Cox Is a Major Plus For Holliston Girls Soccer Team

Meghan Cox is beginning her third year as a starting center back for the Holliston High girls’ soccer team, and to label her “the total package’’ wouldn’t be excessive praise.
A 5-foot-4 senior, Cox is a two-time captain who was selected as a Tri Valley League honorable-mention all-star last year. What makes her exceptional, however, is the way she assumes responsibility and supports her teammates. Her preparation and commitment to a sport she started playing at age four also contribute to her inspiring nature.
Brielle Chadsey, who took the head coaching reins last year and guided the Panthers to an 8-6-5 record and a tourney berth, not only admires her captain’s ability on the field, but also likes her style in non-competitive situations.
“Meghan is competitive and aggressive,’’ Chadsey said. “She’s serious about winning, understands her position and makes good decisions. Her foot skills are excellent, and she’s great in the air. She’s a terrific captain, because she’s positive and genuine. She recognizes her teammates’ abilities and credits them for improvement. She also assumes lots of responsibilities.’’
Some of those responsibilities include organizing fund-raising events, team dinners and other events that help in the bonding process. “I enjoy working with our other captains, and I try to lead by example and by being supportive,’’ Cox said. “Giving 100 percent in practice and games is leading by example. I can also be vocal in support of our players. I offer advice if it’s asked for and also get our players pumped up and cheer them on.’’
Cox’ mature outlook shines brightly on two fronts — when questioned on her goals for the coming season and her favorite memory of last year’s campaign.
“I’d like to see us improve on last year’s record and go deep in the playoffs,’’ she said. “I also want to leave this program in a successful place. I want to leave it in better shape than when I started.’’
As for her most memorable situation last year, Holliston’s opening-day 1-0 victory over Medway is tops on her list. “We beat the team that eventually won the TVL title and went deep into the tourney,’’ Cox emphasized. “That win set the tone for our season, and it gave us lots of confidence. I was one of two junior captains on that young squad. What we proved was that there’s no team we can’t beat.’’
Cox is effusive in her praise of the Panthers’ other senior captains — forward Emma Guccione, center back Izzy Getchell and goalie Amelia Porter. “Emma is a hard worker, who has speed and sets up the offensive attack,’’ Cox noted. “Izzy is an aggressive defender whose footwork is excellent, and Amelia is a consistent goalie who makes incredible saves and has a lot of confidence.’’
Cox also is quick to laud her coach. “I think coach Chadsey is truly amazing,’’ Cox said. “She’s a motivator, works hard and really knows the game.’’
One of Cox’ individual objectives is to stay healthy and play every game, situations that have not occurred in the past. “I tore a hip flexor my sophomore year and missed six games,’’ she recalled. “Last year, I sprained an MCL in our tourney loss to Scituate. I missed some of the first half, but was cleared to play the second half. Staying fit is a major goal.’’
An honor-roll student, Cox hopes to keep playing soccer in college. She’s considering Division 3 colleges such as John Hopkinton, the University of Rochester and Ithaca. She plans on majoring in English or psychology.
Any college would no doubt welcome a defensive competitor like Cox, whose strengths include speed, endurance, instinctive ability, field awareness, leadership and solid decision-making. “I can improve by increasing my level of fitness and by being better with ball control,’’ Cox said. “Spending more time dribbling will help my ball control.’’
To prepare for the coming season and Holliston’s opener (at Bellingham on Sept. 7), Cox spent her summer working on weight training and conditioning. She also attended a camp and traveled to Colorado for the national club soccer tourney. “I play for the F.C. Stars out of Lancaster,’’ Cox said. “Out of 14 teams, we finished in the final four.’’
Cox has a competitive philosophy that blends winning, having fun, and reaching one’s potential into one package. “Having fun is important, but it takes a back seat to my giving an all-out effort in games,’’ she emphasized. “Winning is a priority, because it reflects hard work.’’