Millis Girls Soccer Team Banking On Experience

Based on the talent that’s returned and last year’s 11-5-4 overall record, the Millis girls soccer team very likely can achieve the goals that coach Steve Bailen has listed for the 2017 season.
The 53-year-old Bailen, who’s in his third year as the Mohawks’ coach, lost only three seniors to graduation and has 11 starters back, numbers that should help Millis compete admirably in the Tri Valley League’s small division.
“We should be a contender for the league title,’’ he said. “We should also be able to qualify for the tourney again, but I’d like to see us advance further than last year. We won our opener against Sacred Heart (Kingston) but lost in the next round to East Bridgewater.’’
The strengths of this year’s team are many. “We’ve got experience because of many returnees,’’ Bailen emphasized. “We’re athletic, our team chemistry is good, and so, too, is our work ethic. Many of our players have speed, quickness and a high soccer IQ., but we could still be better in those areas.’’
The Mohawks’ senior captains — midfielder Taylor Davis, defender Julia Krauss and striker Kaylee Francis — are quality leaders who were honorable-mention all-stars in the TVL last year.
“Taylor is a vocal leader,’’ Bailen said. “She controls midfield and her transition game is excellent. Julia is vocal, too. She’s aggressive, knows when to attack and has good instincts. Kaylee scored five goals and assisted on seven others last year. She’s an accurate shooter who can control the ball. A good passer, she leads by example.’’
Sophomore goalie Caileen Adams is another major plus. She turned in eight shutouts last year. “Caileen has a super work ethic, she’s athletic and fearless,’’ Bailen said. “She instinctive, able to make big saves.’’
Bailen’s corps of defenders blends youth and experience. Besides Krauss, they include junior Riley Donovan, sophomores Sydney Bailen (coach’s daughter) and Alexi Vaillancourt, and senior Jenny Krauss (Julia’s twin sister).
“Riley is a timely attacker,’’ Bailen said. “She’s athletic and a leader on defense. Sydney is strong, her footwork is good, and she’s tenacious. She can also play striker (five goals last year). Alexi has a high soccer IQ and knows how to move the ball out of traffic. Jenny is reliable, works hard and displays good ball control.’’
The Mohawks’ midfielders rate high on speed and skills. Besides Davis, they include seniors Meg Hourihan, Kat Govani and Pauliny Smith and junior Ciara Moynihan. Smith can also be utilized as a defender.
“Meg is aggressive, has good foot skills and she’s got speed,’’ Bailen noted. “Kat is athletic, has speed and can push the ball forward. Pauliny is versatile, aggressive and kicks the ball well. Ciara has exceptional speed and good foot skills and she can shoot and set up plays.’’
Besides Francis on the forward line, Bailen has a capable group of skilled players. They include seniors Madison Shearns and Kylee Vaillancourt and junior Jessica Krauss and Cheyenne Whelan.
“Madison is tall, aggressive, fast and closes in on the ball quickly,’’ he noted. “Kylee has speed and she can pass and shoot (four goals, three assists last year). Jessica is aggressive, has speed, good foot skills, and a high soccer IQ. Cheyenne is tenacious and her stamina is outstanding.’’
Bailen, who coached the boys varsity for three seasons, will employ an up-tempo style, blending speed, tenacity and a variety of skills. “Our players will display high energy from start to finish,’’ he said. “And, the key is for all 11 girls to be on the same page.’’
A coach whose philosophy puts a high priority on “competing hard to win,’’ he also works diligently to see his players reach their potential and to enjoy the value of soccer. “Soccer, like other sports, can teach good life lessons,’’ said Bailen, who works as director of business development for GES Corporation. “Overcoming adversity, learning to lead and be responsible, setting goals and being good teammates are lessons that sports teach. I also stress that it’s important to give back to the community and those people who support the squad.’’
The Mohawks had a successful campaign last year as they posted 11 victories and gained tourney experience. They’ve started slowly, posting a 0-1-2 record in the early going this season, but their strengths should be major assets as the 2017 season moves along.
Millis coach Steve Bailen with his captains, from left, Kaylee Francis, Taylor Davis, and Julia Krauss.