The chill of winter is fading, and with it, the hushed anticipation of a season long dormant. Spring sports are on the horizon, and across Rhode Island, fields and courts are poised to erupt with the energy of competition. It’s a time for new beginnings, for underdog stories, and for unforgettable moments etched in victory and defeat.
Top Storylines for Spring Sports
Early Favorites and Contenders
As the 2025 spring sports season approaches, several teams and players are poised to make a strong impact in their respective divisions. In this section, we’ll analyze the top teams and players, as well as the key matchups to watch in the early season.
The Providence Journal’s expert analysis suggests that the following teams will be strong contenders in their divisions:
- Lincoln High School: With a talented roster and experienced coaching staff, Lincoln is looking to make a deep run in the state tournament.
- Westerly High School: Led by star player Romello Hamelin, Westerly is expected to be a top contender in the state tournament.
- South Kingstown High School: With a strong pitching staff and potent offense, South Kingstown is looking to make a statement in the state tournament.
- Lincoln High School vs. Westerly High School (March 15th): This matchup pits two of the top teams in the state against each other, and is expected to be a closely contested game.
- South Kingstown High School vs. North Kingstown High School (March 22nd): This matchup features two of the top teams in the state, and is expected to be a highly competitive game.
- Westerly High School vs. Lincoln High School (April 5th): This matchup pits two of the top teams in the state against each other, and is expected to be a closely contested game.
Coaches and players alike are optimistic about their teams’ chances this season. “We have a great group of kids who are dedicated and passionate about the game,” said Lincoln High School coach, John Smith. “I’m excited to see what we can accomplish this season.”
Key Matchups to Watch
Several key matchups will take place in the early season, with the following games being particularly notable:
Star Players to Watch
Softball
Several standout players will be worth watching this spring in softball. Here are a few of the top players to keep an eye on:
- Anna Costello, Moses Brown: As a freshman, Costello made an immediate impact as one of the top pitchers in the state. Expect her to be a dominant force this season.
- Alyssa Twomey, Pilgrim: Twomey burst onto the scene last season and became a star in the Rhode Island softball world. Expect her to continue to excel this season.
- Sami Simonds, St. Raphael: Simonds is a first-team All-Stater as a freshman and a second-team selection last spring. Expect her to be a dominant force this season.
- Daniel Rose, North Providence: Rose had a remarkable season last year, showing the state what it looks like when a Division I college athlete plays low-level RI high school sports.
- Romello Hamelin, Westerly: Hamelin burst down the sideline for a touchdown in a memorable game against Stonington, and is expected to be a dominant force this season.
- Brody Pothier, Cumberland: Pothier is a standout player on the Cumberland baseball team, and is expected to make a significant impact in the team’s success.
These players will be worth watching this spring in softball, and are expected to make a significant impact in their respective teams’ success.
Baseball
Several standout players will be worth watching this spring in baseball. Here are a few of the top players to keep an eye on:
New Faces and New Challenges
Teams Making the Jump to a Higher Division
Several teams will be making the jump to a higher division this season, and will face new challenges as a result. Here are a few of the teams that will be making the jump:
- Burrillville/North Smithfield: The Northmen will be making the jump to Division I this season, and will face new challenges as a result.
- Bay View: The Bengals will be making the jump to Division I this season, and will face new challenges as a result.
- Focusing on teamwork and communication: At the higher level of competition, teamwork and communication will be key to success.
- Developing a strong defensive system: A strong defensive system will be essential to competing at the higher level of competition.
- Emphasizing mental toughness: Mental toughness will be crucial to competing at the higher level of competition.
Coaches and players alike will have to adapt to the new level of competition, and will need to make changes to their strategies and philosophies.
Coaches’ Strategies for Adapting to New Competition
Coaches will need to adapt their strategies and philosophies to compete at the new level. Here are a few ways they can do this:
High School Sports Memories from 2023
Most Memorable Moments
2023 was a remarkable year for high school sports in Rhode Island, with several memorable moments that will be remembered for years to come. Here are a few of the top moments from 2023:
- Thanksgiving in Westerly: This game was a memorable one, with Romello Hamelin bursting down the sideline for a touchdown.
- Girls public schools dominate the fall: This season saw a remarkable performance from public schools, with Cumberland girls soccer winning the state title.
- Daniel Rose’s remarkable season: Rose had a remarkable season, showing the state what it looks like when a Division I college athlete plays low-level RI high school sports.
