GORHAM, Maine – The leaves are beginning to turn, and there's a familiar buzz in the air as Huskies fans feel the anticipation of the seasons changing. While fall sports teams are still hard at work on the fields, winter sports are preparing to take center stage. Inside the Costello Sports Complex, the sounds of basketballs on hardwood echo through the halls, and freshly sharpened skates are ready to hit the ice. The excitement for another season of Huskies' athletics is quickly building.
 
Men's Basketball Gears Up for Tip-Off
 
The University of Southern Maine men's basketball team closed out last season with a 12–14 overall record and an 8–8 mark in Little East Conference play. The Huskies ended their regular season on a high note with a win over Castleton and carried that momentum into a strong postseason effort.
 
This winter, USM will look to key returners to help lead the way. Senior Thomas Whelan (Bronx, N.Y. / Fordham Prep) stands out as a crucial piece of the Huskies' lineup. A two-time All-Little East Conference selection (Second Team in 2023–24, First Team in 2024–25) and a two-time Maine Men's Basketball Coaches & Writers Association (MMBCWA) All-State Second Team honoree, Whelan has been a consistent offensive force. Last season, he led the team with 22.1 points per game, shooting 53.8% from the field (206-for-383) and 33.8% from three-point range. He scored in double figures in 24 of 25 games, tallied 20 or more points 16 times, and recorded four 30-point performances. Whelan's leadership and scoring ability will be instrumental to the Huskies' success this season.
 
Another player to watch is senior Diego Colon (New Braunfels, Texas), who averaged 10.2 points per game during the 2024–25 campaign, ranking fourth on the team in scoring. Colon added 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, while shooting 33.6% (50-for-149) from beyond the arc. A former MMBCWA Rookie of the Week, Colon brings valuable experience and reliable two-way play to the court.
 
The Huskies will open their 2025–26 season at home on November 12 at 7:30 p.m., hosting the University of New England.
 
Women's Basketball Looks to Build on Historic Season
 
The University of Southern Maine women's basketball team enters the winter with momentum after posting an 18–10 overall record last season — the program's best since 2013–14. The Huskies went 12–4 in conference play, advancing all the way to the Little East Conference Championship Game. With a talented and determined core returning, expectations are high for another exciting campaign.
 
Leading the charge is sophomore Lucy Wiles (Glenburn, Maine / Hampden Academy), who emerged as one of the top first-year players in the region. Wiles was named the 2025 LEC Rookie of the Year and earned Second Team All-LEC honors, in addition to Rookie of the Year recognition from the Maine Women's Basketball Coaches Association (MWBCA), D3hoops.com Region 2, and the New England Women's Basketball Association (NEWBA). She led the team with 13.0 points and 3.0 assists per game, totaling 365 points, 84 assists, and 43 steals on 38% shooting from the field. After scoring in double figures 19 times and reaching 20 points in four contests, Wiles is poised to be a major contributor once again.
 
Graduate student Liz Cote (Conway, N.H. / Kennett) also returns as a key leader. A proven sharpshooter, Cote earned Second Team All-LEC honors after averaging 10.7 points per game on 40.7% shooting from the field and 40.3% from three-point range. She added 34 assists, 33 steals, and 3.1 rebounds per game, bringing veteran experience and steady leadership to a talented roster.
 
The Huskies will tip off their 2025–26 season at home on November 12 against the University of New England, with a 5:30 p.m. start at Hill Gymnasium.
 
Wrestling Ready to Hit the Mats
 
Meanwhile, on the top floor of the Costello Sports Complex, the Huskies' wrestling team is gearing up for another competitive season.
 
Leading the way is senior Jake Craig (Norridgewock, Maine / Skowhegan), a two-time NCAA Division III All-American, finishing fourth nationally at 125 lbs in both 2023 and 2025. Craig, the 2023 NEWA Rookie of the Year, is also a three-time All-Region selection and NWCA Scholar All-American. He compiled a 29–8 record in 2023–24 and followed with a 28–7 record in 2024–25, earning First Team All-NEWA and Academic All-District honors. A consistent top performer, Craig sets the tone for the Huskies both athletically and academically.
 
Another wrestler to watch is junior Kyle Moore (Kennebunk, Maine / Division Avenue, N.Y.), who earned NCAA Division III All-Region honors (fourth at 141 lbs) and was named to the 2025 NEWA Honorable Mention Team. With two seasons left, Moore continues to develop into a major contributor for the Huskies.
 
