MARBLEHEAD — Sydney Ball has experienced a lot during her time at Marblehead High. Whether it was scoring a last-minute equalizer in the postseason or stepping into whatever role the Magicians needed, the senior defender quickly became one of the program’s more reliable players.
Now, as she prepares to close one chapter and begin another, Ball has committed to play soccer at Temple University.
When asked to look back on her career in red and black, Ball said high school soccer was a true learning experience.
“Through club soccer, that’s where a lot of the tactical abilities are built and your skills over the years, but high school soccer helps you appreciate what else soccer has to bring. It’s more than just a sport and I have all these lifelong friends and family I can always connect with and great coaches I can always talk to,” she said. “I think that’s what Marblehead has taught me over the years. It’s taught me mental toughness, how to get through challenges, and how to be a leader on and off the field.”
One of Marblehead’s more versatile players, Ball said her position flexibility grew significantly across her four seasons.
“I was put into new spots that I maybe never played in a club, even though I have been a player that traditionally has moved around in different spots,” she said. “I think my leadership skills have definitely improved. In high school soccer, you work with girls who you may not necessarily be close with outside of soccer, but then, once we’re all on the field together and playing together, the ability to lead different people is what grew for me.”
Marblehead’s roster suffered a handful of injuries across the last two seasons. When asked about a memory she’ll remember most, Ball didn’t choose an individual accomplishment, instead recalling a moment with her best friend.
“Sadie Halpern is one of my best friends and she tore her ACL last year. I think my favorite moment in high school soccer would have been this year against Lynnfield. We were losing 1-0 in the second half and it was Sadie’s first goal back from injury,” Ball said. “It was genuinely the best moment. I was crying on the field because I was so happy for her — because she had a really long road to recovery. That was my favorite moment, just being able to experience that with her.”
In 2026, Ball will head to Philadelphia and suit up for the Owls.
“Traditionally, Temple hasn’t been the strongest program. With a new coaching staff coming in, I really like the idea of being part of rebuilding the program and growing the program as a whole, and that’s what drew me to wanting to play there.”
When asked what else attracted her to Temple, Ball said she wanted a change of scenery and fell in love with the campus.
“My recruitment journey was different compared to my teammates’. My whole club team was probably committed by the end of November of last year and I committed the following July,” Ball said. “I looked at so many schools, but my No. 1 thing that I was looking for was a good academic school. When I visited Temple, I knew I wanted to be in a city and be out of my comfort zone. Marblehead is a small town and I think it would be great for my growth to be in a city. You walk into the campus and it’s really peaceful when you’re on campus, and then you leave campus and you’re in the city, which I thought was cool.”
Ball will play as an outside back or wingback next fall, depending on the formation.
“I think my athleticism and work rate will translate to the collegiate level,” Ball said. “At the next level, my athleticism will help me, but at the same time, when you’re playing Division 1 soccer, everyone’s going to be athletic and a good player.”
And none of this would be possible without her family members, according to Ball.
“They played such a huge role . . . they constantly gave up so much, changing their work schedules to drive me. I would not be where I am today without them. My friends, too. They’ve been so supportive of me.”
