Swampscott’s Leonard back where it all started

Katelyn Leonard, who graduated from Swampscott High in 1997 after scoring a record 1,325 points, took over the reins of the Big Blue girls basketball program this week after having spent the last three years as the Revere High girls basketball coach.?Things are going awesome,” Leonard said of her first few days of practice. “I have a young group of girls who are eager and ready to work They want to change what Swampscott basketball is.”Leonard takes over the program for Abrom Roberts, who took over two years ago when Jack Hughes retired.After her stellar career at Swampscott, Leonard went of to play at Stonehill College, from which she graduated in 2001. She brings six years of head coaching experience to her new position.Prior to Revere she coached at Mystic Valley Charter School in Malden for three years. She also assisted in the Stonehill program and in the Marblehead high girls basketball program.?It’s exciting,” Leonard said, adding that even though it has been quite a few years since her playing days in Swampscott, some things don’t change.?The attitude and the work ethic of the players really haven?t changed,” she said. “I’m glad to be back and hopefully take these girls to the next level. They’re hard workers, smart, respectful and willing to do what it takes.”Leonard will have eight returning players to help smooth the transition including senior captains and guards Sam Rizzo and Emily Bray. The junior contingent includes small forward Olivia Cook and guard Meghan Hartmann and the sophomore class has some talented players including Jaymie Caponigro, who led the team in scoring, averaging 10.5 points per game. Forwards Hannah Leahy and Gabby LaRiviere and guard Maggie DiGrand also bring experience to the team.Sophomore Ella Parker will make the leap from junior varsity and three other sophomores — guard Ellie Wright, forward Annie Norton and guard Kendall Rhodes — will likely swing between junior varsity and varsity, Leonard said.?These girls are really an athletic group,” Leonard said. “Defense has been our focus. We want to wear the other team down with our athletic ability and quickness.”Swampscott will play in the 22nd Annual Paul Duchane Girls Basketball Jamboree at Classical High on Dec. 13. The Big Blue will face Somerville before opening the regular season Dec. 16 hosting Gloucester. Leonard said she’s expecting the Northeastern Conference to be fairly balanced this year, which should make for some good games. Revere, English and Peabody also have new coaches this season with Diana DiCristoforo returning to coach the Patriots; Rachael Bradley taking over for Fred Hogan at English and Stan McKeen stepping in at Peabody High.