After yet another difficult year for Gorham High School (GHS) senior athletes, some are hoping for a sense of normalcy as they head off to college to play their respective sports. The spring season has given a sense of hope, with fans in the stands and mask mandates lifted, that beginning in the fall, sports may resume under better circumstances. These athletes have enjoyed their time at GHS and have many memories to take with them, thanks to those who helped support them.

TESS LIBBY

Libby is hoping to continue running cross country at Rochester Institute of Technology. She said Rochester, NY is similar to Maine in scenery, so she looks forward to checking out the trails there. Libby also plans to run some charity races while she’s there.

As for her favorite memory, she shared that every year, there is a big race in Belfast called the Festival of Champions. “I ran that race for the first time in my sophomore year of high school, and it was incredible! It was so much fun to run with so many people from different regions on the East Coast,” she said.

In cross country and track, Libby said she learned to respect and look up to everyone, not just her coaches or athletes she competed against. “I truly respect all of my teammates for the amazing amount of work they put into improving their performances. Every event in track has its own challenges, and I can’t help but look up to all of the athletes who overcome those.”

Libby wanted to shout out to her parents for paying for all of her medical bills when she was injured, to her coaches for being supportive of her running ambitions, to her friends and teachers for checking in on her.

“A BIG shoutout to our athletic trainer, Natalie, and my neighbor, Mr. Towle, for giving me the advice that keeps me on my feet and made me want to learn more about how to better support my body.”

TATYANNA BIAMBY

Biamby will be attending Husson University and playing softball for the Eagles. Her favorite memory from playing softball at GHS is that she could always count on her teammates to make her laugh and pick her up after a long day.

The person who has inspired Biamby the most is her mom. “I say this because she has taught me so much throughout my life so far. One thing that she has taught me is to never give up on myself, that no matter how hard life gets I can always count on myself and my loved ones to get through it. So, thank you, Mom. I love you!” she shared.

Biamby went on to say, “I just want to shout out to my family and friends to say thank you for always believing in me and pushing me to be my best self.”

BROOKE PHILLIPS

Phillips will be playing field hockey at Thomas College in Waterville, ME. Her favorite memory is when she became captain her junior year.

“I was determined to be a good role model for the other girls; I told them right off the bat I was there for anyone at any time for things on and off the field. I not only wanted to make sure they were doing a great job in the sport but wanted to make sure they were enjoying themselves as a whole,” she shared.

Phillips was inspired by Isis Adams (GHS 2019) saying that she is not only a sweet and supportive friend in her life, but she is also a very talented player who plays with pure determination and passion for her sport.

“I want to thank my mom and dad for taking me to and from practices, games, tournaments and for keeping up with all the costs that go along with being a multiple sport athlete,” Phillips said. She would also like to thank her friends and extended family that have supported her by attending her games, meets and tournaments.

LAUREN FOTTER

Fotter will be playing soccer at Castleton University in Vermont this fall. Fotter’s favorite memory is really more about getting to know all of the athletes that she has played with throughout the years on her HS team as well as her premier team and having a feeling of family. “You always know you can count on them,” she said.

Fotter said her dad has always been one of her biggest supporters throughout her soccer and basketball years. “He has coached me on various teams … and always had an encouraging word after a game, mixed in with a suggestion for a future game.”

Finally, Fotter would like to thank her family for all of their support after all these years saying, “I couldn’t have done it all without you.”

KATIE KUTZER

Kutzer will be playing soccer at Wheaton College in the fall. Kutzer’s favorite memories were during summer soccer of 2020, running through the sprinklers after a practice.

Kutzer shared that Seth Benjamin, the USM head soccer coach, has been her biggest inspiration. She would like to shout out to her parents and teammates.

GRACIE FORGUES

Forgues will be attending Saint Michael’s college in Vermont and playing for their soccer team this fall. She said, “The thing that I loved the most about playing my sports in high school was meeting all the girls. They made the season fun and enjoyable for me. My favorite memories were getting to play with my sister for two years and starting my first varsity game four years ago.”

Forgues said she looks up to her coaches and teammates, “because without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.” She went on to thank her parents, sisters, and grandparents for coming to every single one of her games. “They never missed one and I am so thankful for that.” she said.

“Thank you to my coaches and teammates for making my four years of high school sports enjoyable and for pushing me. I wouldn’t be where I am and going to a good school to play a sport that I love without all of you,” she exclaimed.

GARRETT SMITH

Smith will be playing soccer for one year at Bridgton Academy with plans to go on to play college soccer. He said his favorite memory would have to be the win over Falmouth in penalty kicks in the final game of the season. “That was a really special game for me and all of our players because Falmouth had beaten us in the Regional final the year before, and they were supposed to be the best team this year. But we came out on top and finished our season undefeated,” he said.

Smith was inspired by Trevor Gray. Gray was the goalkeeper during Smith’s freshman and sophomore years, and he learned a lot from Gray during practice. “He really helped me come a long way as a goalkeeper,” Smith shared.

“I want to give a shout out to my parents for always being there and supporting me, but also a huge shout out to the two coaches who have really made me into the player I am today. Those two coaches would be Nick Viola and Martyn Keen. I know for certain I would not be the player I am without those two,” Smith said.

MIKE DARASZ

Darasz will also be heading to Bridgton Academy for a postgraduate year playing for their soccer team. “I hope to develop as a student and as an athlete while I’m there,” he stated.

Darasz said his favorite memory would have to be playing in front of the home crowd and hearing the student fan section.