MARBLEHEAD — The search for a new Marblehead girls soccer coach ended with a familiar face earning the appointment.
That’s because Annie Madden, who also coaches the school’s girls lacrosse team, has been named the new coach of the Magicians soccer squad.
Madden takes over for former Magicians head coach Jenna Roncarati, who spent one season directing the team. The Magicians went 6-9-1 during the 2017 season. Marblehead closed the year on a high note, winning three of its last four games.
Madden, who played soccer during her youth before focusing on her lacrosse career, said she’s excited for the new opportunity.
“I’m very excited for the opportunity to work with a great group of female athletes,” Madden, who played college lacrosse at Stony Brook University, said, “and to help continue the growth of a program that has had great success over the past years.”
Madden has coached the varsity girls lacrosse team for seven seasons at Marblehead. Under Madden’s guidance the Magicians have blossomed into an annual state tournament contender, as well as a Northeastern Conference powerhouse.
But now it’s time to focus on soccer, with a new fall season quickly approaching. The Magicians open tryouts on Thursday and a large group of players is expected to compete for spots in the program’s three teams (freshman, junior varsity, varsity).
Madden has taken steps toward gearing up for her first season coaching the team, mainly by staying in contact with Marblehead’s three captains. All entering their senior seasons, the Magicians’ captains are Grace Arthur, Meeghan Cronin and Lily Gregory.
“We’ll have 65 girls coming out for our three different teams,” Madden said. “Our captains have shared with me that it’s a great group of girls who are excited for this new adventure. We’re going to change a few things around but we’ll build from what we already have. We’ll look for the leadership from our senior class. We have a core group of returning players and we’ll be leaning heavily on that group as well.”
Madden spoke highly of her three captains and said she’s confident in their abilities to lead the team this fall.
“There’s a great group on the team this year that I’ll lean on heavily for leadership and to help build and grow the program,” Madden said. “The three captains are dedicated and willing to put in the work, they’re three amazing senior captains. I’ve met with all three captains and they’re all excited about this opportunity.”
Despite the coaching change, Madden said she’ll bring high expectations to the first day of tryouts. With a clean slate all around, the level of competition will be elevated as Magicians hopefuls battle for roles.
“This opportunity is going to lead to a high level of play in practice and during tryouts,” Madden said. “I’m new, everything’s new. Playing time is earned. Every day is new. The level of competition needs to be raised. We’ll do that, bringing our best and making sure that we’re preparing ourselves for our first game.”
Jaimee Callahan, who served as Roncarati’s assistant last season, will remain in the same role this year.
