Softball

Now in its eighth decade, Thornton Academy’s softball program is one of the finest
in the state of Maine. The Thornton softball program traces its routes to the mid-1950’s
when girls physical education teacher Caroline Strong coached the very first team. The
Golden Trojans were highly competitive in the 1990’s under Coach Joseph Bernier, who led
the team to an impressive 13-3 record and a berth in the Western Maine Class A semifinals
in 2000. Throughout its history, Thornton softball has competed in both the Telegram
League and the Southwestern Maine Activities Association (SMAA).

From 2008-2020, under the leadership of veteran coach John Provost, the Golden
Trojans won over 160 games and made fifteen consecutive postseason appearances.
Thornton Academy played in four Western Maine/Class A South championship games
during that period, and in 2015 won the school’s first ever regional title with a victory over
rival Scarborough. Currently former NCAA Division III All-American Tony Miner coaches
the program. Thornton’s 151 victories in the past eleven seasons are among the top totals
in the state of Maine for any softball program during that stretch.

Many of the finest female athletes in school history have stepped up to the plate or
stood on the mound for Thornton Academy softball. Katie Bernier was a three-time SMAA
All-Star whose performance as a pitcher helped vitalize the Thornton program. One of the
most accomplished power hitters in program history, Shannon Provost was a three-time
all-conference player at second base and a two-time Maine Sunday Telegram all-state
player. In both 2019 and 2021 Abigail Miner was an all-state selection; she was also one of
the top home run threats in the SMAA during her career. The Golden Trojans have also
boasted some of the top pitchers in southern Maine including 2012 Maine Gatorade Player
of the Year Julia Geaumont and two-time all-state hurler Bailey Tremblay. Geaumont
(2012), Tremblay (2015), and Olivia Howe (2019) were recipients of the prestigious Miss
Maine Softball Award given to the state’s top senior player.

The typical Thornton Academy softball season consists of sixteen regular season
games and five non-countable exhibition dates. Thornton Academy participates in the
historically strong Southwestern Maine Activities Association against traditional York
County foes such as Biddeford and Sanford and many other conference affiliates, including
neighboring school and rival Scarborough High School . For regional post-season
purposes, the Golden Trojans are grouped in the Class A South region.

Most practices and all home contests take place at one of the two softball fields
found on Thornton Academy’s campus. The varsity squad, on occasion, works out at one of
the area’s many indoor facilities. During the annual April vacation break, Thornton
Academy softball has periodically taken trips to compete against competition at both the
Disney Spring Training Complex in Florida and in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. At Thornton
Academy, being part of a softball team is a five-day per week commitment. The high school
teams typically play games on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and hold practices on
the remaining weekdays.

Tryouts for Thornton Academy’s softball teams take place at the end of March. The
varsity level is reserved for the school’s most highly skilled players while the first team and
junior varsity squad are designed primarily for player development. At all levels, there is
an emphasis on skill improvement, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Season: Spring

2024 Opening Date:
March 18 – Pitching and Catching Candidates
March 25– All Candidates

Teams: Varsity, Junior Varsity, First Team, Middle School
Varsity Coach: Anthony Miner
Junior Varsity Coach: Lauren Sonneborn
First Team Coach: Sarah Carrier
Middle School Coach: To Be Announced