Medway senior played at Bishop Feehan for 2 years

Alicia MacRury knows what it takes to go on a deep run in the state soccer tournament. She’s been there, done that.

When she was a freshman starter on Medway High’s soccer team, the Mustang girls advanced to the Elite Eight where they lost to Dedham in the quarterfinals. For the next two years, as a key role player at Bishop Feehan playing wing, striker and center midfielder, she competed in two straight tourney finals. The Shamrocks lost both times, first to Natick and last year to Wellesley.

MacRury is a senior now and she’s returned to Medway, eager to get one more  opportunity to advance in the playoffs. The Mustangs had a 6-5 record at Local Town Pages deadline, were ranked No. 13 in the Division 3 power ratings, and are likely to earn a decent seeding. 

“My goals at the start of the season were to qualify for the playoffs and advance deep,’’ she offered. “Another goal was to contend for the Tri Valley League Small Division championship, and my final objective was for our team to improve daily in practice and games.’’

“My goals are realistic because we’re a team that’s talented and has good team chemistry; we’re skilled, physically and mentally tough, and we can pass and dribble effectively,’’ MacRury said.

Medway was still in contention for the TVL Small Division title at the paper’s deadline.

Competing at Bishop Feehan, a Division 1 school, was a decision the Medway native made because she “wanted to grow on my own, make new friends and experience a new academic setting.’’ Her decision to leave Medway for Feehan was not a soccer decision.

“I left Feehan after two years because I missed all the friends I grew up with and I wanted to enjoy and share senior experiences with them – like graduation, the prom, senior night and our boat cruise,’’ MacRury said. “I have no regrets. Both schools are top-notch and both moves were positive. I’ve enjoyed all my teachers, friends, and teammates at both schools.’’

MacRury is not only a fundamentally sound soccer player, but she’s also an exceptional student, one with a 3.60 GPA. She was recruited to play soccer at Southern New Hampshire University and will compete in Manchester next fall. She plans to major in psychology and is interested in a career as a speech and language pathologist.

Her Medway return obviously created some smiles for coach Ryan Elster. MacRury was the Mustangs’ second leading scorer when she was a freshman.

“Alicia is driven, so passionate about soccer,’’ he said. “She’s got a high soccer IQ, she’s skilled, a student of the game, and her speed and quickness make her a terrific athlete. A hard worker, she’s eager to learn, has a good attitude and she’ll be successful playing Division 2 soccer at Southern New Hampshire University.” 

Able to play three positions, MacRury prefers playing either outside wing or center midfielder. “Both are play-making roles,’’ she said. “I enjoy taking control of the ball, advancing it up field and distributing it to the forward line. A midfielder’s role is fun because there’s lots of running and I love to run. Endurance is the key and being adept in transition is very important.’’

The 17-year-old MacRury, who started kicking a soccer ball at 16 months of age, has competed for 12 years for three teams at the club level. She was scouted by college coaches during the last two years, playing for R.I. Surf. 

MacRury isn’t just a one-sport competitor – she also runs indoor track. 

“I ran the 300-meter event and ran a leg of the 4x200-meter relay during my sophomore year at Feehan. And I hope to run track again in the winter for Medway,’’ she offered. 

MacRury’s best high-school soccer match came against Franklin during her junior year at Feehan. “I didn’t score or get an assist but I played a strong, physical game and we won against one of our rivals,’’ she noted. “I distributed the ball well and my passing was sharp … My top thrill in the sport was getting 5 goals and 4 assists as a Medway freshman that enabled me to be the team’s second-leading scorer.’’

So far, MacRury has 5 goals and 4 assists after 11 matches this season.

The 5-foot-7 MacRury has not served as a captain and is not a league all-star but that hasn’t prevented her from being a quality leader or contributor. “I’ve competed in the TVL and the CCL (Catholic Central League),’’ MacRury said. “Both are very competitive leagues. But one can be a good contributor even if you’re not an all-star or a captain. What really matters most is being a team-first player.’’

MacRury is pleased she’s playing for Elster, who last year coached the Mustangs to a 9-9 record and defeated Wilmington in the tourney before bowing to traditionally strong Nipmuc, a squad that’s no stranger to state championships. “Coach Elster is a very good motivator who’s positive and well-prepared,’’ she emphasized. “He’s a great coach who believes in his players and is never negative.’’

Calling her parents (Stu and Kristina) role models for their support and encouragement, MacRury’s competitive philosophy includes winning but she believes in “never giving up, and having fun.’’ She also credits athletics for learning good life lessons. “Some great lessons I’ve learned are how to be resilient, to be a good teammate and leader, to build relationships and be responsible and accountable,’’ she noted.

MacRury’s style of play is a combination of being aggressive but also demonstrating finesse. “I’m aggressive because winning is important but I also rely on skills and staying calm, which leads to being a finesse player,’’ she emphasized. “I know that playing college soccer will involve a transition. The college game is faster and more physical but I feel like I’m ready to compete at the Division 2 level.’’

MacRury definitely would relish another deep advance in the tourney. She firmly believes that the Mustangs will finish strong and have a successful campaign. And she likes Medway’s playoff fortunes, pointing to quality teammates, a great team environment, positive attitudes and top-notch leadership.

Alicia MacRury has been a terrific team-first player at two top-notch schools. She deserves a rewarding end to her interscholastic soccer career. A state championship would be the icing on the cake for an all-around competitor who personifies devotion, desire, and dedication.