Since Traci Sipniewski took the coaching reins three years ago, the Ashland girls soccer team has patiently developed into a viable contender for the Tri Valley League title.
The 37-year-old Sipniewski inherited a team that was winless (0-18) in 2013 but she managed to go 3-15 in her first campaign. Two years ago, her squad just needed to learn how to win close matches, finishing with a 3-8-7 mark, and last season, the Clockers qualified for the tournament by posting a 7-7-4 record.
“My first year the girls played not to lose, then a year later their mindset was to stay competitive in games and last year they developed a feeling that they can win,’’ Sipniewski said. “We had seven ties my second year and that was a sign that we were starting to come together and that our leadership ability was jelling.’’
Sipniewski’s goals for the 2017 season are to battle for the league championship, qualify for the tourney, and compete intensely to advance. She also would like her players to make her fourth year a success in terms of establishing a solid culture for the program. That final goal is included because Sipniewski will be leaving after the season to relocate in Tennessee.
“I’m a native of Memphis, and my husband and I and our four children will be going home,’’ she said. “It’s bittersweet to be leaving. The seniors on my team were with me as freshmen when I became their coach. It’s nice that we’ll be closer to my parents, but I’ll miss coaching at Ashland.’’
The Clockers, whose record was 1-2-1 at Local Town Pages deadline, are off to a slow start but they likely will contend for the TVL title because their strengths far outweigh any concerns. “We’ve got experience (only four starters graduated), our speed and quickness are good, we’re skilled and athletic and many of the girls have a high soccer IQ,’’ Sipniewski noted. “My concern is our depth. If injuries strike, we can plug in reserves, but we’re not as deep as I’d like.’’
Ashland’s senior captains are quality leaders, solid role models and they’re talented. They include defender Keara Flynn, goalie Olivia Green and midfielder Bri Rodrigues.
“Keara is strong in the air, she’s competitive, athletic and intelligent,’’ Sipniewski said. “Olivia is in her third year as a starting goalie. She’s got good instincts, she’s a leader on the field, and she’s got the most experience of any goalie in the league. Bri is an emotional leader, always boosting the team’s morale. Respected, she’s always hustling and she’s adept in transition in midfield.’’
Four juniors will be counted after demonstrating solid play last year. They are Jess Bredin at center back, Jess Rodrigues (Bri’s sister) at center midfield, Sarah Simpson at outside midfield, and Elena Pellegrini at forward. Bredin and Pellegrini were TVL all-stars last year.
“Jess steps up to mark our opponents’ top player,’’ Sipniewski said. “She’s fast and quick and she’s also our quarterback on defense. Jess is a workhorse. A good passer, she’s got a strong work ethic and she’s also intelligent. Sarah is tall, athletic, and quick. She’s also strong in the air, has good endurance, and plays effectively in transition. A star in track, Elena is the fastest player in the league. She was our leading goal-scorer (8), and she continues to improve. She’s also very quick.’’
Sophomore forward Ryann Lima, who also plays basketball, was Ashland’s No. 2 scorer last year (7 goals) as a freshman. “Ryann is strong taking on defenders one-on-one,’’ Sipniewski emphasized. “Her footwork is very good, and she’s not timid.’’
Two girls who’ll be playing significant roles are senior defender Maddy Hornung and junior outside back Nina Gigliotti. “Maddy is a three-sport athlete who’s got good endurance and speed,’’ Sipniewski said. “She’s improved every year. Nina was on the varsity last year for the first time, and she’s also improved. She’s got a strong work ethic, and she’s very coachable.’’
Sipniewski expects freshman midfielder Maddie English to get her share of minutes. “Maddie has speed and endurance, she’s knowledgeable, and she reads the game well,’’ Sipniewski said. “Two other promising freshmen are Sofia Sheppard and Kaitlyn Merson. Sofia is a hard worker who has lots of speed on the wing. Kaitlyn will be dynamic up front. She’s got great ability to read the game.’’
Since the TVL has aligned its team into a small and large division, Ashland will vie for the TVL Small Division crown. “Three teams in our division who’ll be formidable are Medway, Dover-Sherborn, and Millis,’’ Sipniewski said. “Medway and Dover-Sherborn are traditionally strong, and Millis showed last year that it’s a developing and promising squad.’’
So, too, is Ashland’s program, thanks to Sipniewski. She’s elevated the Clockers by compiling a roster that focuses on players with skills, a coachable nature, and a strong work ethic. She also seeks players who are passionate about soccer and who spread joy to the team.
Traci Sipniewski is hoping her final season at Ashland leaves a positive stamp as the program moves forward.
Issue Date:
October, 2017
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