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Page 10 NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM October 2025
Community
Fall Sports Kick Off at Newfound:
Teams, Coaches, and Community Excited for the Season
Fall sports are underway at Newfound Regional High School, and the excitement is evident. Coaches, athletes, and fans are looking forward to the season ahead, knowing how much these games mean to the school and the community. From the first whistle to the final score, sports at Newfound are about commitment, teamwork, and bringing people together. With a full schedule ahead, the fall promises plenty of action and moments to remember.
This season brings fresh energy and high expectations for head football coach James Hardy. After years of growth and an influx of new players, Hardy says the team is ready to take the next step.
“We’ve got a lot of guys who have been playing together for four or more years, and that kind of chemistry is just as important as talent,” Hardy said. “Our un- derclassmen-heavy team has ma- tured, we’ve added a big group of freshmen, and everyone’s buying into the vision.”
Hardy explained that winning games is always the goal, but the lessons players learn along the way matter just as much. “You
want them to know what it’s like to face adversity, overcome chal- lenges, and be part of a team,” he said. “Our goal is to make sure every player grows as both an athlete and a person.”
The Bears have revamped both offense and defense, added new coaches, and put a big em- phasis on team chemistry with offseason workouts, bonding activities, and support from the middle school program. Hardy says the stronger numbers and renewed excitement show the players believe in what’s being built.
“Despite the tough seasons we’ve had recently, these players stuck with it because they be- lieve our time has finally come,” Hardy said.
Player Brady Huckins said the players are ready to put that chemistry to the test.
“We have a positive team chemistry and I’m really excited for the Franklin and Farmington games,” Huckins said.
Girls soccer is also starting a new chapter this fall with first- year head coach Alex Doste lead- ing the program. Doste says the season has been about balancing fresh ideas with the traditions al-
ready in place while pushing the team in a new direction.
“Almost everything we do is new in some way,” Doste said. “There are growing pains with a new coaching staff and new expectations, but we’ve kept our focus on getting better every
son.”
Field hockey head coach
Kammi Williams is optimistic about the future. She coaches a young team that she hopes to de- velop over the next few seasons.
“I’m excited to coach a young team and watch the growth of
Player Erin Matthews said the team’s speed and cohesion give them confidence this season.
“We’re a close-knit group, and our speed is a big strength this season,” Matthews said. “I’m re- ally excited for the homecoming game—it’ll be a well-matched game against Mascoma.”
Volleyball at Newfound Re- gional High School is another program emphasizing teamwork and camaraderie this fall. Players say the bonds on the court are as important as skills and strategy.
Coretta Egan said the team’s chemistry is one of its biggest strengths.
“Our team loves to have fun. We are always laughing. NRHS volleyball is really like one big family. We have a very tight- knit bond. Our team’s biggest strength is persistence,” Egan said.
Rochelle St. German echoed that sentiment, focusing on sup- porting one another through challenges.
“I want to be dependable for my teammates. We always try our hardest to support one an- other. We push through the hard times together,” St. German said.
Newfound Regional High School’s athletes, coaches, and fans are ready to cheer on their teams as the season continues. Beyond wins and losses, these fall sports bring the community together, build lasting friend- ships, and create memories that will carry far beyond the final whistle.
time we step on the field.” Doste is stressing personal accountability this season, en- couraging players to learn from mistakes and move forward. “Everyone’s going to miss shots or let in goals,” he said. “What matters most is fixing the prob- lems and not repeating them. That’s how we grow as players
and as a team.”
Team member Riley McFar-
land said the players are focused on more than just performance.
“We have a good ability to find joy in the little moments on and off the field as a team,” McFarland said. “Keeping team morale up is a big goal this sea-
the players over the next two years,” Williams said. “This is a challenge I haven’t had since the beginning of my career. It’s all about getting back to basics and creating a vision for the future.”
Williams emphasized that the team will face its share of challenges, but the focus is on growth, hard work, and learning together.
“There are going to be lots of growing pains, and the challenge is to tackle adversity, learn from mistakes, and move forward as one strong unit,” she said. “For us, it’s fundamentals, fundamen- tals, fundamentals. Great team- mates create a great team.”
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