Her mom is a doctor. Her dad is an engineer. Serene Gherri just always figured she would end up with some kind of STEM career. That is still the case, as her aspiration is to become an orthopedic surgeon.
But Gherri could be open to a new path, perhaps one as a coach.
She will get her first taste of it in the spring, as the 21-year-old Tolland resident was recently hired as an assistant coach for Putnam Science Academy’s girls’ soccer team.
“I absolutely have thought about it,” Gherri said. “I don’t do things just to do them, and although being a surgeon is my goal, I was so interested in this position because of my passion for the game. I’ve always been a plyer and I’ve never seen the game from the coaching position at this level, but if I love this experience, I would definitely consider continuing on with coaching.”
Gherri played two years of soccer at Tolland High School before ankle and knee injuries thwarted any further advancement on the field.
But she loves the game, and PSA Athletic Director Tom Espinosa said one of the things he liked about her was how she thinks like a coach.
“We talked about the fact that she doesn’t really have much experience,” he said, “but that when she watches games, she watches like a coach, thinking about adjustments and watching what works and doesn’t work. We really loved talking with her.”
For Gherri, who is currently a senior at UConn, the lack of coaching experience makes her a little nervous. But once she starts talking with and meeting the players, that will level off.
“I want to get back into the team aspect of sports because I have definitely missed that,” she said.
“These girls are only going to be a few years younger than me, and I think that will make it easy for us to connect. And building relationships and having those connections is such an important part of what I like to do and what I think is really important to have success on the field.
“I really want to help PSA build and win. I love winning. I’m very competitive. I want us to be as good as we can be and I want to help these girls and this program do that. I like to make sure that everything that I’m doing is to the full extent of the greatness and ability that I have in me, so I’m really excited to bring that out in the girls on the team as well.”
Espinosa also said the school has closed its search for its head coach of the girls’ soccer team and an announcement is expected soon.
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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Rules & Tips
Policy for photos: We follow the COVID-19 rules. Unrelated people must be wearing face masks or be at least 6 feet apart. Space tip: Since space is at a premium, you'll find extended versions of some stories and the calendar on the Putnam Town Crier online at: www.putnamtowncrier.com.
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SGT Maxwell Alexander Santerre,
Army veteran
Ft. LEWIS, Wash. — Sergeant Max Santerre died unexpectedly Dec. 7, 2020, at home in Ft. Lewis. Sgt. Santerre joined the U.S. Army in 2015, serving with the 509th Clearance Company. He completed one tour to Korea, serving as a mine protected vehicle driver and as a machine gunner in 2016. He then completed a tour to Afghanistan serving as a team leader, then squad leader in 2018. His efforts and achievements in Afghanistan resulted in Sgt. Santerre receiving the Army Commendation Medal and a combat action badge. In 2019, he received orders to Joint Base Lewis-McChord to serve with the 570th Sapper Company. Along with his excellence in this profession, Sgt. Santerre left a long-lasting impact to his friends, peers, and soldiers. He is fondly remembered by many as an intelligent, funny, and humble leader, for his kind and genuine personality, and for being quick with a joke and a laugh.
He was born in 1993 and graduated from Putnam High School in 2009, and was a fan of the Boston Celtics, New England Patriots, and New York Yankees. Growing up in a New England farming community, Max’s favorite smell was left by the “honey pot” spreading the fields, and he would frequently say that he missed that sweet smell of home.
Max leaves his mother, Torrey Santerre; stepfather Keith Gilbert; and brother Dylan (Putnam); his maternal grandmother, Jill Relahan (Woodstock); paternal grandparents, Thomas and Linda Mannix (Plainfield); Ashley Pickney and her daughter Kenadee Reardon;.
Max was only 27 years old when he died by suicide. His death does not define his legacy.
He was honored Dec. 18 at Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. Donations: The American Legion, Post #13, P.O. Box 123 Putnam, CT 06260; or to Wounded Warriors: support.woundedwarriorproject.org.
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Wed. Dec. 23
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Library at the Thompson Public Library will present “Pandemic Projects, A Community Show of Creativity,” through Dec. 26. Thompsonpubliclibrary.org.
Fri. Dec. 25
Merry Christmas!
Thur. Dec. 31
Virtual Concert
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present a New Year's Eve Virtual Concert with Peter Mayer live via Zoom at 7:30 p.m. Register at ctaubudon.org/pomfret-programs-events.
Sun. Jan. 1, 2021
Happy New Year!
Hike & Seek
The Connecticut State Parks will present Goodwin State Forest’s First Weekend Hike & Seek Jan. 1 – 3. Free but registration required: ctwoodlands.org/CFPA-events#. You will receive a list of 30 nature-themed objectives to find and take a picture of. You are allowed to work in teams or as an individual. At the end of the weekend send your checklist and labeled pictures to
Sat. Jan. 9
Fund-raiser Dinner
THOMPSON --- The American Legion Post 67 on Thompson Hill Road will hold a Swedish Meatball Dinner from 4 to 6:30 p.m. $10. Takeout only. Come inside and place order and it will be brought out to you.
Sat. Feb. 13
Fund-raiser Dinner
THOMPSON --- The American Legion Post 67 on Thompson Hill Road will hold a Roast Beef Dinner from 4 to 6:30 p.m. $12. Takeout only. Come inside and place order and it will be brought out to you.
Sat. March 14
Fund-raiser Dinner
THOMPSON --- The American Legion Post 67 on Thompson Hill Road will hold a Corned Beef Dinner from 4 to 6:30 p.m. $10. Takeout only. Come inside and place order and it will be brought out to you.
Sat. April 24
Wall of Honor
PUTNAM --- The Putnam High School Wall of Honor ceremony will be held today.
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