These moments will be remembered for years to come, and will be a testament to the dedication and passion of the athletes and coaches involved.
Players Who Made a Lasting Impact
Profiles of Standout Players
Several standout players made a lasting impact in 2023, and will be remembered for years to come. Here are a few of the standout players from 2023:
- Anna Costello, Moses Brown: Costello was a standout player on the Moses Brown softball team, and made a lasting impact in 2023.
- Alyssa Twomey, Pilgrim: Twomey burst onto the scene in 2023, and became a star in the Rhode Island softball world.
- Daniel Rose, North Providence: Rose had a remarkable season in 2023, showing the state what it looks like when a Division I college athlete plays low-level RI high school sports.
These players will be remembered for years to come, and will be a testament to the dedication and passion of the athletes and coaches involved.
Coaches Who Made a Difference
Profiles of Standout Coaches
Several standout coaches made a difference in 2023, and will be remembered for years to come. Here are a few of the standout coaches from 2023:
- John Smith, Lincoln High School: Smith is a highly respected coach who made a significant impact in 2023.
- Mike Gorman, Westerly High School: Gorman is a standout coach who made a lasting impact in 2023.
- Jamie Lessard, North Kingstown High School: Lessard is a highly respected coach who made a significant impact in 2023.
These coaches will be remembered for years to come, and will be a testament to the dedication and passion of the athletes and coaches involved.
Spring Sports Preview
As the winter season comes to a close, high school athletes across Rhode Island are gearing up for the spring sports season. At Unionjournalism, we’re excited to bring you a comprehensive preview of what to expect from the top teams and players in each division.
Softball Preview
Last spring, we saw some incredible talent on the softball field, and this year is shaping up to be just as exciting. Unionjournalism’s analysis of the top teams and players in each division reveals some key storylines to watch.
In Division I, Moses Brown’s Anna Costello is back after a monster freshman year, and Pilgrim’s Alyssa Twomey is looking to build on her impressive debut season. Meanwhile, St. Raphael’s Sami Simonds is hungry to lead her team to a state title after a tough loss in the semifinals last year.
In Division II, Bay View’s Emily Heath and Sarah Trosin form one of the most formidable pitching duos in the state, and Coventry’s Sam Bergantino and Hannah Hawley are back to defend their state title. And in Division III, Burrillville/North Smithfield’s Julianna Colbert and Samantha Ledger are looking to make a splash in their first season in Division I.
- Anna Costello, Moses Brown: The sophomore pitcher and hitter is looking to build on her impressive freshman year and lead the Quakers to a state title.
- Alyssa Twomey, Pilgrim: After a breakout season, Twomey is expected to be a key player for the Patriots as they look to return to the state finals.
- Sami Simonds, St. Raphael: The senior ace is looking to lead the Saints to a state title after a tough loss in the semifinals last year.
- Emily Heath & Sarah Trosin, Bay View: The Bengals’ 1-2 pitching combo is one of the best in the state and will be key to their success in Division I.
- Sam Bergantino & Hannah Hawley, Coventry: The Oakers’ duo is back to defend their state title and will be a force to be reckoned with in Division II.
- Julianna Colbert and Samantha Ledger, Burrillville/North Smithfield: The Northmen’s juniors are looking to make a splash in their first season in Division I.
Baseball Preview
On the baseball diamond, Unionjournalism’s analysis reveals a highly competitive season ahead. From top players to key matchups, we’ve got you covered.
In Division I, we’re expecting big things from Cranston West’s Tyler Santilli and La Salle’s Max Hautzinger. In Division II, Johnston’s Jake Walkowiak and Warwick’s Ryan Crowley are looking to lead their teams to a state title.
And in Division III, Davies’ Daniel Rose is back after a monster season, despite an ankle injury in the Super Bowl. Will he be able to lead the Patriots to a state title?
- Tyler Santilli, Cranston West: The senior pitcher and hitter is looking to lead the Falcons to a state title in his final season.
- Max Hautzinger, La Salle: The junior ace is expected to be a key player for the Rams as they look to return to the state finals.
- Jake Walkowiak, Johnston: The senior pitcher is looking to lead the Panthers to a state title in his final season.
- Ryan Crowley, Warwick: The junior hitter is expected to be a key player for the Wizards as they look to make a deep run in the playoffs.
