MARBLEHEAD —- Marblehead girls soccer coach Lisa Wales knew she had the work cut out for her when she took the job just five days before the 2023 season, but with a strong regular season and Division II state tournament appearance, things are looking good for Wales and the program.
The Magicians went 9-9-1 in the regular season, which included games against top-tier competition, including Masconomet (1st seed in Division II), Melrose (7th seed in Division II), Danvers (9 seed in Division III), and Lynnfield (4th seed in Division IV).
Wales has high hopes for Marblehead and knows in order to be the best, you have to beat the best.
“Based on our strength of schedule, every game that we play is a tough game. We want to play better teams, that’s how you get better,” Wales said. “I’m really proud of their work ethic. They really never gave up.”
Marblehead’s performance amongst a rigorous schedule earned them the 22nd seed in Division II and set up a date with 11 seed Westborough in the first round of the state tournament.
Although it was a “winnable” game, according to Wales, and the Magicians outshot their opponents, it was Westbrough who came away with a 1-0 victory. But, as underdogs playing on the road, Wales was impressed with her team’s effort and ability to compete with a strong opponent.
“As the home team, you’re kind of expected to win…so I think the pressure was on them, and I think they might have been surprised by the level of play,” Wales said. “It just shows the character of our team. We’re grinders, and our team works hard all the time…would I have liked to come out on top? Sure, but their effort was there, so what more can I ask for as a coach?”
Wales had yet to learn that she would have the opportunity to coach the Magicians squad back in August, accepting the job just five days before the start of the regular season. After enduring her first season at the helm, Wales called it “one of the best jobs and one of the hardest jobs” that she has ever had and looks forward to learning more.
“I feel like I’ve learned a lot, and I have a lot more to learn,” Wales said. “Now that there’s a little familiarity on how we do things and what the expectations are, I think that’ll help us and maybe give us an advantage going into next season.”
Wales also showed her respect for the team handling the uncertainty they had to deal with coming into the season.
“I’m sure for them, the uncertainty of not having a coach, and then to have someone come in five days before the season could be a little unsettling…our captains did a great job last summer of keeping the captain’s practices, and they held everything together,” Wales said. “It’s that resiliency and perseverance that I’m excited for us to build on.”
As far as the program’s future goes, the Magicians will certainly feel the loss of 12 graduating seniors, including eastern Massachusetts All-Star Talia Shelby, goalkeeper Kate Burns, and captain Grace Mortensen.
However, leading goal scorer Sadie Halpern will be returning for her junior season, as well as many starting midfielders who Wales is excited to continue coaching. Not to mention, Marblehead’s Junior Varsity team finished 11-2-1.
“Our [junior varsity] team had a great year…I’m really excited for the kids who are ready from the junior varsity team, and I expect some of them will separate into varsity roles,” Wales said.
Although the possibilities of success for the Magicians are exciting, Wales looks forward to working with the team off the field just as much as on it. Wales says that she is continuing to implement her culture and building a “community,” which is built around the toughness and hard work she’s seen out of her team this season.
“If we want to be known for anything, it’s our work ethic. And that, to me, is important because I think those are life skills you carry through life,” Wales said.
Wales said she looks forward to getting closer with her team and becoming more aware of the people they are outside of soccer. And she hopes to spread that same idea to everyone on the squad.
“You know, one thing that’s been nice for me too is that I’ve gotten to know these girls and kind of know some of their other interests. If I can try to bring our team together off the field that will lead to our success on the field.”
Wales also knows her team’s success comes from more than the players on the field, and credits the support she feels from Marblehead’s fans for making her transition easier.
“We’ve really had the support of the community. I think they want the girls’ soccer program to be successful, so that has been great too,” Wales said. “I would like to thank the parents and all the people who support the kids, but also our community who supported us so much this season.”
Wales also added how special it was to call herself coach of the Marblehead girls soccer team.
“I’m just incredibly proud of the girls, and I feel grateful to be their coach.”
