Panther Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Plymouth North High School

Sports run deep in Plymouth, and Plymouth North High School has long been at the heart of it. It’s no surprise some standout talent once wore the Panther uniform. Today we're celebrating five unforgettable athletes from Plymouth North High School who made a name for themselves well beyond the hometown field.

1. Nancy Darsch – Star Basketball Player & Coach

Darsch was a trailblazing basketball player and coach from what was later renamed Plymouth North. She had a long, distinguished career in women’s basketball at the collegiate, professional and international levels. As a player, Darsch wore the Panther uniform and demonstrated leadership and determination, guiding her team night in and night out. But coaching is where she shone the most. Darsch served as head coach at Ohio State University, where she led the Buckeyes to multiple Big Ten titles and the 1993 NCAA Championship game. She also coached in the WNBA, including guiding the New York Liberty in the league’s inaugural season and into the finals. On the U.S. national team coaching staff, she helped secure multiple Olympic gold medals. Darsch was inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame for her contributions to the sport and is remembered as a pioneer in women’s basketball coaching. (Sources: Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame, ESPN)

2. Megan Banzi – Collegiate Soccer Player

Banzi is a multi‑sport standout from Plymouth North who made her mark in soccer, basketball and softball. In high school, she was a four‑year varsity soccer player, earning multiple Patriot League All‑Star honors, Eastern Massachusetts All‑Star recognition and Boston Herald and Boston Globe All‑Scholastic accolades. She served as team captain and was named All‑State in 2021. Banzi continued her soccer career at the collegiate level at the University of Massachusetts, where she played as a key defender and developed throughout her time there. As a Panther, she was also a four‑year basketball starter and team captain, and excelled in softball with league honors, showcasing her athletic versatility. (Sources: Go River Hawks)

3. Joseph Walsh – Star Baseball Player

Walsh was one of the most decorated baseball players to come out of Plymouth North. As a junior at Plymouth North, he earned the 2014–15 Gatorade Massachusetts Baseball Player of the Year, becoming the first player from his school to win that honor. Walsh starred as a dynamic left‑handed pitcher and slugging first baseman, posting elite numbers during his standout season. After high school, he continued playing baseball at the collegiate level at Boston College, earning playing time over four seasons and contributing to the team's success. He has now retired after a short pursuit of a major league career, spending some time in the minors. (Sources: MILB, BC Eagles, Gatorade Player of the Year)

4. Maeve Moriarty – Collegiate Basketball Player

Moriarty was a top women’s basketball player at Plymouth North, recognized for her impact in the frontcourt. She attracted attention from college coaches for her size, skill and versatility in the post. After being a three-time All-Star, averaging a double-double her senior season, she continued her career at Assumption College. She continues to contribute and develop as a player and student as she enters her final seasons of college play. (Sources: Assumption Greyhounds)

5. Brooke Reardon – Collegiate Gymnast

Reardon was a standout women’s gymnast at Plymouth North, competing at a high level in gymnastics throughout her high school career. She was identified as one of the top athletes from Plymouth North’s Class of 2022. Reardon trained at Tumble Time Gymnastics and continued her athletic career at Hamline University, where she is currently finishing her collegiate career after competing in meets since her sophomore season. (Sources: Hamline Athletics)

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