Fleeton 

elevated to 

girls' varsity 

basketball 

coach

By Ron P. Coderre

Woodstock Academy Associate Headmaster Holly Singleton recently announced that Will Fleeton has been appointed the girls’ varsity basketball coach.  He replaces veteran coach Willie Bousquet.  Fleeton previously served as Woodstock’s junior varsity girls’ basketball coach under Bousquet and was recommended for the position by the veteran mentor.

Fleeton brings a long history of coaching basketball as he assumes his new role.  A graduate of East High School in Youngstown, Ohio, his first coaching job in northeastern Connecticut was as the varsity boys’ basketball coach at the former St. Mary School in Putnam.  Fleeton then moved on to a 17-year stint coaching both the 8th and 9th grade programs at The Rectory School in Pomfret prior to joining the coaching staff at Woodstock Academy.

“We are thrilled to have someone with the experience, knowledge and passion for coaching the game of basketball as Will Fleeton,” said Woodstock Director of Athletics Aaron Patterson.

“This was an easy decision to advance him to varsity coach because he did a fantastic job with the junior varsity team last year.  Will has a great way of connecting with young people, communicating with them individually and as a team.  I am confident that the program will continue to grow and that many good years are ahead for the girls who play basketball at Woodstock Academy,” said Patterson.

Similar to his predecessor, Bousquet, Fleeton treats coaching as an extension of the classroom.  His approach is to be a teacher-coach, teaching valuable life lessons as well as basketball skills to those under his guidance.

“I am very grateful to Woodstock Academy for offering me this opportunity.  I know it’s a big step, but I’m excited and ready for the challenge,” said Fleeton.

The departure of Bousquet and the elevation of Fleeton to the varsity position leaves a void in other spots in the program.  Woodstock is currently in a search to fill Fleeton’s former varsity assistant slot, junior varsity coach as well as freshman coach.

Fleeton, who lives in Putnam with his wife Robin, also currently serves as an assistant with the Centaurs football team, a position he’s held for the past three seasons.

 

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