The Blue Devil Spotlight

  Leominster High School junior Brady Pellecchia began running cross country at Samoset Middle School and has since developed into one of the top runners at LHS. “When I got into 6th grade I started to run cross country because that's what my older brother did when he was in middle school,” Pellecchia said. Since joining the sport, Pellecchia has embraced both its competitive nature and the close relationships he has built with his teammates. “I like the competitive nature of the sport,” Pellecchia said. “I like how close the team is and the connections between teammates." Pellecchia's development as both a runner and a leader has impressed head coach Karen Marino. “Brady has shown strong growth each year in both athletic ability and leadership,” Marino said. “He consistently gives his best effort at practices and meets, working to improve his speed and racing skills.” Pellecchia credits Marino with helping him develop his racing strategy, particularly the importance of pa...

  Leominster High School senior goalkeeper Conrad Lohmann has worked hard throughout his high school career to earn his place as a starting varsity boys soccer goalkeeper and team captain. His dedication and experience have helped him become a key contributor during his senior season. A Leominster native, Lohmann developed a love for soccer at an early age. “I started playing soccer when I was four years old,” Lohmann said. “My parents signed me up for a few sports growing up, but soccer was the only sport I truly enjoyed.” Lohmann competed for the starting goalkeeper position entering his junior year. When an injury sidelined the other goalkeeper, Lohmann stepped into the starting role and gained valuable experience that has carried into his senior season. “Conrad has been an anchor for us all season,” said varsity head coach Steve McCaughey. “He worked incredibly hard over his whole high school career to put himself in the mix to be the starting varsity goalkeeper. He entered las...

Leominster High School senior goalie Meaghan Doucet took up field hockey later than many of her teammates, joining the sport as a sophomore without any prior experience. Since then, she has developed into a two-year varsity starting goalie. “I was introduced to field hockey by my friend Hailey, who also pushed me to play flag football my freshman year,” Doucet said. “She explained the concept of field hockey to me and told me to sign up for tryouts.” Despite starting the sport as a sophomore, Doucet's work ethic and enthusiasm quickly caught the attention of head coach Catherine Brow. “One of the things I love most about coaching is getting to watch kids grow and develop, and Meaghan is such a great example of that,” Brow said. “She came to us her sophomore year never having played field hockey before, but she was eager to learn and excited to be a part of the team. To see how far she's come since then, from someone who had never put pads on to becoming a two-year varsity start...

  The rivalry between Leominster and Fitchburg will take center stage Thursday as the schools meet for their annual unified basketball matchup. Unified basketball gives students in the Life Skills and ABA programs an opportunity to participate in physical activity, build relationships, and become more involved in the LHS community. The program emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship, and enjoying the game. “What I like about unified basketball is that it’s not all about winning,” said unified basketball student-athlete Jean Ronald Jean Pierre. “Everyone is working together as a team, trying their best, and, most importantly, having fun.” “Unified basketball is a great experience for everyone involved,” said head coach Kevin Hadmack. “It is rewarding to see everyone on the court having fun.” Student helpers also play an important role in the program, working alongside the athletes on the court and helping guide them throughout the game. “My favorite part about unified is watching every p...

Leominster High School senior Rocco Spinelli has established himself as a four-year member of the varsity golf team, building his role within the program while steadily improving his game. Spinelli started 14 matches as a freshman, followed by 13 as a sophomore and 16 as a junior. This season, he is expected to compete in all 16 regular-season matches. A lifelong Leominster native, Spinelli first picked up a golf club at eight years old after being introduced to the sport by his grandfather, whom he credits as a major influence on both his love of golf and his life. “What I love about golf is the grind and how there is always a new goal to look forward to,” Spinelli said. “There is always a new score or swing or putt you can make or do.” Spinelli has also embraced his role within the LHS golf program, particularly the friendships and leadership opportunities that have come with four years on the team. “I love leading the team and being an influence,” Spinelli said. “My teammates ha...

  Leominster High School senior Hailey Jimenez is enjoying a terrific senior season on the field hockey field after missing all of last season with an ACL injury. Through hard work and determination, Jimenez rehabilitated her injury and returned to the game she loves. A lifelong Leominster native, Jimenez first picked up a field hockey stick in seventh grade. “I started playing in seventh grade when I made the middle school field hockey team,” Jimenez said. “My mother used to play and she wanted me to also play.” Jimenez enjoys the challenge of field hockey and the constant opportunity to improve. “I like the skill work that comes with field hockey,” Jimenez said. “I also like how difficult it is to perfect.” She also appreciates the camaraderie and family-like atmosphere within the LHS field hockey program. “The team is like a family,” Jimenez said. “Everyone feels free to be themselves and just have fun playing a sport that they enjoy.” “Hailey is definitely a fierce compe...