WHS Sports Roundup

New season, new coach for WHS girl volleyball

The Winthrop High girls volleyball team is set to open its 2024 season tomorrow (Friday) at Wilmington under the direction of new head coach Jeremy Wein.

Wein, a Winthrop native who teaches in the Swampscott school system, where he served for many years as an assistant volleyball coach, is enthusiastic about the coming season.

“We have a solid group of people in both the JV and varsity levels,” Wein said. “We have only had a few practices, but from what I can see, we have awesome players eager to learn the game and earn some time on the court. They are still learning who I am and I am learning who they are — I learned they don’t like the music I listen to, they learned I am old enough to block out the whining. It should be a fun season.

“I think my expectations for the season are that we simply make progress and build the program,” Wein continued. “I need them to be the solid foundation necessary to grow volleyball in Winthrop by playing and learning with integrity and grit on the court and in the classroom. For this season, if they feel they made progress, enjoyed their time, and made a few friends, then I will feel successful.”

The 2024 Lady Vikings will be led by a trio of senior captains, Zoey Bogusz, Lily Conway, and Tina Fabiano, and junior captain Anastasia Gajica. The other members of the team are Jackie Antonelli, Sam Correa Betancour, Sebastian Echeverri, Helena Gajica, Sofia Gonzalez, Makayla Herdt, Kylie McFarland, Keariss Mejia, Emanoela Novak, Sofia Silk, and Angela Tshowa.

After tomorrow’s opener at non-league opponent Wilmington, Winthrop will host Northeastern Conference foes Swampscott on Tuesday and Marblehead next Thursday.

Boys soccer hosts Saugus tomorrow

The Winthrop High boys soccer team, which opened its season yesterday (Wednesday) against Northeastern Conference (NEC) South rival Salem, will host NEC South foe Saugus tomorrow (Friday) on the turf at Miller Field. The opening kick-off is set for 4:30.

Coach Phil Ronan’s squad has enjoyed a fine pre-season, including a 2-0 victory over Salem Charter Academy last week. The Viking goals were scored by Junior and Fabiano.

Ronan and his crew will play an 18-game schedule, meeting their four NEC South foes (Salem, Saugus, Swampscott, and Gloucester) twice each; their NEC North opponents (Marblehead, Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, and Masconomet) once apiece; and five non-league matches with Arlington Catholic (2), Stoneham, Maimoinides, and Manchester-Essex.

After tomorrow’s contest with Saugus, the Vikings will travel to Beverly on Monday before returning home to host Swampscott next Wednesday.

Girls soccer hosts Beverly Monday

The Winthrop High girls soccer team will host Northeastern Conference (NEC) North rival Beverly Monday afternoon on the turf at Miller Field. The opening kickoff is set for 4:30.

Martucci’s crew have been road warriors in their season-opening week, with contests at NEC South rivals Salem yesterday (Wednesday) and Saugus tomorrow (Friday), and then on Saturday vs. non-league foe Excel Academy at Noyes Field in East Boston at 12:30.

The 2024 Lady Vikings will be led by a trio of captains, Talia Martucci, Gabby Buonopane, and Marwa Mimiouni, and will feature 12 seniors.

Martucci and her crew will play an 18-game schedule, meeting their four NEC South foes (Salem, Saugus, Swampscott, and Gloucester) twice each; their NEC North opponents (Marblehead, Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, and Masconomet) once apiece; and five non-league matches with Excel (2), Latin Academy, and Northeast Regional (2).

After Monday’s contest with Beverly, the Lady Vikings will hit the road again to Swampscott next Wednesday.