Boston, September 1, 2025
News Summary
The Massachusetts high school sports season is set to begin shortly, with golfers already leading the way by starting their competitions early. As teams prepare for the upcoming season, the focus shifts to those who have maintained their skills over the summer. Along with exciting player movements in professional teams and new commitments at the high school level, early golf tournaments are crucial for assessing athlete performance and setting the tone for the season. Local programs celebrate their alumni’s success while recruiting interest grows as the sports community rallies together.
Boston — Massachusetts High School Sports Season Kicks Off and Golfers Are Already Out Early
If you like drama, young stars and a little bit of jittery preseason energy, welcome to Bay State fall sports. The 2024-25 high school campaign drops its first ball in the air in just a few days, with games set to start on Tuesday, but the fairways have already been busy — golf teams and individual players started competing about a week ahead of the rest of the pack. For golf fans who breathe the smell of cut grass and love a late-summer breeze on a green, this year’s early action is a real treat.
Golfers Lead the Way
Massachusetts golfers got a head start and that matters. Early-season tournaments reveal who’s comfortable with wind and firm turf, and they expose those first-round nerves. High school coaches use the first events to settle pairings, test short-game decisions and figure out who will anchor the top of the lineup. For college recruiters and local fans, those early rounds are like sneaking a peek at the season’s script.
From a golf writer’s point of view, the biggest advantages go to teams that practiced all summer and players who kept up work on their wedges and putting. When everyone else is still dialing in, the early movers can build momentum that lasts through conference play. Expect the next couple weeks to show who’s sharpening their irons and who still needs time on the range.
Local Pro and College Movement: Names to Watch
There’s plenty of movement off the course that will draw local interest. Former Catholic Central shortstop Cam Devanney has been recalled by the Pittsburgh Pirates for a game in Boston after a strong minor league season. Milton Academy product Kalel Mullings earned a place on the Tennessee Titans’ 53-man roster following a productive college career. Lexingon’s Sal Frelick picked up a players’ Heart and Hustle honor and posted solid MLB numbers last season. These are hometown success stories that feed into the high school narrative—kids in local programs see a path forward.
The professional and collegiate moves matter to high school coaches too. When alumni make pro rosters or get awards, it raises the program profile and fuels interest in the school’s athletic development. For aspiring golfers, it’s a reminder that individual work and smart coaching pay off.
High School Commitments and New Hires
Commitments continue to roll in across all sports. Duxbury’s Gavin Wallace will take his baseball game to UMass Boston, Marshfield senior Cole Summers is headed to Assumption, and Rivers junior Devin Constantino plans to play at Yale. On the hockey side, Winchendon senior Charlie Puglisi has committed to Cornell. Lacrosse and basketball commitments include Pembroke’s Mikey Shanley to Southern New Hampshire and Notre Dame (Hingham) senior Elle Orlando to Bentley. All of these signings matter to local rivalries and to fans tracking future college-level athletes.
Coaching changes also reshape team destinies. Marblehead hired former Merrimack College captain Brendan Locke as its new boys’ hockey coach, and Michelle Roach is moving from Peabody girls’ hockey to Arlington Catholic after a string of conference titles. In college lacrosse, Ben Devlin is now leading Stonehill and has kept key staff intact to maintain continuity.
Women’s Programs, Camps and Clinics
On the development front, several national field hockey selection camps for U-16, U-18 and U-21 teams included Massachusetts athletes — a strong sign that local youth development is paying dividends. The Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association is organizing a coaches clinic on October 19 and a Hall of Fame Banquet on November 23. The Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association is running four free clinics for high school baseball players throughout the fall, a boon for multi-sport athletes looking to sharpen skills between seasons.
Community Highlights and Grants
The Bay State Games awarded $1,000 grants to athletic programs at Pope Francis, Somerset Berkley and Agawam — small but meaningful support that can help with equipment and travel. In another slice of community sport culture, Natick’s Longfellow Tennis Club got a memorable trip to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and played on a US Open court — the kind of experience that inspires young athletes across disciplines, golf included.
Why Golf Fans Should Care
Even if your primary interest is the hardwood or the gridiron, golf stories are essential early-season reading. Golf’s early competitions surface individual form, mental focus and fundamentals that translate across sports—patience, course management and stress control are universal. High school golfers who shine now could end up being the difference-makers in sectional and state meets, and those performances often attract college attention.
Keep an eye on players who show improved short games, those who manage windy conditions well, and teams that can post consistent scores from top to bottom. Those traits predict deep postseason runs.
Quick Takeaways for Fans and Parents
- Season timing: Most sports begin in three days, with golf already underway.
- Watch the early starters: Golfers opening a week early often reveal who’s ready for the stretch run.
- Local pride matters: Pro and college signings feed energy back to high school programs.
- Clinics and camps: Free baseball clinics and coaching events offer learning opportunities through the fall.
FAQ
What’s the official start date for high school sports?
The season begins in three days, with most games starting on Tuesday. Golf competitions already started about a week earlier.
Why did golfers start before other sports?
Golf schedules are often arranged to fit course availability and early-season tournaments. Playing earlier helps golfers tune their short game and strategy before conference play.
Where can parents find previews for different sports?
Local schools and athletic departments typically post team previews and schedules. High school athletic offices also share updates on signings, coaching changes and clinic opportunities.
Are there opportunities for athletes to improve skills this fall?
Yes. The Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association is offering four free fall clinics for high school players, and multiple selection camps and coaching clinics are scheduled statewide.
How do pro and college moves affect high school programs?
Alumni success raises program visibility, motivates current players and can influence recruiting attention. It’s also useful for coaches when talking to prospects and families.
Useful Dates & Quick Reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Season kickoff | Begins in three days; games on Tuesday. Golf started about a week earlier. |
| Basketball coaches clinic | October 19 |
| Hall of Fame Banquet | November 23 |
| Baseball free clinics | Four clinics offered throughout the fall (dates vary) |
| Bay State Games grants | $1,000 awarded to Pope Francis, Somerset Berkley, Agawam |
Keep your clubs clean, your pencil sharp for scorecards, and your local calendar marked. The next few weeks will show who’s polished and who’s still finding the sweet spot. For golf lovers in Massachusetts, the early action is as close to a preview as you’ll get before the title chase heats up.
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Additional Resources
- Patriot Ledger: Massachusetts High School Football Players Make USA Today 2025 All-USA Watchlist
- Boston Globe: MA High School Sports Highlights
- MetroWest Daily News: Massachusetts Fall Sports Start Date 2025
- USA Today HSS: Best Massachusetts High Schools for Athletes
- MassLive: Your Picks for Best Offensive Lineman in Massachusetts High School Football
- Wikipedia: High School Sports in the United States
- Google Search: Massachusetts High School Football News
- Google Scholar: High School Athletics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Education
- Google News: Massachusetts High School Sports
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
