Brown Has High Hopes for NHS in Girls’ Soccer Tourney

Taylor Brown isn’t bashful about setting lofty goals for Natick High’s girls’ soccer team.
As the 5-foot-4 junior, who’s been a starter at center midfield for three seasons, gets ready for the Redhawks’ opening-round date in the playoffs, she’s convinced a state championship could be in Natick’s immediate future.
“My primary goals at the start of the season were for us to improve every day, win the Herget Division for the second year in a row, qualify for the tourney, then set our sights on winning a state championship,’’ Brown said. “A state title is realistic because we’ve got talent, depth and experience. Most of our players have club soccer experience and we’re close-knit. The key is to not look past any opponent.’’
Brown’s list of objectives has three checkmarks. Natick obviously has improved every day as its 12-1 record shows. The Redhawks have clinched the division title and qualified easily for the tourney. Now, all that remains is a state title trophy and banner.
That achievement will be up for grabs this month but if the 17-year-old’s competitive philosophy plays a role, then the Redhawks will be in the mix. “I’m passionate about soccer,’’ said Brown, who’s played at the club level for eight years. “When I compete, it’s important to reach your potential and have fun playing. But, it’s very important to win. We work hard in practice and in games to be successful. We compete to win and to play in the tourney.’’
Brown is a dynamic midfielder who’s basically played the position since age four. Natick’s coach, James Blackwell, is effusive in his praise of her ability. “Taylor is a tremendous player,’’ he said. “She’s terrific in transition, is a phenomenal distributor, has excellent technical skills, and is instinctive and creative. She controls the ball superbly, knows how to finish, is smart and extremely coachable.’’
Brown, however, isn’t one to rest on any laurels. She’s acutely aware that she can be better and that her style needs a tweak here and there. “I can do a better job of finishing plays,’’ she said. “On offense, I could take more daring chances. And, I can improve my play in the air by being better at heading the ball.’’
Last year, Brown scored three goals and had five assists in helping Natick go 9-2-4. With several games left in the regular season at Natick Local Town Pages deadline, her numbers are similar (3 goals, 4 assists). But, Brown’s game is like a quarterback in football — she strives to get the ball to the right people and to the right places. “Distribution of the ball is my top priority,’’ she emphasized. “Finishing is a key, too, and that involves having good field awareness. I’d much prefer getting an assist than scoring a goal.’’
Admiring every teammate for their dedication and ability, Brown points to Natick’s three senior captains — forwards Gwen Godin and Sheila McQuillen and midfielder Diana Bruggeman — as positive forces and major assets. “They’re skilled, talented and excellent leaders on an off the field,’’ Brown emphasized. “They’re great role models and deserve credit for our success.’’
Brown also is quick to laud Blackwell, who’s in his second year as Natick’s coach. “Coach Blackwell has experience as the high school, club and college level,’’ she said. “He won a state title when he coached at Weston. He’s a great motivator who lets you know what’s on his mind and he has an ability to inspire his players.’’
Brown was inspired in Natick’s home opener last year against Milton. She scored the first goal and sparked the squad to a victory. This year, she rates her games against Milton, Newton North and Braintree as her best. “I was fired up for Milton because it was our opener and the Braintree game was a big test,’’ she said. “I had my best offensive effort against Newton North, getting two goals and an assist.’’
Brown also gives her best in the classroom. An honor student, she intends to select a college in New England and definitely continue her soccer career. “I’m not sure where I’ll go but playing at a Division 1 college is my goal,’’ she said.
One school that seems like a logical venue is Holy Cross where her sister (Casey) is the head coach. “I’m asked a lot if I’m going to Holy Cross,’’ Brown said. “My sister played soccer at Natick and at Boston University. She’s my role model. She inspired me to play soccer when I was very young and as much as I admire Casey and the job she’s done in college, I probably will create my own path somewhere else.’’
Mature, intense and focused are attributes that easily can be linked to Brown’s name. Those adjectives surface when she discusses the life lessons that can be learned from athletics. “Sports teach you leadership, how to work as a team, how to set goals and manage your time,’’ Brown noted. “You also learn how to overcome adversity and you learn a lot about yourself.’’
Brown, who hopes to be chosen as a Bay State League all-star, learned early on that soccer was her passion. She liked the speed and excitement the sport offers. She also liked the challenges it presents. “You’re always tested,’’ she emphasized.
Taylor Brown has her goal set on a state title. She knows it’s lofty and she knows that she and her teammates will indeed be tested. But she isn’t worried about going out on a limb. Her mental toughness is a major plus and no doubt will play a key role in whatever the future has in store for her.