New Coach Star Athlete At Franklin High

Jack Nally, who’s been hired as Millis High’s new baseball coach, knows he’s facing a Herculean task but he’s ready to revive and rebuild the Mohawks’ program.

Millis hasn’t had a winning program since 2013 and its records from 2022-2024 indicate it needs help. The Mohawks were winless during the 2022 campaign (0-18) but still managed to get a playoff invitation, beating Nashoba Valley Tech before losing to Bourne. The 2023 squad was 6-16 and last year Millis finished 4-17.

A native of Franklin, Nally is only 23 but his youth could be a prime asset in leading the Mohawks to greener pastures. His athletic background as a player is phenomenal and although his coaching experience is limited, he excelled in his first year as an assistant for Franklin’s successful football team last year.

Nally played football and baseball at Franklin High and at Wesleyan University where he majored in economics and graduated with a 3.5 GPA. As a wide receiver at Franklin, the 5-foot-10 Nally had 127 receptions in 26 games. That career number was a school record for three years.

“I’m pleased and excited for the opportunity to coach baseball at Millis High,’’ Nally said. “There’ll be challenges but I look forward to great moments that our players will create.’’

Nally’s coaching attributes are admirable — he’s patient, relates to players well, is confident and committed.  

“Patience is important because I want to be at Millis long term,’’ he said. “That’s where I want to be. I’m young but I’ve walked in the players’ shoes and know what makes them tick. I’m confident in my leadership skills and I’m committed to the program.’’
Millis Athletic Director Phinney, who played a major role in hiring Nally last November, is pleased he’s on board.

“We’re excited to have Jack Nally as our new head baseball coach,’’ Phinney said. “At 23, Jack brings a fresh perspective and an undeniable passion for the game.

“His athletic background, having played football and baseball at Franklin High and Wesleyan, has equipped him with the leadership skills and competitive spirit necessary as we look to improve the culture of our baseball program. We’re confident that Jack’s energy, dedication, and commitment to player development will help shape the future of our baseball program.”

Nally didn’t waste any time after his hiring became official, meeting with most of the seniors and some sophomores. That opportunity gave his three senior captains — Talon Shepardson, Andrew Morse and Nick Hohman — a good idea of what he wants to achieve. All three are pitchers.

“My goals are to get the kids to enjoy baseball again,’’ Nally said. “I also want the kids to improve and develop their skills. We also want to compete relentlessly each and every day  and qualify for the playoffs. The power-ranking format and playing against top-notch teams in the Tri Valley League make a tourney berth realistic.’’

Nally is impressed with his captains and sophomore pitcher/infielder Brody Barrett.

“Talon, Andrew and Nick will be impressive leaders,’’ Nally offered. “They said they want to turn the program around and they got players into the weight room.

“Talon hit .463 last year and led the TVL; Andrew led the team in earned-run average (2.84) and innings pitched; and I’ve heard that Nick is a quality outfielder who’s got great range. Brody has a good fastball and was second in innings pitched. His future is bright. These four players are mature, eager to get started and they create optimism.’’

Nally, who’s a full-time substitute teacher at Franklin High, coached wide receivers and defensive backs last fall for Coach Todd Kiley, whose Holliston teams dominated the TVL.

“I learned a lot from Todd,’’ Nally said. “I learned about schemes and game-planning. He’s a coach with a great demeanor and there’s a reason for every move he makes. He trusted me with any suggestions and opinions.”

Nally will also coach club baseball for the first time this year, with the Hock Valley Panthers, a team with players from Franklin, Bellingham and Milford.

One area where Nally will devote time is with Millis’ youth baseball program. “I’ve spoken with the director and it’s imperative that we get our numbers up in the youth league and on the varsity. We won’t have a jayvee team but we will field a middle-school team this season.’’

Nally’s athletic career includes three varsity seasons at Franklin in football and two in baseball. He was a wide-receiver and a defensive back and he played the outfield in baseball. He was a captain in both sports and a two-time Hockomock all-star in football. 

“My top thrill at Franklin was winning the Super 8 Baseball Tournament my sophomore year,’’ he emphasized. “We beat teams like St. John’s of Danvers and won the title by downing Central Catholic. In my junior year, we won the Hockomock League crown.’’

His 127 receptions in 26 football games was a program record that could have been higher but Nally sat out six games as a sophomore recovering from a separated AC joint in his shoulder.

At Wesleyan, Nally competed in the New England Small College Athletic Conference where he was a three-year starter at safety and in the outfield. He was an all-star in baseball and was selected as Wesleyan’s Underclassman of the Year as a sophomore in football.

“My top thrill in college was winning the Little East football title by beating Amherst and Williams,’’ Nally said. “The team that has the best record among those three squads is the Little East champ. We trailed Williams, 22-8, but scored 22 straight points for a 30-22 win. I had one interception in that game.’’

Nally’s athletic philosophy is that “true competitors play to win but on a day-to-day basis it’s more about reaching one’s potential and enjoying an athletic journey.’’ He also believes that life lessons can be learned in sports. “Players learn to overcome adversity, to be resilient, to lead and to accept responsibility,’’ he offered.

Coaches that Nally admires and has learned so much from are Ian Bain (football), Zach Brown (baseball) and Peter Pasquarosa; Bellingham’s TJ Chiappone and Doug Houston (baseball); and current Franklin grid coach Todd Kiley.

 Nally also is thankful for Phinney’s administrative support. “Derek helped to introduce me to the Millis community and as it’s A.D. he wants the program to head in the right direction,’’ Nally said.

Opening day for Millis’ baseball team was a home game against Norton on March 31. Win or lose, it’s the start of a coaching career that should involve lots of success.