LYNN — New coach Mike Schena is still taking the time to get fully acquainted with the Classical girls soccer team but so far things have been clicking in the first few weeks of the preseason.
“It’s obviously been a little hard because you can’t get to know them too much before we started practicing on August 22,” Schena said. “But so far it’s been a great experience. It feels like family right away.”
The Rams are coming off a successful 9-8-1 season and a Division 2 North state tournament berth in 2018. The skill of his young roster is something that has jumped out to Schena.
“I’ve been noticing the talent pool itself,” Schena said. “And seeing these girls handle the ball well. They’re listening too. It’s made the things we’re working on easier. They have picked up on the things we’ve been over.”
This years’ Rams team starts up top with four senior captains including Chloe Kebreau, Alex Show, Izzy McGaughey and Mackenzie Shea. With only five seniors on the roster, Schena will look to those four to set the tone as leaders all year.
“As seniors saying they are leaders is an understatement,” Schena said. “They really do a great job to keep this team as one. When I came into this situation I noticed how close of a group this is. It was instant chemistry, they keep everything running smooth.”
After their captains, the Rams are led on the field by returning junior Mary Collins.
“Mary is my quarterback of the field at starting midfielder,” Schena said. “Her knowledge is second to none. She’s great at being a leader on the field and we’re expecting her to be a big player.”
The Rams will also rely on the Mannion sisters Molly (sophomore) and Kathleen (junior) at midfield and outside defender respectively. Returning defenders Jessica Page, Hannah Guthrie and returning goalkeeper Anna Flaherty round out the young core for Classical in the back.
“With the young team it gets you excited,” Schena said. “We have three freshmen who made the team as well, Eliza Correnti, Ava Thurman and Delaney Dana. I’m really looking forward to the growth of this team.
“I think it’s great having that young core,” Schena added. “But even though they’re young, they all have the capability of competing right now. There are some things to work on. Some small things we have to improve, but by and large this team is ready.”
But things will be far from easy with Schena and the Rams expecting another tough year from the Northeastern Conference.
“The competition is top notch,” Schena said. “You have Swampscott and Danvers who are obviously great programs. I’ve coached club teams for years and had probably 60 girls from all those areas so I’m familiar with the skill level. And I fully expect all those teams to be well coached.”
One of the Rams’ greatest challenges this season comes in their opener against St. Mary’s in the Lynn City Tournament Sept. 3 at Manning Field. It’s a challenge the has Schena excited and the Rams are ready to play tough right from the start.
“Saying St. Mary’s is a good program is an understatement,” Schena said. “We’re looking forward to playing them. They have so much great talent. Obviously we’re hoping to be competitive with them and I think we will be. To think about starting my Classical career against them is something I’m excited about. We’re all looking forward to it and it will be a fun year.”
