NHS Girls Soccer Team Eyes Deep Playoff Run

By Ken Hamwey, Staff Sports Writer

When Denise Trubiano and Kari-Ann Daley took the coaching reins of Natick High’s girls soccer team last year, they knew that expectations would be high. After all, they signed up to lead a program that had won two state championships in three years.

Coaching changes always come with some kind of transition but the duo gets high marks for what the Redhawks achieved last fall. A 15-0-1 regular season record and a trip to the Final Four would bring smiles to many players, coaches and fans. Natick bowed out of the playoffs with an 18-1-1 overall record after losing to Bishop Feehan in the Final Four. 

The co-coaches and their returnees are in their second season now and they’re eager for a return engagement to the tournament.

“Our goals are not only to return but to go on a deep run again,’’ Trubiano said. “We also want to be as competitive as we can and strive to defend our Bay State Conference Carey Division title.’’

The Redhawks lost eight seniors to graduation but have 11 players returning.

“We know that the loss of some key and experienced players will mean that we have some work to do and adjustments to make but we’re confident that we have a core group returning with a talented pool to fill in where needed,’’ Trubiano said. “Our goals are realistic because the girls are talented, united and ready for the challenges of another season.’’

At Local Town Pages deadline, Natick had a 3-1 record.

The Redhawks’ team strengths this season are many.

“We’ve got experience, high soccer IQs, athleticism and good team chemistry,’’ Trubiano said. “We’re a skilled team with coachable players who have positive attitudes. Hopefully our depth will continue to develop as the season moves along.’’

Trubiano also likes the strong leadership of Natick’s three senior captains — midfielder Abby McCauley, striker/midfielder Lydia Proia, and striker Nicole Proia.

The trio’s statistics for the 16-game regular season last year were: McCauley (4 goals, 6 assists); Lydia Proia (5 goals, 6 assists); and Nicole Proia (6 goals, 5 assists).

“Abby is a threat from anywhere on the field and has a lethal shot, Trubiano said. “Her abilities in the air are unmatched and she is tough. Abby takes on all challenges, never backing down and doing all that she can for the team. She leads by example and will take on any role asked of her and do it well.’’

The Proia sisters, who are twins, also get high praise.

“Lydia’s ability with the ball is a masterpiece,’’ Trubiano offered. “She has such control over the ball and when you match that with her vision on the field Lydia is unstoppable.  She easily lifts the team up with the right encouragement at the right time, which is a testament to her understanding of the game — both the physical and the mental.

“Nicole is a lethal scorer because she has the skills to score any way from anywhere. She has amazing ball control and field vision and she’s constantly adding to her game, approaching all situations with a level of calm and control. Nicole leads by example and lifts up those around her, understanding the importance of unity.’’

The Redhawks will employ a style that involves passing and possession but Trubiano says an up-tempo pace with quick movement off the ball is also part of the game plan. “When our captains work together and communicate through movement and quick looks, it is magic,’’ she emphasized. 

 Both of Natick’s goalies — Katie McMahon and Liesl Niedermeyer — are seniors who alternated last year. The tandem was amazing  — McMahon did not allow a goal in eight 8 games and Niedermeyer yielded 3 goals in 8 games.

“Both are supportive of one another, they both see the game clearly and direct the field players in the moment with ease and confidence,’’ Trubiano noted. “Their ability to react instantaneously and automatically is amazing and they do so with such humility, popping up quickly ready for the next play.’’

Having lost most of their defensive backfield, the Redhawks will depend on senior Lulu Wislocki-Wasecki. “Lulu grew so much over last season to become a solid defensive player, moving to the midfield when needed,’’ Trubiano said. “She plays tough and moves up and down the field, contributing on both ends.  We’ll rely on her as we fill in the back of the field after losing three solid defenders.’’ 

Juniors Riley White (defender/midfielder) and Maddie Bonner (striker) will get their share of playing time.

“Riley stepped up in key matches last year,’’ Trubiano said. “Well-skilled, she’s quick, aggressive, tough and versatile. Maddie is also quick and tough and shoots with either foot.’’

Senior Kaitlyn Blair gained experience last year as a defender and is in the mix for added duty. “Kaitlyn is aggressive, smart, tough and has a great attitude,’’ said Trubiano, who spent 12 years as the girls jayvee coach.

The Redhawks sub-varsity squads will be coached by Matt Custodio (jayvees) and Lynne Tartaglia-Ricciotti  (jayvees2). 

Both Trubiano and Daley have a similar coaching philosophy, which combines winning, reaching one’s potential and enjoying the athletic journey.

“If our players are reaching their potential and having fun competing, then winning will be the by-product,’’ they concurred. “We also believe that athletics mirror real life. Some valuable life lessons that can be learned in sports are how to lead and be a good teammate, how to learn from mistakes and how to overcome adversity and be resilient. Being accountable and responsible are also great life lessons.’’ 

Daley, who was Natick’s freshman girls coach for seven years and the jayvee coach for five, spoke candidly about the new season.

“We know that we have some work to do but we have a great group of girls who are committed to working hard and doing what needs to be done,’’ Daley said. “The group is ready to step up to the challenge and is led by three strong captains.’’

The Redhawks’ program and tradition are in good hands because two knowledgeable coaches, who came close to capturing a state title in their rookie season, are back and eager to make the new campaign special.