Moody Foundation to honor beloved resident during boys’ basketball home opener

By Matt Pascarella

More than one year after his passing, the memory and character of Windham resident Pat Moody remain within not just the local community but throughout Southern Maine.

The late Pat Moody,  left, joins his son AJ Moody after
Windham High School won its first state boys' basketball
title at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland in March 2024. The 
team will honor Pat Moody while raising money for the
Pat  Moody Foundation during this season's home
opener at Windham High on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
SUBMITTED PHOTO    

The Pat Moody Foundation was launched to keep Moody’s memory and love for helping the community alive. The purpose of the Pat Moody Foundation is to provide opportunities to others in need, whether that be through scholarships or money for athletics, and hopefully encourage them to help others and in turn become more civic-minded.

During the Windham High School varsity boys’ basketball team home opener against Sanford High on at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, “Pat Moody Night” will pay tribute to a genuine community hero and legend.

“Pat was truly a pillar here,” said wife Sherma Moody. “His passion for basketball and his belief in giving kids a chance to grow through the sport shaped so much of who he was. Pat always made it a point to include as many kids as possible, teaching them the fundamentals of basketball but also the value of teamwork, perseverance, and belonging.”

The goal of the Pat Moody Foundation is to put the funds raised right back into the community and into forming positive influences and experiences for youth. It currently aims to expand scholarship offerings for more students in the coming year and continue fundraising events for kids in need, including educational support and extracurricular activities.

“It's hard to believe it's already been a year since Pat's untimely passing,” said Pat Moody’s best friend and Pat Moody Foundation board member Tyler Graves. “Not a day passes that I don't think of Pat. I believe all of us can attest that after knowing someone for so long that they become part of you, they're the thread that becomes stitched into your life. I think being involved with the foundation has given me a sense of well-being in knowing that Pat would have been proud of our efforts to continue selfless acts of kindness that in some way will help benefit, support, encourage, and even inspire our youth.”

Basketball was more than a game for Pat Moody. It gave him lifelong friendships, mentors, and a network that supported him throughout his life. He wanted every child, regardless of circumstances, to have that same opportunity. Through the Pat Moody Foundation, young athletes can join teams, get basic equipment or a pair of shoes, and most importantly, discover the joy and confidence that come from playing the sport he cherished.

“Within that year the foundation has grown considerably because of the generous donations from our local communities,” said Moody’s sister and Pat Moody Foundation President Tracey Lydon. “I think I can speak for the entire board and say that we are humbled by the outpouring of support that has transpired in the wake of losing Pat. We've been afforded the opportunity and privilege of providing over $6,000 in multiple scholarships to some very deserving, civic-minded student athletes, and have sponsored children to participate in youth sports who may have not been able to afford it otherwise.”

It's heartwarming for Graves to see people within the Windham community and Southern Maine wearing any Pat Moody-related T-shirts. Graves said he has had people stop and ask what WWPD (What Would Pat Do?) means; this has started conversations and allowed him to explain the random acts of kindness that embodied Pat Moody’s persona.

“The firsts are hard, very hard,” said Lydon. “Being part of a team that is keeping Pat’s legacy alive by making sure that the community and the kids have access to the opportunities that basketball gave him makes me feel his presence in everything we do.”

Windham’s boys’ basketball team honored Moody last year at their first home game and people really enjoyed it and it was well-attended. The team wants to keep the tradition going and all T-shirt sales that night go directly to the Pat Moody Foundation. The night will also be a great opportunity for everyone to learn more about the Pat Moody Foundation, its accomplishments, its purpose. and its plans for the future.

Donations made to the Pat Moody Foundation stay here and directly serve our community's children; this will hopefully inspire them to continue to play sports and give back in their own way.

