The Blue Devil Spotlight

Wrestling is a sport of endurance and stamina that Leominster High School senior Gavin Olinde believes will continue to benefit him beyond graduation. “I love how mentally and physically tough wrestling is,” Olinde said. “You have to be both mentally tough and physically prepared to wrestle your best.” Wrestling has been a part of Olinde’s life since fifth grade. Although the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to step away from the sport during middle school, he returned to the mat as a freshman and has remained committed ever since. “My parents one day said I would love wrestling, and I signed up” Olinde said about his wrestling roots. “I’ve loved the sport ever since.” Currently a member of the varsity squad, Olinde has earned his role through hard work and dedication, according to head coach Matt Schiller. “Gavin is a hard-nosed, tough kid who will definitely be a good leader as he moves forward in life,” Schiller said. “He reminds me of me when I was his age. He has earned all the su...

Basketball has been a constant in Leominster High School senior Sasha Sabourin’s life since second grade, and her love for the game has continued to grow ever since. A lifelong Leominster resident, Sabourin was introduced to the sport by her mother, who played growing up along with Sabourin’s aunts. Of all aspects of the game, Sabourin takes the most pride in her defense, a quality that has not gone unnoticed by varsity head coach Ashley Smith. “Sasha has been a part of the varsity program since her sophomore year,” Smith said. “Her competitive spirit is especially evident on the defensive end. Her quickness and relentless pressure make her a constant nuisance for opposing players.” During her time in the girls basketball program, Sabourin has learned the importance of responding positively to mistakes. “One thing I have learned from my coaches this year is that it is always okay to make a mistake during a game and to make up for it on the next play by making a steal or basket,” Sabour...

Ice hockey has been a steady part of Leominster High School senior James Connors’ life since he first picked up a stick in eighth grade. Introduced to the game by friends, he began with deck hockey before transitioning to the ice, and he has appreciated the sport ever since. “I like the speed of the game,” Connors said. “Hockey has taught me the importance of being confident. I have learned to want the puck while on the ice, which has shown me how to go after what I want in life, too.” Entering his senior season, Connors is a three-year varsity athlete. He played significant minutes in each of the past two seasons, served as an alternate captain as a junior, and now leads the team as a senior captain. “James is a three year varsity player and has really stood out as a strong competitor and a great role model for other players on the team,” said varsity head coach Frank Mooney. “He is a strong skater with good decision making and his effort in practices and games is always top on the te...

Senior Madison Lemanski has embodied the Blue Devil spirit throughout her four years in the Leominster girls basketball program. Having competed in the sport since first grade, basketball has played a key role in shaping who she is today. “I like that basketball helps me build discipline and confidence,” Lemanski said. “It pushes me to practice consistently and stay focused, even when things get challenging. Seeing my skills improve over time makes me more confident in myself. That confidence carries over into other parts of my life, whether that’s on or off the court.” Basketball has also served as a meaningful bonding experience for Lemanski and her family. “My dad was the first person who introduced me to basketball because he played growing up,” Lemanski said. “It has been something that we have been able to bond over throughout the years and has brought us much closer together because he was my coach throughout elementary and middle school.” Since stepping onto the court at Leo...