By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Ryan Elster has every reason to be confident that his Medway High girls’ soccer team can achieve the goals he set at the start of the season.

Now in his second year as head coach, Elster firmly believes his squad will qualify for the state tourney again. But this time he not only wants his Mustangs to win a playoff game, he also would like that triumph to be a home match.

Last year, the rookie coach directed Medway to a 6-9-4 record that earned the Mustangs a No. 20 slot in the power rankings. They squared off against Tri-Valley League foe Norton and were eliminated in the first round.

“I’m optimistic we’ll be in the tourney again and in position to compete at home,’’ Elster said. “We’ve improved over last year and will be striving to win our opener and advance as far as possible.’’

At Local Town Pages’ deadline, the Mustangs had a 5-5-2 record and a No. 17 power ranking.

“Our other goals are to improve daily in practice and in matches and to finish in the top two in the TVL’s Small Division,’’ Elster said. “We’re competitive in the Small Division but Medfield and Dover-Sherborn are talented, well-coached and traditionally strong.’’

Eight seniors graduated from last year’s team but Elster has seven returnees with experience. This year’s squad has a plethora of strengths.

“Our players are cohesive, very coachable and have a high soccer IQ,’’ said Elster, who excelled in soccer at Sutton High. “They’re also well-skilled, technically sound, have speed,  quickness and lots of energy. Our experience is okay and our depth is good.’’

Medway’s senior captains — center midfielders Ari Keanny and Ana Sheedy —                                                      personify many of the team’s strengths. Elster admires their leadership style which includes being encouraging and supportive, leading by example, and being vocal when necessary.

“Ari was a captain last year but she suffered a sprained ankle in our third match,’’ Elster noted. “She missed the rest of the season but showed great leadership skills. She’s so motivated this season, she’s energetic and a tireless worker. Ari works hard, has great endurance, can pass and dribble, and is outstanding in transition.

“Ana has a high soccer IQ, is technically solid, and has a will to win. A very competitive athlete, she’s smooth in transition and usually finds open teammates. She has 5 goals and 5 assists after 12 matches.’’

Senior goalie Priya Bedard has started in goal for two years. “Priya is very instinctive and compiles her share of reaction saves,’’ Elster said. “A leader and a dynamic communicator, she displays excellent footwork and knows how to cut the angles.’’

Seniors Victoria Bullard and Rosie Benedetto play center defense and right defense, respectively. “Victoria is a born leader who’s aggressive,’’ Elster said. “She’s like a third captain, able to read and react quickly. She passes well and her technique is top-notch. Rosie is very smart with her positioning, has endurance, and is aggressive. A forward last year, she’s adapted nicely to her new role. Relying on a strong leg, she’s scored two goals on free kicks.’’

Two other seniors are quality contributors — center midfielder Cailyn DiMinico and forward Katelyn Maniero. 

“Cailyn is energetic, reads the game very well, can pass, and is adept at getting our offense rolling,’’ Elster offered. “Katelyn, who competes in track, is super fast, a good dribbler and passer. A continual learner, she strives to improve and has a positive mindset.’’

Two juniors effectively buoy Medway’s offense and defense. Regan Longval plays on the wing and Isabella Magliaro is an outside defender. Longval has 7 goals and 3 assists after 12 matches.

“Regan has scoring ability and her endurance is excellent,’’ Elster noted. “A very good passer and dribbler, her foot skills are excellent. Isabella has displayed the most growth of any player on our roster. She’s coachable, is a strong passer, and has a high soccer IQ.’’

Sophomores Maeve Kelly (center defense) and Sophia Graceffa (center midfielder) are outstanding young competitors.

“Maeve has a high soccer IQ, is instinctive, and has very good technical skills,’’ Elster said. “She’s tall and aggressive, tenacious on defense, and competes in a composed and calm fashion. Sophia started as a freshman last year. She also has a high soccer IQ and good technical skills. A continual learner, she’s got a great work ethic and has a knack for scoring goals.’’

Freshman Olivia Coyle is a first-year forward who’s displayed a high soccer intellect. “She’s very composed around the goal and makes good decisions,’’ Elster offered. “Always smiling, she truly enjoys the game.’’

The 28-year-old Elster has nine other players who provide depth and are ready to contribute when called on. “The remainder of our roster is incredibly important to the overall success of us collectively achieving our team goals and having a quality season,’’ he emphasized.

A native of Sutton, Elster was a four-year varsity soccer player who was a captain as a senior. A Dual Valley League all-star striker as a junior and senior, he played a key role in helping Sutton win three consecutive state championships. Selected as the Worcester Telegram’s Player of the Year, he later enrolled at Springfield College, played soccer for two years, majored in sports management, and minored in athletic coaching.

Elster works for the New England Football Club (based in Mendon) as an assistant director of coaching in the Blackstone Valley area. He’s coached players at the U-10, U-13 and U-16 levels. “I enjoy working with youths and seeing them grow and develop as athletes and people,’’ he said.

For two years, Elster was an assistant men’s soccer coach at Worcester State University and knew at some point he’d like to coach at the high school level. When Jay Rojee stepped down as Medway’s girls coach, Elster applied and was hired last year.

“My philosophy of coaching is to create an environment where players learn to grow on a daily basis and become quality players on and off the field,’’ he noted. “Winning is a by-product of that environment.’’

The personable Elster also is a firm believer that athletics teach valuable life lessons. “Athletics help its players to overcome adversity, to be resilient, to be good teammates and leaders, and to be accountable,’’ he said.

A new assistant coach, Pat Smith, has joined Medway’s staff and Elster is pleased to have him on board. “Pat has coached in Medway’s Youth Program and has a wealth of knowledge about soccer,’’ he said.

Medway High’s girls’ soccer program is in a good place and in good hands with Ryan Elster as its head coach.