By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Brett MacGowan is Millis High’s new varsity softball coach but he’s no stranger to the program or the girls he’ll be directing.

The 55-year-old MacGowan was the Mohawks’ junior-varsity coach for the last eight years and all 11 of Millis’ returning players competed for him during his reign at the jayvee level. The East Longmeadow native, who lives in Bellingham, has plenty of softball experience, especially at the grassroots level.

“When my daughters were old enough to compete, I coached in the Bellingham Youth League for 12 years and also served on the association’s board of directors,’’ MacGowan said. “I was secretary, vice president, and for seven years I served as the umpire scheduling director. I also coached club softball for 16 years and umpired for USA Softball for five seasons.’’

MacGowan’s three daughters (Taylor, Kaleigh and Kasey) all played for Bellingham High’s varsity and Taylor was a starting outfielder on the Blackhawks’ state title team in 2014.

Hired by Millis’ new athletic director (Derek Phinney) last November, MacGowan jokingly said, “I’m the first coach Derek’s hired, so I guess there’ll be some pressure.’’ Acutely aware that the role of a sub-varsity coach is to teach and prepare players for varsity duty, MacGowan still managed to produce winning records in seven of his eight seasons as a junior-varsity coach.  

MacGowan inherits a team that former coach RJ Maturo guided to a 12-10 record last year before Millis lost to Turners Falls in the Division 5 state tourney quarterfinals. MacGowan’s primary goal for the 2023 campaign is “to be successful.’’

“Success includes growing as players, building team chemistry and qualifying for the playoffs,’’ said MacGowan, who has worked for the last nine years at Millis High in the special education department. “In terms of enrollment, we’re the smallest school in the Tri Valley League, but we’ll strive to be the smartest. We’re always limited in numbers. We want to get to the tourney and once there we’ll let the chips fall where they may.’’ 

A firm believer that pitching and defense come first, MacGowan’s coaching style will also emphasize that being aggressive on offense matters.

MacGowan’s returnees have a variety of strengths. He likes their softball IQs and their technique, experience and versatility. “Our softball IQs are good but they can improve,’’ he said. “We’ve got players who can compete at different positions and we’ve got veteran experience. With only 11 players back, we need to build depth.’’

The Mohawks’ captains — senior catcher Frankie Pizzarella and juniors Abby Powers (outfield) and Izzy Jewett (infielder) — are top-notch leaders and very capable in their roles.

“They’re quality leaders who will be role models, especially for the girls at the youth level,’’ MacGowan offered. “Frankie is a field general who’s very intelligent, can hit for power, has a cannon for an arm and is aggressive on the bases. Abby is fast, covers lots of ground, has a high softball IQ and is a great bunter. Izzy is physically and mentally tough, can play all four infield positions and also catch.’’

The pitching chores will primarily be left to Riley Caulfield, a junior right-hander. Sophomore Ashley Aten is a dependable back-up. “Riley has good control and mixes her pitches well,’’ MacGowan noted. “She’s intense, never gives up, and always smiles. She’s also calm and cool in key situations. Ashley throws hard, has a good assortment and her control is good.’’

Two junior outfielders who’ll be counted on are Kyra Rice and Liv Mathews. “Kyra likely will play centerfield,’’ MacGowan said, “She’s capable of playing all positions. She’s intelligent, has great range and is calm and cool. Liv is another intelligent player who’s very coachable.’’

Four sophomores who’ll be key contributors are Isabella Briones (utility), Lindsay Gratton (infielder), Michaela Vasta (utility) and Emelia Leach (catcher/third base).

“Isabella is smart and fearless,’’ MacGowan added. “Lindsay can play any infield positions. She’s intense, powerful and coachable. Michaela can play anywhere and she hits for power. Emelia was injured last year but she can be a difference-maker. She makes plays with her bat and in the field.’’

Relying on an athletic philosophy that includes winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun, MacGowan says that if his players give 100 percent, “then winning will occur and winning creates fun.’’

Life lessons can be learned in sports and MacGowan lists four he hopes his players will embrace. 

“Sports can help players build confidence and develop team-first attitudes,’’ he emphasized. “Athletics also help kids to realize the value of giving back and being good citizens. Players also learn how to overcome adversity that arise from injuries and mistakes, and they can learn how to be quality leaders.’’

After MacGowan graduated from East Longmeadow High, he earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Fitchburg State. Before joining the Millis High faculty, he worked for the YMCA, the Whitin Community Center in Whitinsville and was Recreation Director in Sharon. He and his wife Kristen have called Bellingham home for three decades.

MacGowan is optimistic his transition to a head-coaching position will go smoothly. “The girls know me well,’’ he said. “They’ve played for me as jayvees, they know my style and what I emphasize.’’

Millis opens its season on March 31 at home against Norfolk Agricultural School.