Sydney Meader, the all-time leading scorer for the Boothbay Region High School field hockey program, signed a letter of intent Wednesday, Nov. 15 to play for the University of Maine field hockey team during the 2018 season.

During a brief ceremony in the BRHS library, Allan Crocker, BRHS athletic director, introduced Meader’s parents, Bernie Meader and Michelle Bouchard, who were seated next to Sydney at the table, which was adorned with blue and gold balloons, a BRHS cap and a UMaine cap. Crocker read the letter of intent before presenting it to Meader and her parents to sign. A group of teammates, friends and school staff witnessed the signing and cheered Meader after the signing.

Crocker mentioned that Meader is the first female athlete from BRHS to sign a letter of intent with a Division 1 college. UMaine, which competes in the America East Conference and was ranked 25th nationally this season going into the NCAA tournament, finished its season at 12-6, losing to Pacific, 3-2, in the quarterfinal on Nov. 3. The 2017 season was the seventh straight one that UMaine had finished with at least 10 wins. The team is coached by Josette Babineau. 

Meader, who is one of two players in the state being considered for 2017 Miss Maine Field Hockey (which will be announced Dec. 3), scored a school record 35 goals this season (breaking her own record of 24 set in 2016) and has 83 goals in her illustrious career at BRHS.