Update post publication:
Melrose defeats Reading 3-0 (Sept. 14)
MELROSE — A soccer field is the perfect place to grow.
As his team kicks off their early season, Melrose High girls’ soccer head coach Rob Mahoney has challenged his players to focus on the mental side of the sport – a perspective all too forgotten once the game kicks off.
The coach figures that’s a good place to begin for a team that returns 10 starters from last year’s historic, 1-0 playoff victory over East Longmeadow, the first state tourney win for Melrose girls’ soccer since 2005.
“It’s important to learn how you can rebound from difficult things throughout your life,” says Mahoney as the team tries to stay neutral before a highly-anticipated season. “Good and bad things will happen – how do you move on and grow?”
Melrose has three senior captains ready to help the team grow this season: midfielder Ellie Deeble, defender Emily Lucien and back for her second season as a captain, goalie Ava Tormo. The captains are three of 11 seniors in the program. Together, Mahoney says the Class of 2024 “leads by example and are good role models for the younger players,” whether on the field, in the classroom or in the community.
That’s certainly a great place to start for a team that is focusing on how they can grow in 2023. After finishing with an 8-7-3 record, Melrose has their sights set on a league title in an always-loaded Middlesex League Freedom Division.
That’s the goal every year, and though they had plenty to be excited about last year, the returners make that goal even more attainable this season.
Junior Chloe Mahoney returns at striker after scoring Melrose’s winning goal at states.
Melrose also returns their electric leading scorer from last year in sophomore Sophie McElligott. In addition to Tormo, Lucien and Deeble, Melrose will lean on seniors Mia Cerretani (ST), Mia Galego (M), Maria Jelley (M), Lily Nolan (M), Amy Rowe (M), Zoe Smith (ST) and Kat Whisler (D).
That’s just the start for a team that clearly has the depth to accomplish their goals, which also include taking the next step in the tournament. For this season, that would mean a trip to the state quarterfinals after Melrose fell to 2nd-seeded Masco in the Round of 16 last year.
“We’re planning on everyone playing a bunch, sharing the wealth and running deep to emphasize that ‘next player up’ mentality,” says Mahoney of the team’s depth, no doubt a smart priority in order for Melrose to be ready for any type of adversity that affects every team somehow or another.
Melrose certainly has the foundation to make even more history in 2023. If they can cultivate that growth mentality, there’s no telling what they might accomplish.
On Thursday (post deadline) Melrose will enjoy their home opener against Reading. Action takes place at 4:15 p.m.