The team opens its 2025–26 season on November 1 at Bridgewater State University, beginning at 2 p.m.
 
Men's Ice Hockey Ready to Keep Building Momentum
 
The University of Southern Maine men's ice hockey team looks to build on a season that showed promising growth and determination. The Huskies finished the 2024–25 campaign with a 7-17-1 record, ending on a high note with a 5-4 win over UMass Boston.
 
Sophomore forward Gavin Simopoulos (Cape Elizabeth, Maine) headlines the returning core after appearing in all 25 games last season. Simopoulos tied for the team lead in assists (14) and ranked second in goals (five), scoring his first collegiate goal in his debut against nationally ranked No. 14 Endicott. A creative and confident playmaker, he is expected to be a key offensive presence this season.
 
Forward Kayde Kinaschuk (Calgary, Alberta / Springbank Community) also returns after leading the Huskies with six goals and finishing third in points (11). Kinaschuk tallied multi-point games in three contests and netted two power-play goals, bringing valuable experience and leadership to the lineup.
 
The Huskies will open their 2025–26 season on October 31, on the road against Salve Regina. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
 
Women's Ice Hockey Continues Strong Streak
The University of Southern Maine women's ice hockey team aims to build on another competitive season that included a New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) Championship Tournament appearance. The Huskies posted an 11-13-2 overall record in 2024–25, continuing to showcase steady growth and resilience.
 
Senior forward Olivia Stewart (Fredericton, New Brunswick / Mount Academy) returns as one of the team's top leaders after leading the Huskies in assists (10) and tying for the team lead in points (15). Stewart recorded five multi-point games and blocked 21 shots, demonstrating her versatility as both an offensive and defensive force.
 
Senior Saige MacLeod (Dryden, Ontario) also returns as a key veteran presence. Playing in all 26 games last season, MacLeod finished second on the team in goals (eight) and third in points (14), while blocking 15 shots. Her consistency and experience will be crucial as the Huskies pursue another postseason berth.
 
The Huskies open their 2025–26 season on October 31, hosting the University of New England at the USM Ice Arena. Puck drop is at 4 p.m.
 
Men's Indoor Track & Field Aims to Keep Going Strong
 
The University of Southern Maine men's indoor track and field team enters the season with confidence after capturing the Little East Conference Championship last winter with 149 points. With a deep and balanced roster, the Huskies look to continue their championship tradition.
 
 
Senior Michael D'Amico (Belgrade Lakes, Maine / Messalonskee) is back for another season after winning the LEC title in the pole vault last winter with a mark of 4.30m. D'Amico also placed third in the 60-meter hurdles last year with a time of 8.79 seconds. His versatility extends beyond LEC competition as he earned U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Region honors in the heptathlon.
 
Junior Cyrus Evans (Farmington, Maine / Mt. Blue) also returns after winning the LEC title in the 600m (1:23.58) and helping the 4x800 relay team to a fourth-place finish. His strength in middle-distance events will once again be key for the Huskies' success.
 
USM opens its 2025–26 indoor season on December 13 at the USM Alumni Open, with events beginning at 12 p.m.
 
Women's Indoor Track & Field Hopes to Continue Years of Dominance
 
The University of Southern Maine women's indoor track and field team continues its legacy of excellence after securing its fifth consecutive Little East Conference Indoor Championship — and the 24th in program history. The Huskies remain the standard-bearers of dominance in the LEC and are poised for another strong season.
 
Sophomore Khalysa Hammith (Windham, Maine) returns after an exceptional rookie year in which she placed 18th in the long jump at the NCAA Division III National Championships (5.37m). Hammith was named the LEC Field Rookie of the Year and broke the program record in the long jump (5.79m) en route to winning the conference title. She also earned Third Team All-LEC honors in the 60m dash (7.87 seconds), showcasing her versatility as both a jumper and sprinter.
 
Senior Zoe Barnes (New Gloucester, Maine / Gray-New Gloucester) anchors the throwing group after being named the LEC Field Athlete of the Year. Barnes won the LEC shot put title (12.54m) and finished second in the weight throw (15.00m). A proven veteran, Barnes' leadership and consistency will be key as the Huskies aim to extend their championship streak.
 
The Huskies will begin their 2025–26 indoor campaign on December 13 at the USM Alumni Open, with competition starting at 12 p.m.