In his 14th season as head coach of the Concord-Carlisle high school girls’ soccer team, Peter Fischelis believes this year’s Patriots squad has the potential to build on last season’s strong performance. After reaching the Division 1 semifinal as the No. 10 seed last fall, Concord-Carlisle returns 16 players from that roster and has integrated several impactful newcomers. The team’s depth and improved balance have elevated expectations, with the Patriots currently holding a 4-0 record and ranked third in the state.
Senior midfielder Emmy O’Donnell leads the lineup. A Duke commit and a returning All-American, O’Donnell was last season’s Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year and a member of the United States under-19 and under-18 women’s national teams. Known for her technical skill, speed, and endurance, she remains a focal point for opposing defenses. Senior center back Teagan Graham of Concord-Carlisle, herself committed to Union College, said O’Donnell’s pace puts her “on two-times speed” compared to the rest of the squad.
Though opponents often focus their defense on O’Donnell, this season sees a broader offensive threat. In four games, seven different players have scored goals for the Patriots, a sign of the team’s diversified attack. O’Donnell acknowledged that being marked frees up opportunities for teammates, noting the positive impact that shared responsibility has had on the team’s performance.
Returning senior Ainsley Siefer, committed to Middlebury College, is expected to be a key scoring option this season after missing much of last year’s regular season due to a broken foot. She rejoined the lineup during the playoffs and contributed two of the team’s three postseason goals. Versatile in her play, having experience both on defense and offense, Siefer’s positioning up front is designed to alleviate pressure on O’Donnell. Coach Fischelis highlighted the tactical advantage of having multiple attacking threats, noting that opposing teams often struggle to contain several skilled players simultaneously.
Defensively, the Patriots feature a new center back duo with Graham shifting from outside back and joining junior Catherine Kilmartin, a Boston College commit. The pair share a longstanding rapport from playing on the same side of the back line in previous seasons. Both defenders enjoy advancing forward when possible, relying on mutual trust to cover defensive responsibilities.
Senior goalkeeper and team captain Aubrey Monaghan, a four-year starter, remains a dependable presence in goal. The midfield and forward lines are strengthened by junior midfielders Camy Cox and Caroline Ferrari, sophomore forward Annie Beal, and senior co-captain Kendall Johnson, who is returning from a torn ACL.
Coach Fischelis cites the leadership of his senior players as a critical factor in the team’s cohesion and success. He praised their respect for one another and their ability to encourage teammates, describing it as essential to the group’s dynamic. The team’s camaraderie extends beyond the field, with players maintaining close bonds through shared experiences, including a pre-season overnight camp without cell phones aimed at building unity.
O’Donnell emphasized enjoyment as a guiding principle for the team this season. “My goal for myself and the team is just to have fun doing it,” she said. Whether the Patriots advance to the state final or take a different path, the collective focus remains on embracing the journey together.