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The Winchester High School girls soccer team (6-0-1) had a week off between games, but instead of savoring its undefeated record, they can be seen helping their neighbors around town. But once they returned to the pitch, nothing changed. The Red & Black were able to maintain their winning ways after shutting out visiting Reading, 1-0 on Sept. 24.
On one of their days off, the Winchester girls spent it at the annual Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation Road Race on Sunday, Sept. 21.
There’s a limit to the team’s volunteer work during the season, for obvious reasons, but they still make time to help out local groups, according to Coach Michelle Ross.
“We don’t volunteer every week in the fall given our schedule, but we try to do something at least four times during the course of the season (twice a month),” the coach said. “Our volunteer activities during the season include The Dwelling Place and supporting the Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation Road Race. We also like to do something to spread kindness within the Winchester community throughout the rest of the year.
“During the spring season, we serve as guest coaches for any Winchester Youth Soccer coach interested in having a high school coach or player come manage a practice. This happens every week from April through June, and it usually involves 20-plus teams,” added Ross.
It’s all about community
The Red & Black girls on the pitch continue to prove that true success is measured not only in wins and goals, but also in the impact that the players make beyond the game. Known for their discipline, skill and teamwork on the pitch, the team has also built a proud tradition of giving back to the community that so passionately supports them.
It’s now been 10 straight years that the program has volunteered at The Dwelling Place in Woburn. The Dwelling Place, a collaboration initiative hosted by local churches, prepares and serves hot meals for needy individuals and families at the United Methodist Church.
For a decade, Winchester soccer players have traded in their uniforms for aprons. They would greet guests with smiles, while serving food to them, which embodies that spirit of service.
Ross noted the players embrace these opportunities with the same commitment that they bring to the field.
“We talk a lot about being a part of something bigger than ourselves,” she said. “When our players step into the kitchen of The Dwelling Place, they see firsthand the power of teamwork and compassion. It is all about service, gratitude and community connection.”
The program’s tradition of giving back does not stop there. Since 2013, the Winchester girls have also been deeply involved in the aforementioned Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation Road Race. From organizing and volunteering to cheering on the participants, the players have stood behind the event every step of the way.
The race honors Glen Doherty, a Winchester native and former Navy SEAL, who gave his life in service to his country. The foundation provides scholarships and support to current and former military personnel and their families, making the soccer team’s involvement most meaningful.
In addition, the players and coaches also take pride in giving back to the Winchester Youth Soccer program, continuing a tradition started by former coach Rick Emmanuel.
Each spring, high school players and staff volunteer to coach at instructional sessions for any Winchester youth soccer team interested in having them. They run the practices, share tips and above all else allow younger players to meet their role models on the high school team. These sessions are filled with energy, encouragement and fun, which creates a bridge between generations of Winchester soccer players that helps foster a lifelong love for the sport.
For the players, these experiences become lasting memories. It’s like scoring a game-winning goal.
Senior captain Amanda Mitchell reflected on the program’s spirit of volunteerism: “It feels good to know that as a team we are contributing to something bigger. Soccer brings us together, but giving back connects us to our community in a way that is just as important.”
The combination of competitive spirit and community service has become the hallmark of Winchester girls soccer. As they continue to take care of business on the pitch, their commitment in serving others ensures that their victories extend far beyond the scoreboard.
Back to work on the pitch
The Red & Black girls finally broke the scoreless tie against aforementioned Reading in the 79th minute on a goal by their freshman ignitor Charlotte Bjercke. That clutch score sealed the deal on the team’s hard-fought 1-0 win on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
“The Rockets played an ultra-defensive game, packing 10 players in their penalty box area. They showed little interest in counterattacking,” said Ross. “We dominated possession throughout, while registering an astonishing 42 shots on goal. But Reading’s low back defense, coupled with some inspired goalkeeping, kept the game scoreless throughout most of the match.”
Despite relentless pressure, Winchester could not find the back of the net until junior Sophie Shapiro expertly initiated a corner kick in the waning moments of the game to set up the winning goal by Bjerke, who was able to run past the Reading defenders to get to the ball, before booming a powerful header that went sailing into the net.
Ross said of Bjerke’s impact in this game: “(Bjerke), who is one of our energizers, came off the bench, and completely shifted the (momentum) on the field. She changed the mindset and tempo of the game to give us that extra spark to beat Reading. That kind of impact is exactly what we look for in our specialists.”
Reading recorded zero shots on goal, while at the other end of the field its tactics ultimately failed to succeed.
“Although we were frustrated by the lack of goals, we still showed persistence and tactical awareness to earn this well-deserved win,” said Ross.
The coach also praised her team’s resilience.
“I’m incredibly proud of how the team kept their composure, stayed patient and adapted its approach throughout the game,” Ross said. “Despite the frustration of a close game, they never stopped believing in themselves and each other, and in the end, they figured out exactly what had to be done to earn this well-deserved win.”
After the win over Reading, the Winchester girls had since been getting ready to host Belmont on Sept. 27, and close out the month of September at Wakefield on Tuesday, Sept. 30. The game against the Warriors will begin at 4:15 p.m. They will then welcome Lexington to Knowlton to begin a brand-new month with a Friday Night Lights spectacular on Oct. 3 at 6 p.m.
Joe McConnell is a longtime, award-winning sports editor for numerous North Shore publications. He began covering Winchester sports for the News last November.
