Portland senior Anneliese Collin, third from left, and senior Samantha Moore, third from right, react after announcing their Division I commitments Friday at a ceremony at the high school. Collin, joined by her parents, Mike and Molly, will play soccer at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Moore, joined by her parents, Jon and Sue, will run cross country and track at the University of Connecticut. Hoffer photo.

Two Portland High School standout athletes enjoyed the well-deserved limelight Friday morning at a ceremony in the school’s Alumni Hall, where they announced their plans to compete next year at the Division I level.

Samantha Moore, the most decorated cross country and track athlete the school has produced, will run for the University of Connecticut, while Anneliese Collin, a top soccer talent, who excels in track as well, will play soccer for the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

Anneliese Collin. File photo.

Collin, a two-year captain and the Bulldogs’ leading scorer in three of her four seasons, was an SMAA all-star all four years and has also been named to the Class A South regional all-star team twice.

“It’s so special, especially doing this with one of my best friends,” said Collin. “It’s always been a thought to play in college, but not always D1. It was a long process. I talked to a lot of coaches. U. Mass-Lowell is for me. They just have an awesome program.”

“I think (Anneliese will) thrive at the next level,” said Bulldogs girls’ soccer coach Matt Bernstein. “I’m so excited for her. What a tremendous work ethic she has. She’s a tremendous human being. She reads the game. She’s a great leader. Selfless, humble, hard-working. She’s an incredibly intelligent player. When you blend that intelligence with her skill and physical ability, you have a heck of a soccer player. She’s irreplaceable. Our program is so much better having her be a part of it for four years. She’s never going to stop striving to improve herself and the sky is the limit for her. U. Mass-Lowell is getting an unbelievable player and person.”

Samantha Moore. File photo.

Moore, a two-year captain and 10-time champion in various distances, has won seven SMAA MVP awards, including consecutive SMAA Cross Country Runner of the Year honors in 2023 and 2024. She holds multiple indoor and outdoor track records and will graduate as the most decorated female athlete in school history. Moore holds 20 school records and counting.

“I’ve been working for this for awhile,” Moore said. “It means a lot to have my family and friends here. Sophomore year is when I thought this was possible. I knew I wanted to continue to compete. When I saw U. Conn, I just fell in love. I love the location, the coaches, the team, everything about it. I’m ready to start training. I’ve loved Portland. Everyone here has been supportive. I’m sad to leave, but I’m excited for the next chapter.”

“(Samantha’s) the most decorated track and field athlete in the history of this school, male or female, and one of the most decorated track and field athletes in the state,” said Portland cross country and track coach Frank Myatt. “It was a privilege to be able to coach her. I’ll be grateful for the opportunity the rest of my career. It’s been a fantastic four years.”