It’s season opener week for Spring Sports and we know fans are eager to learn what to expect for the upcoming season. We’ve reached out to each varsity coach on their team’s goals, expectations, and challenges for the upcoming season.
If you aren’t already, be sure to follow @Sanford_Athletics on Instagram to stay up-to-date on game days, highlights and results!
BASEBALL
HEAD COACH: KYLE BERNIER
Coach Kyle Bernier returns for his third season as the head coach of the boys varsity baseball team.
How did your 2023 season go?
We finished the regular season with a 10-6 record and got matched up with Kennebunk in the first round of the playoffs. It was a great game, but we lost 4-3.
Who are the top returners, and/or newcomers this season you are excited about?
We have a strong group of seniors (Ben Gill, Tyler Sevigny, Beckett Barlow, Scott Long) that I anticipate playing a large role in our success this year, but it is going to take a collective effort from top to bottom to get where we want to be at the end of the year.
What are your goals and expectations for this season? Any challenges you anticipate?
The goal going into every season is to win a state championship, and I believe we have what it takes to do that this year. I expect us to pitch well, play very good defense, and create a lot of havoc on the bases. If we can avoid any major injuries or setbacks, then we are very capable of being the last team standing at the end of the year.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
The thing I am looking forward to the most is watching the guys compete. We have been working hard all preseason to get ready and put ourselves in a position to be successful this year, and I can’t wait to see how that translates once we get the season started.
BOYS LACROSSE
SANFORD CAPTAIN: AJ ANDERSON, ’24
The boys lacrosse program has teamed up with the Noble Knights for their second co-op season due to numbers. Sanford Senior AJ Anderson was voted by both teams as a captain. In addition to Anderson, Ayden Lockard, Tylor Pitman, and Simon Lanigan will be top Sanford players to watch this season.
How did your 2023 season go?
Last year we set Noble’s best record in program history, finishing with a record of 10-4 in the regular season. Our season ended with a loss in the first round of the playoffs against Cape Elizabeth.
In your second year as a co-op, how would you describe the experience?
With our second year as co-op, the chemistry our team holds feels as if we’ve been playing together for much longer. The noble guys welcomed us in like family and were willing to adjust to our presence, even if it meant switching up their role on the team.
What are your team goals and expectations for this season? Any challenges you anticipate?
As a team this year we want to make a run in the playoffs and upset some of the top programs in our conference. One of our biggest challenges from last year was injuries so I am hoping we are able to remain healthy throughout the duration of the season in order to remain competitive.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
We have a more challenging schedule this year so I am most looking forward to playing successful programs like Falmouth and TA to see how well we match up against them. This season is going to be fun to watch and I suggest anyone who is new to the sport of the lacrosse to come check out our games.
You can follow @sanfordboyslax on Instagram.
GIRLS LACROSSE
HEAD COACH: KELLY FOLEY
Coach Foley enters her fourth season as varsity coach.
How did your 2023 season go?
I would argue that it was our best season yet, finishing 8-6. We had some players earn top 10 spots in Sanford Lacrosse’s “All Time” Statistics, which is great to see. We’re working hard to grow the skill and interest in the sport and with 37 players in the program this year, it’s starting to show!
Who are the top returners, and/or newcomers this season you are excited about?
We graduated more than half our starting line up, so I am excited to see returning and new players increase their roles and leadership. Led by our returning captain, Caiti Hanselmann, I also anticipate seeing more from juniors Sadie Sevigny, Mckenna Nanartowich, Savannah Knight and Ali Long, as well as defensive leadership from Kya Duprey. We’ve got a ton of new, athletic players giving lacrosse a chance this year and I’m excited to see them improve.
What are your goals and expectations for this season? Any challenges you anticipate?
Like any team, our goal is to get better every day to lift our overall competitiveness and level of play. I’d like to see a winning record and hosting another playoff game. We’ve got great numbers this year but our lack of varsity experience may prove a challenge on our nerves, but we’re ready to push some of the big teams around!
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Watching our team work together on and off the field — we’ve got some great support and camaraderie and I am excited to see how this team finds its way.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Last year we were really proud to raise more than $300 for the American Cancer Society. Each year we host a dedication game for a cause we’re passionate about. Stay tuned!
You can follow @sanfordgirlslax on Instagram.
SOFTBALL
HEAD COACH: andrew dumond
The softball program is back at SHS after co-oping with Kennebunk last season. Coach Dumond has taken on the head coach position.
How did the 2023 season go?
Last season featured a co-op program between Sanford and Kennebunk High Schools under head coaches Scott Sheppard and Eddie Pike, respectfully. The team ended the regular season ranked #3 in Class A South softball.
Who are the top returners, and/or newcomers this season you are excited about?
Sanford’s premiere pitcher this season will be starting Varsity Freshman Jenna Soucy. Jenna has spent a considerable amount of time training in this skill position and it will be exciting to watch her high school softball career.
What are your goals and expectations for this season? Any challenges you anticipate?
Our team effort is in building a Sanford softball program. With 23 active roster members this season, the team is made entirely of sophmores and freshmen. We have more to learn but this is a team with heart that has already overcome a lot.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Smiles on base and a rowdy dugout.
BOYS TRACK & FIELD
HEAD COACH: KEVIN WAY
Coach “K-Way” enters his 23rd season as head coach of the boys track team.
How did your 2023 season go?
We were 6-3 in 2023. We had many southwestern qualifiers. We took several lads to the state meet, with strong results! Two boys, Tucker Walker and Nick Farrington, qualified for New Englands.
Who are the top returners, and/or newcomers this season you are excited about?
Tucker Walker is the defending state champ in the discus and in the indoor shot put State Champion. Nick Farrington was third in the state in javelin. Other top returners include CJ Grant (high jump), Rhylen Avery (sprints), Logan Glidden (jumps) and Mason Van Gieson (pole vault). We’ve got tons of team speed!
What are your goals and expectations for this season? Any challenges you anticipate?
Our goals are to qualify as many individuals for southwestern and the state meet as possible. We want to pursue state meet excellence.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Looking forward to working with a great crew of coaches and athletes…carpe diem!
GIRLS TRACK & FIELD
HEAD COACH: nate smith
Coach Smith enters his second season as head coach.
How did your 2023 season go?
Last year was a building year for our team as we had 17 members. However, our mid-distance team and throwing team put in great performances at the state championships.
Who are the top returners, and/or newcomers this season you are excited about?
We have all of our mid-distance team returning. Annalise Stimmel, Samone Gallagher, and Addie Fiandaca will lead the way with freshman Eliza Allen coming forward to help in the relays.
Freshmen Lily Peters will be a strong addition in the sprints and jumps with returners Bella McCall, Tiffany Souliere, Mackenzie Taylor and Sophie Therrien.
What are your goals and expectations for this season? Any challenges you anticipate?
We are excited to have doubled our numbers and as coaches, we are looking forward to seeing what our newcomers bring to the table. It should be a great season.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
As we move from a building year to a bigger team with returning talent, I am excited to see how we perform against teams across our league and state.
You can follow @spartangirlstrack on Instagram.
BOYS TENNIS
HEAD COACH: NICK WORKS
This is Nick Works’s second year as head coach for the Spartans.
Stay tuned for updates!
GIRLS TENNIS
HEAD COACH: HAILEY FRANCOEUR
This is Francoeur’s second year as the girls tennis coach. You can follow @sanfordgirlstennis on Instagram.
Stay tuned for updates!
The Spartan Times 