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A Letter from the Athletic Director
Spring athletics are officially underway at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, and after a long, challenging winter, it has been incredible to see our student-athletes back outside competing on fields and courts that were buried in snow just weeks ago. The energy, excitement, and dedication they bring each day are a true sign that the spring season has arrived.
In this edition of our newsletter, we proudly celebrate the incredible honor recently awarded to STA legend Jack Leary and recognize the achievements of our outstanding student-athletes. We will also check in on several STA alumni who continue to make us proud as they compete at the collegiate level.
This spring promises to be an exciting and competitive season, and we anticipate many of our teams making deep runs. Your support plays a vital role in their success. We encourage everyone in the STA community to come out, cheer loudly, and be part of the experience. There is nothing like the energy of Saints fans in the stands.
Thank you for your continued encouragement and commitment to our programs and student- athletes.
God Bless - Saints Pride!
David Morissette – Director of Athletics
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Jack Leary Honored by Little League Baseball at St. Thomas Aquinas | |
Former St. Thomas Aquinas Athletic Director, Jack Leary, was recently recognized by Little League Baseball for an extraordinary 56 years of dedicated service to youth athletics. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented during the Little League Northeast Region Development Camp, which was held for five days this April at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, a fitting location, as Jack served the school as Athletic Director and administrator for more than two decades.
The celebration brought together members of the St. Thomas Aquinas community and Little League leadership. In attendance were Principal Mike Orlando, the Northeast Region Little League board member, David Morissette, Director of Athletics at St. Thomas Aquinas, longtime faculty member Ron Holtz, STA alumna and longtime volleyball coach Kristie Holtz, and many members of the Little League family.
Throughout the ceremony, story after story highlighted the same themes: Jack’s kindness, humility, and unwavering dedication to helping others. He was described as someone who always had time to listen, offer guidance, and support anyone in need. Morissette reflected on meeting Jack 25 years ago, sharing, “He made an impression with his kindness and has never changed. Every day I work here, I try to live up to the values he stood for. It was incredible to hear the stories that truly show what this man is all about.”
The event also welcomed Jack’s son, Ron Leary, an instrumental figure in the STA community, making the celebration a true homecoming for the Leary family. It was a day filled with gratitude, memories, and a heartfelt tribute to a life of service that continues to inspire generations.
| Jack Leary, middle, with Ron and Kristie Holtz. | Scholar-Athletes Honored in Concord | |
Twenty-five senior student-athletes from St. Thomas Aquinas High School were honored on Tuesday, April 7, at the Capitol Center for the Arts during the annual Scholar-Athlete Awards celebration hosted by the New Hamshire Athletic Directors Association and New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association. This statewide event recognizes outstanding seniors from every NHIAA member school who exemplify excellence in academics, athletics, and leadership.
Representing St. Thomas Aquinas this year were: Olivia Anderson, Audrey Bean, Beatrice Burlage, Luke Daly, Charlotte De Tolla, Thomas Edgerly, Ryan Gould, Talula Gregg, Elizabeth Holden, Kaitlyn Kelly, Dominic LaRose, Peter Latsilnik, Brady Livas, Anjali Maganti, Sophie Malloy, Ava Malloy, Cole Masiello, Emma Massicotte, Jazlyn Meeks, Amelia Monteiro, Leah Ryan, Oliver Schartner, Irina Steinberg, Vanessa Williams, and Cassandra Wirth.
The Scholar-Athlete program celebrates students who have demonstrated dedication in the classroom and commitment to their school communities. The ceremony brought together schools from across New Hampshire to recognize seniors who balance rigorous academics with significant involvement in extracurricular activities and leadership roles.
Congratulations to these outstanding student-athletes on this well-deserved honor and for representing STA with pride.
| | Coaches Earn First Wins of the Spring Season | | Coach Eric Wells congratulates his team after his first win! | |
Congratulations to our new head coaches at St. Thomas Aquinas High School on receiving their first Saints wins.
Dan De Tolla earned his first victory as head coach of varsity boys lacrosse with an impressive 21–2 home win over Alvirne High School.
On the baseball diamond, Eric Wells picked up his first win on the road with a strong 5–1 victory at Pelham High School. These are the first of many wins to come, and we are thrilled to welcome both coaches to the STA community.
We also congratulate John Rolleri on leading his first track meet at Coe-Brown Northwood Academy. It’s been a fantastic start to the season, and we look forward to continued success ahead.
| | Coach Dan De Tolla stands with his assistant during their first win against Alvirne. | | |
Finley De Tolla '25
Sacred Heart University - Committed
DI Lacrosse
Incoming Freshmen
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Jackson Estes '25
Bryant University
DI Lacrosse
Freshman
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Abbie Gaynor '25
Elon University
DI Softball
Freshman
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Graham Willerer '25
Sacred Heart University
DI Baseball
Freshman
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Tim Gross '24
Dickinson College
DIII Track & Field
Sophomore
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Michael Skowron '24
Husson University
DIII Baseball
Sophomore
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Ryan Whiting '24
Dickinson College
DIII Tennis
Sophomore
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Cat Vetter '24
Nichols College
DIII Lacrosse
Sophomore
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Caden Caswell '23
Franklin Pierce University
DII Lacrosse
Junior
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Nate Burnett '22
University of So. Maine
DIII Baseball
Senior
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Andrew Wertz '21
Northeastern University
DI Baseball
Graduate Student
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Michael Ellis '24
Wheaton College
DIII Lacrosse
Sophomore
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Britton Dunbar '23
University of Indianapolis
DII Lacrosse
Sophomore
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Ashleigh von der Linden '23
Rhode Island College
DIII Softball
Junior
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Connor Toriello '22
Salve Regina College
DIII Baseball
Senior
| | Spring Sports Season Updates | | |
Baseball
The baseball team is thriving under new head coach Eric Wells, who brings extensive experience along with a strong coaching staff. The Saints have come out hot with a 4–0 record, their closest contest a 5–1 win, while the other three victories have all come by 10 runs. They’ll look to keep that momentum rolling into the heart of the season. As for the post-season, can they make a return to the championship game for the first time since 2022?
Softball
The softball team returns to the field looking to build off last season’s championship run, but has opened the year at 2–2. Can they find their rhythm and finish strong to earn a spot in this year’s postseason?
Boys Lacrosse
The boys lacrosse team begins the season under new head coach Dan De Tolla, a longtime player and coach in the sport. With a focus on fundamentals and building team chemistry, the Saints are working to find their stride. After a 1–2 start, can they gain momentum and finish with a winning record and a strong postseason run?
Girls Lacrosse
The girls lacrosse team is off to a strong 3–0 start, continuing their run of dominance after reaching the championship game in each of the past three seasons and winning the last two. Can they put together another standout year and complete a three-peat before moving up to Division II next season?
Boys Tennis
The boys tennis team is off to a dominant 6–0 start, overwhelming opponents with an impressive 46–8 match record along the way. Leading the charge is senior standout Alex Molda, last year’s individual state champion for New Hampshire. Can he guide the Saints to a team title—and defend his individual crown once again this season?
Girls Tennis
The girls tennis team has had a challenging start to the season, opening at 2–4. Looking to steady the course, they will rely on their two seniors, Irina Steinberg and Morgan Hoyt, to lead a young roster. Can they rally together, build momentum, and push their way into a winning record and a postseason appearance this year?
Track & Field
The track and field team is led this season by new head coach John Rolleri and has already shown increased participation, entering more events than in recent years. With a growing roster and strong energy, the Saints are aiming to push personal limits, challenge school records, and set new PRs throughout the season.
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