Newsletter #39...One year in the books

A year has come and gone in the blink of an eye.

Last April 13, I launched Hoffer's High School Sports hopeful, but uncertain of how it would be received.

One year and 1,000 subscribers (with well over 600 of them paid) later, the site is alive and well and for that, I give my heartfelt thanks!

I hope you've enjoyed hearing the podcasts and reading the detailed game stories, features, polls, weekly awards, postseason all-star teams and season previews as much as I've enjoyed producing them.

Thank you to all who have provided encouragement, be it in person or online, those who have willingly shared photos and most of all, my friends at cPort Credit Union for being this site's exclusive partner almost from the beginning.

My goal is to continue to provide top-notch content and grow the site during year two. I invite you all along for the ride and as always, I'm open to suggestions as to how to enhance the content. Feel free to contact me at mhoffersports@yahoo.com.

One more time, Thank You!

What I did on my break

Having some time off between seasons was just what the doctor ordered for yours truly and that time included a pair of trips, both of them memorable.

First off was a trip to Arizona to take part in something you don't see very often, as my 86-year-old mother got married to her longtime companion! It was my honor to (along with my brother) walk her down the aisle.

Next up came a trip to Curacao with my bride, which was relaxing and fun.

Now, it's back to business...

There have been some newsworthy events in the few weeks since the last newsletter. Let's get caught up.

Blue Blazes honored

Westbrook's football team, which stole headlines last fall for winning the program's first state championship, was honored at the State House earlier this month.

Signings

Late last month, Freeport held a ceremony where seven athletes announced their college plans.

From left: Lizalyn Boudreau (USM, field hockey), Liam Emmons (Curry, football), Silvi Strong (UNE, soccer), Emily Groves (Roger Williams, field hockey), Maddy Kryzak (Franklin & Marshall (field hockey, Liza Flower (DePauw, field hockey) & Abby Cormier (Wingate, field hockey)

New Yarmouth girls' soccer coach

Yarmouth recently announced that Matt Morrill was taking over the girls' soccer program, replacing Andy Higgins, who is the new girls' soccer coach at Gorham.

Morrill, YHS Class of 2009, and the younger brother of Yarmouth boys' coach Justin Morrill, scored the lone goal of the 2008 Class B state final to produce a championship his senior year. Morrill previously served as a junior varsity coach with the Clippers boys' program and with Maine Lightning Soccer.

Morrill inherits a squad which went 13-4 a season ago, reaching the regional final before losing to eventual state champion Cape Elizabeth.

Recent content

Since the last newsletter, all-star teams have been announced for winter sports:

Girls' hockey (featuring Player of the Year Ellie Skolnekovich of Cheverus)

Hoffer’s High School Sports girls’ hockey all-star team

Welcome to the first annual Hoffer’s High School Sports girls’ hockey all-star team, which is comprised of schools from Cumberland County, as well as Thornton Academy. The 2025-26 season saw no shortage of greatness from local stars, as two teams, Cheverus and Yarmouth/Freeport, squared off in the state final,

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

Girls' basketball (featuring Player of the Year Kylie Lamson of Cheverus)

Hoffer’s High School Sports girls’ basketball all-star team

Welcome to the first annual Hoffer’s High School Sports girls’ basketball all-star team, which is comprised of schools from Cumberland County, as well as Thornton Academy. The 2025-26 season saw dynamic individual performances, unforgettable games and ultimately one team, Cheverus, capturing a Gold Ball. Our coverage area had no shortage

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

Boys' basketball (featuring Player of the Year Tyrie James)

Hoffer’s High School Sports boys’ basketball all-star team

Welcome to the first annual Hoffer’s High School Sports boys’ basketball all-star team, which is comprised of schools from Cumberland County, as well as Thornton Academy. The 2025-26 season saw dynamic individual performances, unforgettable games and ultimately one team, Portland, capturing a Gold Ball. Our coverage area had no shortage

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

Boys' hockey (featuring Player of the Year Jake Skillings of Thornton Academy)

Hoffer’s High School Sports boys’ hockey all-star team

Welcome to the first annual Hoffer’s High School Sports boys’ hockey all-star team, which is comprised of schools from Cumberland County, as well as Thornton Academy. The 2025-26 season saw no shortage of greatness from local stars, as two teams, Cheverus/Yarmouth and Thornton Academy, squared off in the state

Hoffer's High School SportsMichael Hoffer

There have been podcasts as well:

Ellie Skolnekovich: https://www.hoffershighschoolsports.com/hoffers-high-school-sports-podcast-episode-28-ellie-skolnekovich/

Dave Intraversato: https://www.hoffershighschoolsports.com/hoffers-high-school-sports-podcast-episode-29-dave-intraversato/

Skip Capone: https://www.hoffershighschoolsports.com/hoffers-high-school-sports-podcast-episode-30-skip-capone/

Andy Higgins: https://www.hoffershighschoolsports.com/hoffers-high-school-sports-podcast-episode-31-andy-higgins/

Coming up...

The spring sports season kicks off Thursday. I plan to have previews for baseball, softball and boys' and girls' lacrosse posted before the games begin, hopefully as soon as tomorrow.

The newsletter returns to its regular Friday spot next week, when the HHSS/cPort Athlete of the Week and polls will also be back.

See you then!

Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffersports@yahoo.com