EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second in a series spotlighting the unsung heroes of Andover High sports from the 2020-21 school year

Summer Baseball 

Sara Moeller of Andover, who recently completed her junior year at Brooks, may be the best softball pitcher in the area that no one knows about.

The Olympic dream is about to become a reality for Andover’s Lindi Schroeder.

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While athletics returned to the fields, courts, arenas and other venues of Andover High — in some form — in the fall, sports truly returned for the Golden Warriors in a more traditional, dramatic form in the season that just concluded.

Here are some of the best photos from the 2021 Andover High spring sports season. 

 No. 6 Andover struck for three runs in the top of the first inning, the rode a dominant performance by starter Andrew Smithson to defeat No. 3 Lynn English 3-0 in the Division 1 North quarterfinals last Wednesday.

Softball

Boys Track

Andover resident Caroline Fritz took her talents to the Brooks School in North Andover, and was a mainstay on the varsity field hockey and lacrosse teams. The Boston College-bound Fritz was chosen as a captain for both teams.

Girls Track

Andover resident Chelsea Cho has made a name for herself both in the classroom and on the squad court.

Andover High’s Isabel Zhou admits she was struck by a strange feeling earlier this spring, when she stepped onto the tennis court with the Golden Warriors for the first time in two years thanks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Baseball

Softball

All-Scholastic Andover High star offensive and defensive lineman AJ Heidtke has also been a superstar in the classroom during his time with the Golden Warriors.

Girls Tennis

It was right out of a Hollywood script.

For Andover’s Nolan Schirmer, nothing compares to being at the center of the action.

After nearly two full years away, thanks to the coronavirus, Andover High’s spring sports teams have finally returned to action.

Wrestling

The idea of playing football had been lingering in Anthony Previte’s mind for years — about seven years to be exact.

Whitter Tech football star Colby Laursen-Rice is dreaming big on the football field.

For Andover High senior Emme Pitts, a perfectly-executed dive is close to an out-of-body experience.

ANDOVER — The sophomores scored almost all of the points, but it was the seniors who ruled the day Thursday afternoon for the Andover High football team.

It may not have been Thanksgiving Day, but it felt like it could have been the traditional Turkey Day gridiron matchup between rivals Andover High and North Andover. 

ANDOVER — As Zayn Aruri intercepted the pass 95 yards away from the opposing end zone, the Andover High senior had his doubts the play would end with his first career touchdown.

I was in a press box. A full press box.

ANDOVER — Count Andover sophomore running back Lincoln Beal among those who love playing during this Fall 2 season.

Andover's Michael Makiej wasted no time making history in his college basketball career.

Andover’s Tomas Loureiro crept up towards the line of scrimmage as the opposing QB called out signals. The second the ball was snapped, the linebacker threw a blocker aside, lowered his shoulder and delivered a crushing hit to the running back, jarring the ball free and pouncing on the fumble.

HAVERHILL — After watching the hosts open the game with a long drive and its first touchdown of the Fall 2 season, Andover rebounded to claim a convincing 23-7 victory over Haverhill on Friday.

ANDOVER — The time to celebrate finally arrived for the Andover High football team on Friday.

It may be a little over six months later than normal — thanks to COVID-19 — but the Andover High football season is finally underway.  

Coach E.J. Perry: (11th year, 65-43)

Gymnastics

A coach’s routine remains pretty stable throughout their career, especially among the most successful.

The Massachusetts high school gymnastics world better beware — Andover’s Gabby Bresnick and Molly Foster still have three seasons to go in their Golden Warrior careers.

Boys Basketball 

Despite what seemed to be long odds, Andover’s Zayn Aruri never gave up on his basketball dream.

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association might not be holding state tournaments this winter, due to COVID-19, but Andover High sports teams will have the chance to play for titles this winter.

Boys Basketball

When she was younger, Andover’s Tatum Shaw must have enjoyed the children’s game “Follow the Leader.”

Try as she might, Andover girls hockey standout Ashley Chiango can’t kick a nasty habit on the ice.

Girls Basketball

Girls Hockey

E.J. Perry paid Ben Entner the highest of compliments.

Andover High’s winter sports season is finally upon us.