LYNN — Like any team this year, the Lynn Classical girls soccer team and coach Mike Schena’s top priority will be staying healthy this season.
“In a year like this, you become more than a coach,” Schena said. “You have to make sure the kids are safe and have their heads right. It’s all about the preparation and guidelines, that’s what’s going to keep us healthy more than anything. And obviously you can have a little fun out there too.”
While teams are adjusting to following guidelines in the Fall II season to avoid COVID-19 infection, staying healthy also has an extra layer of meaning for the Rams. The last time Classical was on the field in 2019, the physical injuries started to pile up.
“Last season we had eight starters out at one time,” Schena said. “We found ourselves in a spot where we had to fill in the blanks.”
The one thing that did for this year’s team is create a roster with plenty of experience, which starts at the top with Classical’s four senior captains. Mary Collins and Hannah Guthrie control the midfield, while defenders Kathleen Mannion and Jessica Page anchor the defensive unit.
“They all play key elements for us,” Schena said. “All four are veterans to the game and we’re looking for them to lead us to victory.”
The junior class is also full of talent with players like Olivia Waterman, Jada Matteo, Maggie Nerrich, Hannah Flaherty, Ava Correnti and Molly Mannion. Throw in some young talent as well in sophomores Eliza Correnti, Delany Dana and Ava Thurman, and it’s a group with some high expectations.
“If all goes well and we stay healthy, this is a team that can bring it to the next level,” Schena said. “It’s an athletic bunch and I’m very glad to be their coach.”
This will be the Rams first season in the Greater Boston League, but the territory won’t be that unfamiliar.
“I’ve just been so excited to see all these kids again,” Schena said. “We might be new in the GBL this year, but I’ve got great relationships with some of the coaches in the league. We’ve gotten pretty familiar with them and have had some great, competitive scrimmages in the past.”
As far as making sure the Rams get in as many games as they can, Schena said it was all about planning ahead of time before Classical hit the practice field this week.
“You can get them prepared off the field so they come ready to follow all the guidelines,” Schena said. “Right now we have a vision and they know what we need from them to make this work all year. Especially the seniors, you hate to see this happen, but the season is really dedicated to them. By and large, we want to be extra cautious with our team so we have no shutdowns.
“It seems like things are getting better,” Schena said. “We feel really good about it. I think we’ll get through this. I always tell the girls, ‘tough times don’t last but tough kids do.’ We live and die by that, it’s our motto this year.”
Classical will kick off the season Friday (4) on the road at Somerville.
