THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 Page 13 Coach’s Corner: MacDonald-Ciambelli talks strategy, team strengths for upcoming season W hen the weather gets cold, Revere High School track athletes head indoors and compete. The Lady Patriots begin their season on Dec. 15 in a Greater Boston League match against Somerville at Reggie Lewis Center in Boston. The Advocate caught up with third-year Head Coach Racquel MacDonald-Ciambelli for a Q&A as her team gets set to embark on the 2023-2024 winter indoor track season. The coach has been in the program six years total now, including three as an assistant. Name: Racquel MacDonald-Ciambelli. Team: Girls indoor and outdoor track. Years coaching in this position: Three as head coach, three as assistant. History of coaching/your own playing days: Revere High School track & fi eld, 2008-2012. Two Revere hurdle school records. Boston College track & fi eld, 2012-2016. What keeps you coming back each year? Not only do I love the sport so much, but I love helping young athletes fall in love with it as well. I’ve been lucky to have such great girls since I started coaching, and they keep it fun and exciting each year. I love that we share the same goals. How did tryouts go? How many tried out, and how many are left between the varsity and sub-varsity teams? Tryouts went well. I won’t usually cut people unless they stop coming to practice. JV and varsity athletes are decided each week based on the top times/ marks. What was last year’s record/ postseason results? Last year have a great group of distance girls who should place pretty high throughout the GBL. Our sprinters, hurdlers and jumpers continue to be strong as well. What are areas for RACQUEL MACDONALD-CIAMBELLI RHS Track Coach we went 5-2 on the season. What would you say are the strengths of this year’s team and why? We have a great mix of old and new talent this year. We typically struggle in the distance events, but this year we improvement and why? Our throws are definitely where we need to work more, but this also stems from lack of a throws coach. We are the only team in the GBL without a specifi c throws coach. However, I put a lot of trust in my captains to lead this area, and they have been working hard in the weight room this preseason. I think we will see some huge PRs. Who are the captains and what do each of them bring? Yasmin Riazi, Giselle Salvador, Camila Echeverri, Angelina Montoya and Yara Belguendouz. They are all excellent student-athletes who really share a passion for the sport and encourage the younger girls to work hard and aim for success. Any other players to watch – and what can you say about their potential contributions this winter? We’re expecting Liv Young (GBL champ in both high jump and hurdles, and school record holder in the high jump at 5-4) to continue to shine in her events while also adding in the long jump to the mix. On the distance side, Olivia Rupp and Gemma Stamatopolous should make great strides in all events from the 1,000 to the 2-mile. Ashley Rodriguez is also one to watch in the hurdles. Her primary event is the 300-meter and 400-meter hurdles, but I believe she will see success as a 55-meter hurdler as well. What are the big team goals this winter? Huge PRs and aim for a GBL title. Fall back and winter ahead: Revere AD reflects on fall, looks forward to next season By Dom Nicastro A s the curtains close on another fall sports season at Revere High School, Athletic Director Frank Shea off ers a refl ective 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 16-11, losing on its fi nal 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 fi nished third in the GBL. Despite logistical challenges – a lengthy bus ride to Springfi eld 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 fi rst 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... fi nally 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, acof 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 FRANK SHEA RHS Athletic Director cording to Shea. Winter season anticipations Transitioning to the winter season, Shea expressed excitement for new developments, including the appointment 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 signifi - cance 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 off erings.
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