Fall back and winter ahead: Revere AD reflects on fall, looks forward to next season

By Dom Nicastro

As the curtains close on another fall sports season at Revere High School, Athletic Director Frank Shea offers a reflective look into the accomplishments and developments of the school’s sports programs. From the continued success of the girls’ soccer team to the historic triumphs of the golf team, Shea’s insights paint a picture of a school community that thrives on the spirit of competition, development and the unyielding pursuit of excellence. This interview peels back the layers of the sports programs for Revere High School’s fall programs and discusses some potential for the winter sport scene.

Girls’ soccer: a legacy of success

  Shea began with high praise for the girls’ soccer team, which has sustained excellence over recent years. The team finished the regular season 16-1-1, losing on its final match of the year – which happened to be the match against Somerville with the Greater Boston League title on the line.

“It’s always great to see new kids carrying the torch,” Shea said, noting the seamless transition as senior players leave and underclassmen step up, demonstrating the program’s healthy state and the effective mentorship of Coach Megan O’Donnell. “We were really pleased with their competitiveness, and the season they had. They had a great year.”

Boys’ soccer: competitive grit

The boys’ soccer team is acknowledged for holding its own in a strong Greater Boston League (GBL) and making it to the tournament. The Patriots finished third in the GBL. Despite logistical challenges – a lengthy bus ride to Springfield for their postseason opener – Shea commended their competitiveness, suggesting resilience is a key characteristic of Revere’s boys’ soccer teams.

Golf: unexpected victories

Shea called the accomplishments of the golf team heartwarming. The team won its first championship in the GBL in decades despite not having a home course. This milestone stands as a beacon of inspiration, showing that perseverance and dedication can lead to unexpected success.

The contributions of passionate coaches are not overlooked. Shea singled out golf coach Brandon Pezzuto for special mention, celebrating his passion for a sport that struggles with high school engagement. “It was nice to see them… finally win their title,” Shea said, showcasing the important role of coaches in fostering team spirit and achieving breakthroughs.

Football: a story of resilience

The football team’s rough start (0-5) and strong finish (4-2) encapsulate a journey of resilience. Revere football dealt with its fair share of injuries. Shea highlighted the challenge of keeping athletes engaged in a demanding sport, praising the coaching staff and players for not giving up and learning valuable lessons in character through their season.

Shea recognized the exemplary leadership of one of the football team’s captains, noting maturity and eloquence. Such leadership traits among students are indicative of the school’s commitment to nurturing not just athletes but well-rounded individuals, according to Shea.

Winter season anticipations

Transitioning to the winter season, Shea expressed excitement for new developments, including the appointment of a new girls’ basketball coach, Ariana Rivera, an assistant coach last year. “We’re all looking forward to her doing a fantastic job,” Shea said. “She really works very well with kids, and kids seem to respond to her. The girls team I believe will contend for the GBL title. They have a lot of key players back.”

His anticipation for the winter season is tinged with the hope of continued competitiveness across various sports. Shea also discussed the cooperative arrangements for sports like ice hockey and wrestling, highlighting the significance of collaboration between schools to ensure student-athletes have opportunities to participate and compete. Shea’s overview of participation numbers and trial sign-ups reveals a positive trend in student involvement, particularly in wrestling, where interest has spiked. Swimming and track look strong again, too. This increase is a promising sign for the vitality and diversity of the school’s athletic offerings.