Fall sports programs are gearing up for another eventful and competitive season. Spartans fans are eager to learn what to anticipate. We’ve reached out to each varsity coach for each team’s goals, expectations, and challenges for the upcoming season.
If you aren’t already, be sure to follow us at @Spartan.Times and @Sanford_Athletics on Instagram to stay up-to-date on game days, highlights and results!
Cross Country
The 2024 season ended with the boys’ XC team just barely missing a trip to the state championship. The girls’ team put forth a good effort at regionals, but low numbers hurt the team’s placement.
Some of the top returning players are Isaac Pelletier, Michael Mastraccio and Gabe Waterman who will lead the way as a strong front three returners. Pelletier has broken many time trial records in the preseason and will have a great shot to be a top placer in the state. Dominic Penney joins the team and will be a key runner in moving our team forward.
The girls’ team is captained by Eliza Allen, who is a three-year veteran. She will lead a young team with many dual-sport athletes.
The boys’ team is hoping to be one of the top teams in the region and shock many people with the improvements that they made in the offseason. Their goal is to qualify for the state championship and place in the top five in Class A.
The girls’ team is building up with more young runners and shows promising improvement going into this season.
Coach Nate Smith said, “I’m looking forward to watching the boys and girls teams come together as a team and work closely to help each other achieve their team and individual goals.”
Girls soccer
The girls soccer team finished 6-5-1 last year, they qualified for the preliminary round of the playoffs but lost to Kennebunk in overtime.
Some of the top returners are Ava Hudson, midfield, Ami Kane, back, Annalise Stimmell, midfield, Bella McCall, midfield, Kenzie Taylor, back and Sophie Olivo, goalie. They also have several other returners and new players who are bringing great energy!
Their biggest goal is to work hard and get better chemistry every day. They hope to be in a position to make the playoffs and be a dangerous team.
Coach McCall said, “I am looking forward to the outstanding leadership and character of our varsity seniors. Each now in their 4th year of varsity and set a great tone of positive attitude, competitiveness and teamwork.”
Boys Soccer
2024 did not go the way they wanted it to. They won one game and tied a game.
Some top returners for the team this year are Levi Mann, Gavin Hebler, Cam Provencher and Ivo Mpeko
Their goals and expectations this year are to be more competitive in every game and make the playoffs.
Some of the challenges they are facing are changing the team culture and getting the boys to buy in.
Coach Rowe mentioned he was “Looking forward to turning the program around and back on track so that it can continue to grow for years to come.”
Football
The football team finished with a 1-8 record last year. This year they’re bringing in a new head coach in hopes to be far better.
Some top returners this year are Brady Boissonneault who is a Senior tight end, linebacker and Team Captain. He is the leader of the defense and a very good physical tight end that can help in the run game with his blocking and also poses a threat in the passing game. Perrin Shaw is a Senior running back, linebacker and Team Captain. He is a versatile player on both sides of the ball. He contributes at both running back and receiver and is a dependable defender at linebacker. Jayden Franco is a Senior running back and defensive back who will be a big piece of the offense with his ability in the running game and passing game, he has the ability to create big plays with his speed and vision with the ball. Drew McGrath is a Senior wide receiver, defensive back and Team Captain. He is the number one receiver and game breaker on the outside, who has the ability to make game changing plays on both sides of the ball. Logan Sevigny is a Junior linebacker and running back who is quickly becoming one of the top defenders at linebacker. He is constantly around the football, has great instincts as a tackler and at creating big plays. AJ Cote is a Junior Quarterback and is a promising up-and-coming QB for the team. It’s his first year as the varsity starter, he is an athletic player who poses a threat as a runner along with his ability to throw the football.
From Coach Hildrebrand: “My goal for this team is to continue to improve as we build the necessary culture in order to be consistently successful. I believe this group can battle for a playoff spot by the end of the year. It begins and ends with our commitment, focus, and ability to work together as teammates. So important for the right culture. I would say the fact that we are in the most competitive conference in the state creates challenges. There are no breaks in the schedule. However this I believe this will help us improve throughout the season.
As a first-year head coach, I am so excited to finally get going on the field. The kids have shown up to off-season workouts going back to March. It’s great to finally be on the field and strive for the goals we have. I believe this team, led by our senior class, will have the opportunity to surprise a lot of people this season.”
Field Hockey
Sanford Field Hockey is coming off a 10-4 season in 2024 and is looking to build on last year’s success. They have lost 8 seniors to graduation, so there are a lot of holes to fill, however, returning players have shown a ton of improvement and there are some newcomers who look very promising.
Top returning players are Hailey Payeur who is a Sophomore midfielder, Paige Sevigny, a Junior midfielder, Zoey McCann, a Junior midfielder and forward and Linda-Rose Krol, a Senior defender.
New players expected to play a role this season are Reese Beaudoin who is a Freshman midfielder and Miranda Payeur, a Freshman forward.
We have a strong and talented midfield unit, but we will need to improve our goal-scoring capabilities and defensive circle play to stay competitive in the SMAA.
From Coach Kane: “At this time, our outlook is a bit uncertain. We have a small core of talented returning players, but graduated 8 players from last season. We do have younger players with a ton of potential, and success will largely depend on these players stepping into key roles immediately. That being said, we expect to finish in the top third of the SMAA.
We have good goal-scoring potential, but need to find a good rhythm in our offensive circle. Defensively, we have a mostly new group, and our success will depend on how quickly they can adapt to the speed and intensity of varsity play.”
Golf
Last season was a tough one, the overall record was 1-9 despite the good effort the team showed.
Some of the top returners from last season are Seniors Brody Baron and Carter Giroux, along with Sophomore Luke Gendron.
Some of their goals this year are to play smart golf and potentially have some players qualify for states. The biggest challenges this year is getting 23 players on the course and the weather that always impacts outdoor sports.
Coach Kearson had to say, “I’m most looking forward to my guys playing at such a great course that is Sanford Country Club. It is in the best shape that it’s been in, in a long time. I’m also looking forward to improving on our record from last year along with working with a crop of new seniors who will help our team this year.”
