Many winning teams return with unfinished business
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—Historically, the fall has always been one of Melrose High’s strongest of sport seasons, with teams paving a decade of winning state titles, sectionals and league titles. This year, there is no reason to believe that more trophies won’t adorn the halls of Melrose High.
Nine sports return this season, so there will be plenty of action for fans to take in over the fields, greens, pools and courts of varsity play, starting as early as next week.
Football is opening at home on Friday, Sept. 5 against Peabody. Melrose is aiming to once again qualify for playoffs as they did in 2024. They will also look to get their hands on the Thanksgiving trophy, which has been in Wakefield’s possession for a few seasons. They will be in good hands with their senior captains, quarterback Jack Feeney and Jack Casey, along with many senior returning starters. Next week, we will have a preseason look at the 2025 team as they kick off their campaign next Friday. Also this fall, the Melrose Marching Band and Color Guard return as Div. 4 Champions, so it will be an extra treat for fans, who can enjoy a fall soundtrack at Fred Green Field during games and during their competitive NESBA events.
Cross country remains one of the winningest teams for Melrose High in recent years and their runners often extend that talent to track and field on the off season. The 2025 Melrose girls’ cross country team is coming off a league title year and an appearance at Div. 2 A Finals and All State Finals. They return a lot of young talent including league MVP senior Reilly Powell. On the boys’ side, Melrose nearly took the Freedom League as well but were edged narrowly by arch rival Wakefield, finishing a very successful 5-1 season. The team also made an appearance at All states so their young runners will be more than ready to sink their teeth into the Middlesex League.
Girls’ soccer was coming off a historic best ever season in 2023 and last season, after a 10 win campaign, punched another ticket to the playoffs, which culminated in an exciting first round win over Dartmouth. They will return all the more eager to replicate that success this fall. Boys’ soccer had a successful season and post season last fall, going two rounds in playoffs after a win over Chicopee, before ending with a loss to Oliver Aimes. They will look to once again make a dent into the Middlesex League.
Field hockey is coming off a historic season in which Melrose saw playoffs for the first time in 20 years. After qualifying for the Div. 2 playoffs they enjoyed a 1-0 win Amherst-Pelham at home, giving fans a thrill of a lifetime.
Girls volleyball has won the Middlesex League title for 18 consecutive years and are hoping for a 19th title this year. They return with captains Anna Burns, Emme Boyer and standout middle hitter Sabine Wenzel, who recently committed to East Texas A&M to play volleyball. While they graduated a huge 9 players, they also took 6 new players and already return with experienced underclassmen, which should help guide Melrose to another playoff appearance.
Girls swim is back and partnering once again with Stoneham, which makes this team affectionately known as “Stone-Rose.” These girls will dive into action on Wednesday, Sept. 10 on the road at Belmont. They open at home against Lexington on Sept. 18 at Medford High.
The golf team kicked off their season early, a day before public school started in Melrose (see accompanying article.) Last year they enjoyed some wins in a tough Middlesex League and sent two players to a post season. On Tuesday, they surprised Reading in a 38-34 victory, making them the first MHS team to notch a win in this early fall season, with many more to come.
Opening days:
Football: Sept. 5 v. Peabody 7:00 p.m.
Volleyball: Sept 3 @Belmont 5:30 p.m.
(Home Sept. 5 v. Wakefield 5:30 p.m.)
Girls Soccer: Sept. 2 @ Belmont 6:00 p.m.
(Home Sept. 4 v. Wakefield, 4:15 p.m.)
Boy’s Soccer: Sept 2 v. Belmont 4:15 p.m.
Golf: Aug. 26 v. Reading, 10:00 p.m.
Field Hockey: Sept. 3 @Belmont 4:15 p.m.
(Home Sept. 5 vs. Wakefield 4:15 p.m.)
Cross Country: Sept. 2 @ Winchester 4:00 p.m.
(Home Sept. 30 v. Stoneham, 4:15 p.m.)
Girls Swim: Sept. 10 @ Belmont 4:00 p.m.
(Home Sept. 18 v. Lexington at Medford High, 4:00 p.m.)