PUTNAM — Just two years ago Ariana Koivsito, a junior at Woodstock Academy, decided to make a change. After playing two seasons for the Woodstock Academy Centaurs, Koivisto elected to transfer from Woodstock to join an up and coming girls’ basketball program at Putnam Science Academy.
In a junior season where the skilled forward averaged 10 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists per game, Koivisto helped lead the Centaurs to an ECC Division 2 title and took home MVP honors.
Koivsito would then send shock waves throughout the local girls’ basketball scene when she joined Putnam Science. “Every kid played multiple sports at Woodstock and I only played basketball so I really wanted to excel in just that.”
Koivisto then started to hear rumblings about the start of a prep girls’ basketball program less than 10 minutes away at Putnam Science Academy. “I started to see some of the other girls attending the school and the skill level that was on the court, I knew that Putnam Science was where I should go to take my game to the next level and earn a scholarship to play in college.”
Fast forward to her senior year and she has helped the Lady Mustangs in their second season as a program reached the Final Four of the Independent School National Championship. PSA took home third place overall. Koivisto also completed what she set out to do by earning a scholarship to play basketball at the University of Southern New Hampshire, the ninth Lady Mustang to earn a scholarship on this year’s team.
Koivisto has no regrets on her decision.
“It was one of my best decisions, the relationships I’ve been able to create here at Putnam Science Academy with not only staff but the girls on the team; it’s truly special” said Koivisto. “We all clicked, we all love each other and we all want each other to succeed on and off the court.” She stood out as a leader for the Mustangs as she was one of the pioneers of the girls’ basketball program.
Head Coach Derek Marchione said: “Ari is so talented with her skill set and what she can do on the floor. Ari made plenty of winning plays for us throughout the year and the coaching staff at the University of Southern New Hampshire is not only getting a girl who is tough, but someone who is going to stand-out and help the program because she’s a winner.”
Koivisto committed to Southern New Hampshire earlier this year and was sold on the style of play and the coaching staff led by Head Coach Karen Pinkos. “When I went there and got to watch them play, the fast- paced style, get up and down the court, I felt that fit my style of play.” Koivisto, at 5-feet, 11-inches, can rebound well and is no stranger to pushing the ball up the floor quickly under Marchione’s fast-paced offense at PSA. “I like to run and not necessarily sit in an offense every time down, get the ball and go” added Koivisto.
The senior begins to count down the days until graduation at Putnam Science Academy May 23, and reflected on her two years as a Mustang. “My biggest memory from Putnam Science Academy is meeting people from all over the world” said Koivisto. “Students with all sorts of different cultures, kids from France, Brazil, all over, it was an amazing experience.
Ari will attend the University of Southern New Hampshire in the fall and join the Penmen girls’ basketball team. She will major in communications with a minor in sports management.
Josh Sanchas
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy

.