The Blue Devil Spotlight

  Junior girls tennis student-athlete Elen Pilyagin has brought years of experience to the Blue Devils, developing a love for the sport well before arriving at Leominster High School. “I started playing tennis about seven years ago when I was in fifth grade,” Pilyagin said. “My mom and brother were playing tennis, so I decided that I wanted to try playing, too.” Since joining the team, she has quickly found success. As a sophomore, she went 15-0 without dropping a set, including a win in the MIAA playoffs at West Springfield. She has carried that momentum into her junior season, opening with seven straight wins and extending her streak to 22 matches—the longest in the program since at least 2004. At her current pace, she has the potential to become the winningest player in the program over the past 20 years. While winning has been a major part of her success, one of the most rewarding aspects of the sport for Pilyagin is the mental escape it provides. “I like that when I’m playing ...

  Leominster High School senior Kevin Lee has been playing volleyball since eighth grade and takes his role as a setter seriously. “Playing as the setter, it's essentially being a quarterback, as you control the whole offense,” Lee said. “I like being in control and making the opponents confused.” Introduced to the sport by his friends, Lee credits his teammates for much of his enjoyment as a Blue Devil. He values the family-like environment within the program and the team’s commitment to improving, win or lose. Head coach John Antonetti has recognized Lee’s leadership throughout his time at Leominster. “Kevin has matured into a leader over the four years he's been in the program,” Antonetti said. “His attitude and energy is unmatched. It's the old expression, ‘As he goes, so goes the team.’ He brings a positive attitude to practice and the games. In team huddles, he constantly tells the team to ‘stay positive’ and that ‘we've got this.’” “Coach Antonetti has a phr...

  Leominster High School senior Max Sleeper has made a significant impact on the boys lacrosse program, an impressive achievement for someone relatively new to the sport. “I started playing lacrosse my freshmen year,” Sleeper said. “Me and my buddies all wanted to give it a try and signed up together.” Now in his senior season, Sleeper is in his third year as a starter and serves as a team captain while leading the team in goals and points. He opened the season with four goals in a win over Doherty Memorial High School and followed that with five goals, including the game-winner, in an overtime victory against North Middlesex Regional High School. He added another game-winning goal in a 5-4 win over Groton-Dunstable Regional High School. “Max is our go-to guy on offense this year,” said varsity head coach Colin Davis. “He has really stepped up as a leader and as a player and improved all aspects of his game. He is a huge reason why we are 4-2 and off to our best start since 2021...

When senior Danica Carlberg first entered Leominster High School four years ago, tennis was not on her radar. Now, three seasons later, she serves as a tri-captain for the Blue Devils. “During my sophomore year, Coach Robichaud, who was my American Studies teacher at the time, asked if I would be interested in joining the team after hearing I played volleyball,” said Carlberg. “Since a few of my volleyball teammates were already involved with the program, I decided to join the team.” Carlberg has embraced the sport, enjoying both its strategy and fast-paced nature, which requires players to balance patience with quick reactions. Most importantly, she values the friendships she has built through the program. “The thing I like most about being a part of the tennis team at LHS is the friends I have made throughout the years,” said Carlberg. “As a doubles player, you have to be able to trust your teammate and know that they will have your back. I have played with almost everyone else on th...

  For Leominster High School senior Danny Nelson, baseball has been a major part of his life since he was five years old, when he was first introduced to the game by his family. “I was introduced to this sport by my dad and brother,” said Nelson. “They both used to play.” Nelson credits the competitive nature of the game as his favorite aspect, especially as a pitcher. “I love being able to compete every time I step out onto the field,” Nelson said. “As a pitcher, I love being involved in every play and having that pressure on me to perform and compete against great hitters.” A member of the varsity team since his sophomore year, Nelson has developed both his skill and confidence over the past three seasons. “I've learned a lot about confidence, which is something I struggled with in my first season on varsity,” Nelson said. “I learned to trust my teammates and move on from mistakes that happened. It’s best to worry about the next pitch and not the one before.” “Danny has come a l...

  Leominster High School junior Richie Barnaby has loved baseball since he was four years old, and that passion continues on the Doyle Field diamond for the Blue Devils. He especially enjoys the competitive nature of the game. “I like the competitive nature of baseball,” Barnaby said. “When in the batter’s box, I love the feeling of me versus the pitcher.” Barnaby, a lifelong Leominster resident, has played baseball in the city from Little League through Babe Ruth and into high school. He also has the unique experience of playing for his father, varsity head coach Rich Barnaby. “It’s not easy being coached by your dad,” said coach Barnaby. “There’s a different kind of pressure that comes with it, and Richie feels that everyday. People see the last name before they see the player, and that’s a tough spot for any kid to be in. But, to his credit, he handles it with a maturity beyond his years.” “I have learned a lot from my dad,” said Barnaby. “He has taught me how to control my ...