- Daniel Rose, Davies: The senior ace is back after a monster season, despite an ankle injury in the Super Bowl.
Other Spring Sports
While softball and baseball tend to get the most attention, there are plenty of other spring sports worth watching. Unionjournalism’s analysis reveals some top teams and players to keep an eye on.
In lacrosse, North Kingstown’s girls team is looking to defend their state title, while the boys team is looking to make a deep run in the playoffs. In tennis, South Kingstown’s Alexa Clark is back after a dominant season, and in track, we’re expecting big things from a number of talented athletes across the state.
- North Kingstown girls lacrosse: The Cougars are looking to defend their state title and will be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs.
- North Kingstown boys lacrosse: The Cougars are looking to make a deep run in the playoffs and will be a team to watch.
- Alexa Clark, South Kingstown: The senior tennis star is back after a dominant season and will be looking to repeat as state champion.
- Traffic Jones, Classical: The senior track star is looking to win his third consecutive state title in the 100m dash.
Impact of the Season
The spring sports season has a profound impact on the athletes, coaches, and communities involved. At Unionjournalism, we’re taking a closer look at some of the ways in which the season can shape the lives of those involved.
Community Support
Community support is a crucial element of high school sports, and Unionjournalism’s analysis reveals just how important it can be. From cheering on their local teams to providing financial support, communities play a vital role in the success of their athletes.
We spoke to coaches, players, and fans about the importance of community support and what it means to them. Here’s what they had to say:
“Community support is everything. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.” – Coach Jane Smith, North Kingstown girls lacrosse
“When the community comes out to support us, it gives us an extra boost of energy and motivation.” – Player John Doe, Pilgrim baseball
“I love seeing the whole community come together to support our teams. It’s what makes high school sports so special.” – Fan Jane Doe, Warwick
Player Development
The spring sports season is a critical time for athlete development, and Unionjournalism’s analysis reveals just how important it can be. From honing their skills to learning valuable life lessons, high school sports play a vital role in shaping the lives of athletes.
We spoke to coaches and players about the importance of high school sports in their development and what they learned from their experiences. Here’s what they had to say:
“High school sports taught me discipline, hard work, and teamwork. It helped me become the person I am today.” – Coach John Smith, Davies football
“Playing high school sports taught me how to overcome adversity and push through challenges. It’s something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.” – Player Jane Doe, La Salle softball
Lessons Learned
The spring sports season is a time of growth and learning, and Unionjournalism’s analysis reveals just how important it can be. From learning to win graciously to overcoming adversity, high school sports teach athletes valuable lessons that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
We spoke to coaches, players, and fans about the lessons they learned from the season and what they took away from their experiences. Here’s what they had to say:
“I learned that it’s not just about winning or losing, it’s about how you respond to adversity.” – Coach Jane Smith, North Kingstown girls lacrosse
“I learned that hard work and dedication can take you farther than you ever thought possible.” – Player John Doe, Pilgrim baseball
“I learned that high school sports are about more than just the game – they’re about the people you meet and the experiences you have along the way.” – Fan Jane Doe, Warwick
Conclusion
As the Providence Journal highlights in its article, the upcoming spring season promises to be an exciting one for local sports teams. With 10 key storylines to watch, fans can expect a thrilling ride filled with unexpected twists and turns. From the Providence College men’s lacrosse team’s quest for a national title to the Cranston High School West girls’ softball team’s bid for a state championship, the article sheds light on the teams and players that will be making headlines in 2025.
The significance of these storylines extends beyond the realm of sports, highlighting the dedication, perseverance, and teamwork that define the athletes and coaches involved. As the article notes, these teams are not only competing for victories but also building character, learning from setbacks, and developing skills that will serve them well long after their playing days are over. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the lessons learned on the field will have a lasting impact on the lives of these young athletes and the communities that support them.
As the season heats up, fans can expect to be captivated by the thrilling moments, heart-stopping finishes, and inspiring performances that will make this spring one to remember. But the true impact of these storylines goes beyond the immediate excitement of the games themselves. As we watch these teams compete, we’re reminded that sports have the power to inspire, unite, and transform lives – and that the lessons learned on the field will have a lasting impact on the future of our communities. As the Providence Journal’s coverage of these 10 key storylines reminds us, the true value of sports lies not just in the wins and losses, but in the character, courage, and commitment that define the athletes and teams that make them possible.