A remarkable finish: Madison Botta secures legacy with Saugus girls soccer

By Dom Nicastro

GOAT? That’s not too much of a stretch when talking about Saugus High School girls soccer player Madison Botta. Well, former Saugus girls soccer player. She’s all done now after her historic senior season this fall and is off to Saint Anselm’s in Manchester, N.H., next fall. And that’s music to the ears of a lot of returning Northeastern Conference girls soccer players.

Botta’s senior season for Saugus High School girls soccer was one for the record books. With 38 goals and 16 assists in her final season, Botta concluded her high school career as Saugus’ all-time leading scorer with 137 points, placing her as the second-highest scorer in Massachusetts this year. Her standout performance helped guide Saugus to a 13-2-3 record, culminating in a postseason run that ended in the Sweet 16 against Pope Francis.

Reflecting on that pivotal match, Botta said, “It was a close game… we just couldn’t secure the win.”

Her determination was evident throughout the season, with Coach April Martinez frequently highlighting her unyielding spirit. “Madison is a player who gets back up when she’s knocked down… she’s the type of player who leaves an impact,” Martinez said.

The team’s success was powered by a trio of offensive stars: Botta and the Sewell sisters, Shay and Shawn. “We’ve been playing together our whole lives… we know how each other plays,” Botta said.

This chemistry translated into seamless attacking plays, where the three combined for an overwhelming share of Saugus’ goals and assists. Shay notched 12 goals and 16 assists, and Shawn added 20 goals and 10 assists. Their fluid, cohesive play helped Saugus navigate a challenging season that saw them tie powerhouse Danvers and defeat teams like Beverly, showcasing a newfound confidence and capability.

Botta’s stellar high school run was underpinned by Martinez’s meticulous coaching approach, which instilled resilience and adaptability. Martinez took over for Chris Coviello, which meant an adaptation to new coaching styles. “April was more planned out… she would take notes from the game and practice those things until we got better,” Botta said. Martinez’s attention to detail paid dividends, allowing the team to excel in key matches and push beyond their previous limits.

Martinez herself expressed pride in the team’s growth: “Being ranked number nine in the state is something they should be extremely proud of… every player contributed this year,” she said.

It was a continuation of success. The last three seasons for Saugus:

2024: 13-2-3, lost in Sweet 16.

2023: 14-3-1, lost in Sweet 16.

2022: 12-5-1, lost in Sweet 16.

And Botta made her presence felt in each season. When the Sachems faced their first tournament match against East Bridgewater this fall, Botta’s four-goal performance was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing her postseason prowess.

In Martinez’s words, “She worked her butt off all season… she deserves all the recognition.”

The coach also underscored how Botta’s influence transcended goals and assists, impacting younger teammates and setting an example for future players. “She’s left a mark that will inspire the upcoming generation,” Martinez said.

Looking ahead, Botta is set to continue her soccer journey at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H. The college-bound star is excited about the welcoming atmosphere and competitive edge that the school offers. “The coach was very nice, and the community felt very welcoming,” Botta said about her decision.

Saint Anselm’s will be gaining a player with not only an impressive scoring record but also a deep commitment to team growth and collaboration – traits that made her an invaluable leader for Saugus, those who know her best say.

Botta is optimistic about the future of the program, even as they prepare for the departure of such a key player. “We have a few underclassmen who can step up,” Botta said, highlighting younger talents like eighth-grader Selena Garcia, who contributed goals and assists in her first varsity season.

And now, she’s off to play basketball for the Sachems, a team also on the rise. They won their first tourney game in recent memory last winter and finished with 14 wins.

Reflecting on her soccer journey, Botta’s humility and team-oriented mindset shone through when talking about hanging with the North Shore’s big guns like Danvers and Beverly. “I think like it just helped us,” she said about Saugus’ progression against formidable teams. “It gave us more confidence to show we can compete with them.”

Madison Botta files

• Finished the regular season with 38 goals and 16 assists, totaling 54 points
• Recognized as one of the top players in Massachusetts, ending the season as the second-leading scorer in the state with 137 career points
• Named an All-State First Team selection and an Eastern Mass. First Team All-Star
• Ms. November: Her postseason included six goals.