “He has also taught us to have fun and work hard, which allows us to have a successful season.”

After high school, Nina plans to attend a four-year university to study Biology and then continue from there to seek further education in the medical field.  She also hopes to play club or intramural lacrosse.  

At LHS, Nina is a member of the National Honor Society and participates as an officer in the Junior Class Government.  She also plays field hockey.  

Her favorite class to date at LHS was American Studies with Mr. Robichaud.  

Outside of school, Nina enjoys playing field hockey and lacrosse.  

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Daniel Caetano (Boys' Volleyball)

Junior boys’ volleyball player Daniel Caetano is one of those players that doesn’t come along very often according to LHS boys’ volleyball coach John Antonetti. 

“Daniel is one of those talented athletes that come far and few in a coaches career,” Antonetti explained.  “He is a great kid, both on and off the court. Very humble, extremely willing to help his teammates succeed.  One of the few athletes that I've coached that genuinely loves the sport.  He (makes) all of us better.”

Daniel came to Leominster a little over a year ago after growing up in Brazil.  As a freshman in his school in Brazil, Daniel started playing volleyball.  

“I'm not sure how, but I fell in love with volleyball when me and my friends were playing volleyball,” Daniel said.  “All my friends like volleyball, that’s what makes me like this sport.  I love my teammates and (coach Antonetti) here at LHS.”  

Daniel said he would like to play volleyball after graduating from high school but is living in the moment enjoying his junior season here at LHS.  When asked what his favorite class was here at LHS, Daniel respectfully indicated it was volleyball practice with his volleyball family.

Outside of school, Daniel said he keeps it pretty simple.

“I work out, I practice, I read books, I go out with friends,” Daniel said.  

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Megan Dube and Victoria Belcastro (Softball)

Senior Megan Dube (upper photo) and junior Victoria Belcastro (lower photo) make a formidable pitching tandem for the Blue Devils softball team according to LHS softball coach Tara Witzgall.

Dube had a stellar sophomore campaign for the Blue Devils, striking out 75 batters and posting an ERA of 3.68.  Unfortunately, she missed all of her junior season a year ago coming back from a serious knee injury.  

Then-Sophomore Victoria Belcastro took over in the circle a year ago for LHS, striking out 121 batters to go along with an ERA of 3.29.  

In 2023, both pitchers are working together to give the Blue Devils one of the best pitching duos in the region.  

“Both pitchers have been working extremely hard on and off the field during the pre-season months and are ready to work together to shut down our opponents offense,” Witzgall said.  “One pitcher likes to work the zone high, while the other works the zone low.  They compliment each other in many ways and will be the key weapons as we face some of the best teams in Mid-Wach.”

Being a part of the LHS softball team has a family feel to it according to both Dube and Belcastro.  

“The part I like most about being on a team is that the team becomes like your second family,” Megan said.  “I feel like I can talk to anyone on the team about anything and they won't judge me.  We even do a five-minute circle at the beginning of all our practices and games where everyone gets to say one thing about their day.  It can be happy or sad and the whole team will support you.”

“What I like most about being a part of the LHS softball team is the culture we have and the love and support we all have for each other,” Victoria added.

Both Dube and Belcastro credit Witzgall for creating and fostering that strong team culture.

Victoria was introduced to the sport by her mom and dad, starting to play softball when she was in kindergarten.  

“When I was younger my dad was a part of a men's softball team and he was a pitcher, so he has always been a role model for my pitching,” Victoria said.  “My mom was the one who signed me up for softball and began bringing me to all my softball events.”

“What I like most about softball is the thrill you get when playing and the support from your family and teammates,” Victoria added.

Megan was influenced by her family as well.  

“My dad had played baseball his whole life, so he put my sister and I into softball as early as he could,” Megan said.  “I have played other sports but softball was the one that I stuck with.”

“I like the highs and lows of the game,” Megan added.  “The feeling of winning a game when you know you played your hardest is unbeatable.  Everyone on the team is so excited, and you just don't want to stop talking about it.”

Victoria wants to attend college after high school and get a Master’s Degree in Business.  Megan will be attending Clark University next year and pitching for the softball team there.  She plans to study Political Science and wants to attend Law School.  

Megan is a member of the STUMP Club, and  was also a member of the Quiz Show team, the Math Team and the Mock Trial Team while at LHS.  Her favorite class at LHS is A.P. Language and Composition with Mr. Oxford.  

Victoria’s favorite class was American Studies and her favorite to teacher is Mrs. Letarte.  

Outside of school, Megan likes to read, watch movies, and go shopping with her friends.

Victoria likes to practice softball, go to the gym and hangout with friends.  She also likes to volunteer at her local church, Our Lady of the Lake.  

 

Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Ryan Garner (Baseball)

Senior Ryan Garner, who will be attending and playing baseball at Husson University next year, has always been a leader and someone who performs best when the pressure is the highest according to LHS baseball coach Rich Barnaby.

“Ryan is always at his best under pressure and in the biggest moments,” Barnaby said.  “We had so much confidence in him his sophomore year that we put him in the game to close out the State Semifinal game where he struck out the final batter of the game with a runner on second.”  

One of those pressure moments came in the season opener earlier this month for the Blue Devils, a 12-inning marathon where Ryan came on out of the bullpen with the game tied, pitching six shutout innings of one-hit relief while striking out seven before Angel Baez ended the game with a walk-off single.”  

“We know that in the key moments this season, Ryan will be the difference that helps us win those close games,” Barnaby said.  

Ryan started playing baseball when he was four years old, acquiring a love for the game watching baseball games on television with his father, Chad, who is currently the varsity baseball coach at Fitchburg High School.  That same year, Ryan started his baseball journey playing tee-ball for Leominster North.  

Since that time, Ryan has developed a deep passion for the sport.  

“I have always liked the competitiveness of the sport,” Ryan said.  “I like being in the big moments when the tensions are high.  The baseball field has also been a place of comfort, where I only need to focus on the game and my teammates around me.”

Ryan particularly likes being a part of the LHS baseball team, a team that coach Barnaby sets very high standards for year after year.  

“The culture of winning is what I like most about our team,” Ryan said.  “There is a set standard that requires lots of hard work and dedication to the sport.  We all share the same goal, which is why our team is so close.”

Part of that standard for the team is working together to overcome adversity.  

“Coach Barnaby has taught me that mistakes are a part of life, but how you bounce back from that error is what defines you,” Ryan said.  “Staying positive after something bad happens keeps the team calm, and we play with less pressure on ourselves.  Coach tells us to be confident that the person next to you will make that play when you need it the most.”

Before attending Husson in Bangor, Maine this fall, Ryan will play summer baseball with his American Legion team, Post 151.  

“My planned major is in Environmental Science, and if baseball doesn't work out I would want to work somewhere in that field,” Ryan said of his future plans.  

At LHS, Ryan’s favorite class was Honors Physics with Mr. Noviello.  

Outside of school, Ryan is a very big collector of sports cards and memorabilia, mainly football and baseball.  He also likes to work out at Cressey Sports Performance in Hudson.