Flaherty’s Goal: Tourney Berth for Ashland Girls Soccer

Ally Flaherty was disappointed when the Ashland High girls’ soccer team missed qualifying for tournament play by one point last year. But, the Clockers’ senior tri-captain is convinced 2016 will be different.
A 5-foot-2 left midfielder who can play a variety of positions, Flaherty started her sophomore year and experienced a 3-15 campaign in 2014 when Traci Sipniewski became the Clockers’ coach. As a junior last year, she was a key cog in helping the squad improve to 3-7-8, a point shy of punching a ticket to the tourney.
“Getting to the playoffs this season is our prime goal,’’ Flaherty said. “I’m confident we can qualify because we’ve made steady improvement during the last two years. We were only a point off last year, so with some added effort I’m optimistic we’ll get there.’’
The 17-year-old Flaherty admitted that last year’s result has fueled her enthusiasm and motivation as Ashland gets ready for its opener against Hopkinton on Sept. 7. “Missing out by a point was difficult,’’ she said. “But, I got over it because I knew I had one more year to make it happen.’’
A captain along with seniors Emily Lange (center midfielder) and Lily Fuller (outside back), Flaherty embraces her leadership role. She’ll lead by example and by being verbally supportive. “I want our players to be comfortable,’’ Flaherty said. “If younger players want advice, I’ll help when possible and be supportive.’’
As far as leading by example, Flaherty has the attributes and skills that breed success. She’s got speed and endurance, is effective in transition, can smoothly distribute the ball and is confident.
“I’m aggressive when going for the ball,’’ she said. “But, I try to be calm and composed on defense. I rely on experience, endurance and foot skills but I can improve my decision-making. I need to be quicker in choosing options.’’
“Ally has played a vital role for us,’’ Sipniewski said. “She led us in assists last year. She’s got phenomenal foot skills and knows how to read plays. Her transition game is solid and she adapts to high pressure games. She advances the ball well and she can score from far out.’’
Flaherty is quick to credit her coach for Ashland’s improvement and she’s also effusive in her praise for the other captains. “Emily can pass and shift quickly from offense to defense,’’ Flaherty said. “She’s got tremendous foot skills. While Emily leads by example, Lily is vocal. She’s aggressive, has speed and knows when and how to attack the ball. Coach Sipniewski has built confidence in her players. She’s a great motivator who’s stressed fitness. She started off using a tough approach but she’s showed lots of faith in us.’’
A good student, Flaherty is planning on a college career that will focus on engineering. She’s also planning to continue playing soccer. “I would like to keep competing and I’m optimistic I can, especially in a Division 3 program,’’ she said.
For the present, however, Flaherty is preparing for soccer in the Tri Valley League. “We can easily be a surprise team in the conference this year,’’ she emphasized. “Even after we were eliminated from tourney play last year, we upset Norton, knocking them out of the playoffs. That match was memorable. I played well in midfield and was able to score the first goal in a 2-1 victory. Medway, Medfield and Dover-Sherborn look like the teams that’ll contend for the league title.’’
Flaherty is acutely aware that athletics can help a player learn valuable life lessons—like setting goals, developing character and overcoming adversity. “Soccer has helped me to understand the value of teamwork and how to work with others towards a goal,’’ she emphasized. “My competitive philosophy focuses on reaching my potential and enjoying sports. Winning has its place and it’s important, too.’’
Flaherty’s individual goal for 2016 is “to strive to be the best I can be and improve every day.’’
Her summer regimen was a testament to how she regards preparation. She lifted weights, worked on conditioning, played twice a week in summer league games and attended a soccer camp.
Her coach says she’ll be “heavily recruited.’’ That should be a given because Ally Flaherty is all about taking her team and her game to a higher level.