“The Pat Moody Foundation is so much more than a charitable effort, it is a way of keeping his spirit alive in the community he loved so deeply,” said Sherma Moody. “The Pat Moody Foundation reflects his heart, focused on children in need, committed to opening doors, and dedicated to helping young people continue learning and growing. Carrying on this mission allows me to honor Pat every day and ensure that the love and generosity he poured into this community continue to inspire future generations.” <

Second consecutive state title in sight for Windham basketball

By Matt Pascarella

For the second year in a row, the Windham boys’ varsity basketball team is headed to the AA state championship with a record of 17-4 where they will take on South Portland with a record of 16-5. The Windham community couldn’t be prouder and more excited for this game.

Windham High School's boys' basketball team will play
South Portland at 7:45 p.m. Saturday, March 1 at Cross
Insurance Arena in Portland for the 2025 Maine
Class AA championship. WHS won last year's title
game and is seeking a second consecutive Gold Ball. 
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

But this is a different matchup. The South Portland coach is Kevin Millington, who teaches social studies at Windham High School, and also coached varsity boys’ basketball at Windham for 18 years.

South Portland edged Windham 55-54 in just the third game of the season, but Eagles coach Chad Pulkkinen says that he welcomes the opportunity to face a team that got the best of WHS. Windham’s team belief is unwavering.

“True strength within a team is revealed through adversity –

how you face challenges and overcome them together,” said Pulkkinen. “We've certainly had our share of those moments, and our guys have done an incredible job of regrouping, learning, and growing from them ... their resilience, hunger, and commitment to representing Windham as student-athletes set them apart.”

Windham was the team to beat since the start of summer ball. Teams went hard and wanted to beat the champions. Windham had to be ultra prepared; they needed to remain hungry and play like they were the underdogs.

Team members say that they are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of the community. The passion and energy brought to every game – home and away – fuel the players and make a lasting impact. Windham’s team extends their appreciation to high school staff and administrators for providing student-athletes with the opportunity to proudly represent Windham.

For Windham senior Levi Hayman, going after another Gold Ball means a lot. He said the kids are like brothers to him and to witness their determination and chemistry is astonishing. They are great role models for underclassman and youth of the community.

The late Pat Moody has been an inspiration for the team and his presence is felt without anyone saying anything. Moody is looking down, watching this team succeed. It’s tough not having Moody here, but Pulkkinen leads the team that he and Moody love. Moody continues to inspire the team after making Windham basketball what it is; Pulkkinen is lucky enough to lead the team and encourages his players to play with joy.

“As a parent it’s not just about the victory on the court,” said Sherma Moody. “It’s about all the hard work, dedication, coaches support and teamwork that have led to this point. One of Pat’s greatest joys was watching his son play. There’s a sense of pride in knowing how much they’ve overcome to get here, and excitement for what’s to come. It’s a proud moment for our family, and one that we’ll hold close to our hearts, especially knowing how much joy it brought to Pat.”

Longtime Windham announcer and resident Bob Witham said he thinks that it's absolutely fantastic that the boys are going for their second straight Gold Ball.

“The past two years have been unbelievable in Windham High School's gym; always packed with excitement from the crowd,” he said. “It's so much fun to watch this team; you can tell how much they care about each other, Windham High School and the community.”

Windham’s varsity boys’ basketball coaches want their players to be mentors to the younger kids. They want to develop a culture in Windham of basketball done right. They tell their guys, “There are people watching you; there are kids watching you, so act right. Do the right thing, be the right kid on the court and off the court.”’

WHS Students are proud of how this team represents them.

“As a fan and a person apart of this unreal and supportive community, I think it would be thrilling knowing those boys were able to bring home a Gold Ball for a second year in a row,” said Windham senior Stella Jarvais. “The pride this community and the fans already have for this team is unmatched to any other community I’ve seen. There isn’t a selfish player out there, and you can tell by watching them play. They know what it takes to get another Gold Ball.”

The Maine Class AA Boys’ Basketball Championship Game tips off at 7:45 p.m. Saturday, March 1 at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland with Windham facing South Portland. The game will be televised live on Maine Public Television and streaming on mainepublic.org. <