The Blue Devil Spotlight

  Leominster High School senior Horace Kendima began his soccer journey as a young child, with his mother playing a major role in developing his love for the sport. “My mom used to take me out to play,” Kendima said. “She played a huge role in my love for soccer.” Now in his third season on varsity and serving as one of the team's captains, Kendima has embraced his leadership role. He says the family atmosphere among his teammates is one of his favorite parts of playing LHS boys soccer. “What I like most is playing with my teammates,” Kendima said. “We are all family, no matter what.” “Horace has always stood out for his speed and skill, as well as his versatility,” said varsity head coach Steve McCaughey. “While he came into our program as a striker, he played wingback as a sophomore and centerback as a junior. This year, Horace has been a dominant force in the midfield, and we count on him to lead our attack while also being a crucial piece of our defense.” “One thing I’ve l...

  A chance announcement over the intercom during her freshman year introduced Jaila Bergeron to cross country. She has not looked back since. “One day, on the school announcements, it was mentioned the cross country team needed more members,” said Bergeron. “I decided to join, and I’ve been on the team ever since.” After moving to Leominster during middle school, Bergeron, now a junior at Leominster High School, found a sport she quickly grew to enjoy, embracing the running, coaches, and camaraderie that come with cross country. “Running helps with your heart, lungs and just lets you have a better, healthier body overall,” said Bergeron. “I like how everyone on the team is so supportive of each other. With that constant support, it has led me to form great bonds with some of my best friends.” “Jaila joined cross country freshman year,” said cross country head coach Karen Marino. “Since that time, she has made so much progress as a runner and athlete. She has become one of the t...

Leominster High School junior Joan Fitzgerald expanded her passion for running when she joined the cross country team at the beginning of her sophomore year. Inspired by her indoor track teammates, Fitzgerald decided to carry her love of running into the fall season. A lifelong Leominster native, Fitzgerald enjoys cross country for both the sport itself and the challenge of improving. “I like the running aspect of cross country the most,” said Fitzgerald. “I also like the challenge. I like that it gives me an opportunity to improve.” Fitzgerald has enjoyed her time with the cross country team, particularly the motivation she receives from her coaches. “My favorite part of the cross country team at LHS is the coaches because they are very real and know when you can do better,” said Fitzgerald. “That really has pushed me. Last season and this season, I’ve learned to push myself while coach Marino helps me stay focused when I’m running.” “Joan has been a tremendous asset to the girls...