Foxcroft Academy hires Buttice as boys soccer coach

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Foxcroft Academy Athletic Administrator Jaclyn Tourtelotte is excited to announce the hiring of Ryan Buttice as the new boys’ varsity soccer coach. Buttice will succeed Faleesha Gaylord, who led the program for the past two years.

“I’m thrilled about the opportunity to lead the boys’ soccer team at Foxcroft Academy,” Buttice said. “I’ve had the chance to observe them from the sidelines over the last few years, and I’m optimistic that we can continue to advance the program in the right direction.” 

Buttice grew up in Vermont, where he was a three-sport all-state athlete, excelling in soccer, basketball, and baseball at North Country Union High School in Newport, Vermont. After high school, he graduated from Thomas College in Waterville in 2005, where he played on the Terriers’ soccer team for four seasons. He received recognition as a North Atlantic Conference second team all-star and served as team captain during his junior and senior years. 

Buttice, along with his wife Ashley (McKusick) ’02, moved to Dover-Foxcroft in 2018 with their children Gavin and Grace. Buttice has been actively involved in youth sports programs in Dover-Foxcroft and has served as an assistant coach at SeDoMoCha Middle School. Additionally, he has been the assistant varsity baseball coach at Foxcroft Academy for the past three seasons. 

According to Foxcroft Academy Athletic Administrator Jaclyn Tourtelotte, Buttice has what it takes to lead this program.

“Ryan has a solid vision for where he wants the program to go, and is willing to put the work in to help get the team there,” Tortelotte. “He’s been a valuable asset to the coaching staff here at FA, working with the baseball team, and I’m looking forward to seeing his work with the soccer program.”

The Ponies finished the 2025 season with a record of 5-10 (placing 12th in the Class B North standings) and qualified for the playoffs, where the team fell to fifth seed Presque Isle High School in the preliminary round. With several returning student-athletes next year, Buttice sees a bright future for his program. 

“We have a tough schedule in Class B, and we need to be ready to compete night in and night out,” he said. “However, with the right mindset and a willingness to work, I believe we will improve with every practice and every game, and we will be prepared to perform every time we take the field.”