Four rookie standouts shatter expectations and collect all-conference honors in remarkable debut winter sport seasons

By Isabella McCall and Eliza Allen

In a season where experience typically reigns supreme, four first-year athletes have turned the conventional dominance of winter sports upside down. While most freshmen spend their rookie campaigns adjusting to the heightened competition, strategic team systems, and finding their place within established team dynamics, Sanford had four extraordinary freshmen who have done anything but blend into the background.

Instead, they’ve seized starring roles, collected all-conference honors and established themselves as weapons of their respective programs. Their remarkable journeys from newcomers to program standouts represent not only individual triumphs, but also a collective statement that the future of Sanford High School winter sports has arrived ahead of schedule.

Mattea Peters: Indoor Track 

Mattea Peters placed first in every Junior Division girls 400m she competed in this season, including Southwesterns. At the State Meet level, she placed fourth and was the only freshman to make it to the podium, qualifying her for New England’s at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston (the first freshmen in Sanford indoor track history to do so, according to Coach Lewis). Peters has also placed in the top five in all of her regular season races. 

According to Coach Lewis and Coach Kiley, Peters’ attitude, ability to rally others around her and encourage others, is among her best qualities beyond her obvious talent. 

“Mattea is a great person and athlete,” said Lewis. “She has been such a positive spirit on the team and has never complained about any workout, no matter how easy or hard it was. She was the only person to make it to New England’s and [despite practicing alone for one and a half weeks], she didn’t miss a practice and was always happy to be there.” 

In the short term, Peters hopes to be running a sub-60 second 400 by the end of the outdoor season this spring. In the long term, she hopes to run track in college. She credits her teammates for a large portion of her success.

“They have supported me in so many ways,” says Peters, “but one of the main ways that has helped me a lot is the encouragement they give me and how they push me to keep going all the time.”

MOLLIE PUFFER: GIRLS BASKETBALL

Mollie Puffer led all of Class AA South in average points per game and rebounds per game this season. She averaged a double-double with 15.7 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. She was voted to the SMAA Rookie Team, was named the SMAA AA South Rookie of the Year and SMAA Rookie of the Year. She also made the SMAA AA South First Team, and was voted the team’s Most Valuable Player. She’s credited by her coaches for contributing through scoring, rebounding, and her energy and passion to play. Her game high from the season was earning 19 points and 18 rebounds against Kennebunk.

“Mollie bought into the culture from day one,” said Coach Kearson. “She understood right away that it wasn’t about her, but it was about her sisters and that she was never above her sisters. [She earned] the respect of her sisters on the team and showed them that she was “All IN” and willing to put in the work for us to be successful.”

Puffer hopes to become a better all-around player and help lead the team to States during her time at SHS. She’s gotten incredibly close with her team, who she values beyond the basketball court.

“They’re always there for me when I get down on myself, lifting me up and giving me confidence,” she said.

“Mollie Puffer is a special player with lofty goals,” said Kearson. “I feel honored to coach such a wonderful player but more important than that she’s an even better person. The future is very bright for Mollie Puffer, but even brighter for Spartan Girls Basketball.”

Luke gendron: boys basketball

Luke Gendron averaged 26 minutes, 10 points, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He was the starting point guard throughout the season, a role that is crucial to the team’s success. He was responsible for controlling the pace of play, executing offensive sets, and making key decisions on the court. The fact that he handled this responsibility as a freshman makes his contributions even more impressive. Gendron was unanimously voted Class AA South Rookie of the Year, an honor determined by the coaches in the conference. 

“Luke brings confidence and a strong competitive spirit to our program,” said Coach Mills. “He is highly respected by his teammates for both his skills and the way he carries himself. His leadership is evident, even at a young age. He remains engaged, maintains a positive attitude, and consistently elevates those around him. There were several moments this season where his voice stood out in times of adversity, reinforcing his role as a leader. His presence raises expectations and sets a high standard for our team culture.”

Mills outlines two games where Gendron showed composure beyond his years. First, in the season opener against Thornton Academy (who finished 15-2 the previous season) and a Mr. Basketball finalist, throwing Gendron into a challenging environment for his first official high school game. “Despite the pressure, he rose to the occasion, showing composure beyond his years. The atmosphere, the opponent, and the intensity of the game never seemed too big for him, which was truly impressive in hindsight,” shared Mills.

The second game that stood out was a high-stakes matchup against a talented Noble team. Gendron led the team with 24 points while being guarded by one of the top defenders in the area. “Once again, he thrived under pressure, proving that he embraces big moments,” said Mills. “His ability to perform at a high level in critical games speaks volumes about the kind of player he is and the potential he has moving forward.”

Gendron started playing basketball around four years old and credited his three older brothers – Liam, Dylan and Cayden – for pushing him to improve. His older brother, Dylan, is a junior captain on the team. Playing with older teammates motivated Luke to work hard and make a positive impact on the team.

“My teammates have helped me throughout my time playing basketball by always pushing me and playing tough against me even [though] I’m younger.”

“His maturity, both on and off the court, is remarkable for someone his age,” said Mills. “On the court, he demonstrates exceptional body control and a high basketball IQ. His ability to compete against older, more experienced players is a rare quality for a freshman entering high school.”

Claire Pordon: SWIM

Without a Sanford Swim Team, any water-based Spartan must compete for Massabesic. At Southwesterns, Claire Pordon placed fifth in 200-Yard free, third in 100-Yard fly and second in the 400-Yard free relay. She placed fourth at States in the 100 Butterfly.

Pordon’s favorite memory was competing in the Maine Class A state championship this past season. She explained that she was able to place fourth at States by dropping two seconds off her 100 butterfly.

“Throughout the season the Massabesic swimmers were very supportive,” said Pordon. “They pushed me to my goals and helped guide me through the season. They were role models who assisted me while I figured out high school swim.”

Pordon practiced two and a half hours a day split in two practice sessions. She continues competing year round and participates in summer meets.

In the future, she hopes to become a swim team captain to share her love of swimming with her teammates. She also hopes to grow the team and have more Sanford swimmers join the team. Additionally, by senior year she wants to win an event at Southwesterns or States.

Pordon also shared that she wishes that more people knew about the swim team, “This season I’m not sure that many students even knew we had a swim team and I’d like to make it more well-known.”

---

While these first-year athlete’s accomplishments deserve every accolade they’ve received, perhaps what’s most exciting is the simple fact that this is only the beginning. With three more years of eligibility ahead, these young stars have already demonstrated they possess both the talent and determination to potentially become some of the most decorated athletes in school history. 

For now, they’ll enjoy their well-earned recognition, but come next season, they’ll face a new challenge—living up to the high standards they’ve set for themselves during this unforgettable freshman campaign.