By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Next month, Nov. 20 to be exact, is the one-year anniversary of Natick High’s first state championship in girls soccer. The sixth-seeded Redhawks downed top-ranked Hingham, 3-2.

Zoe Graves, who scored the first two goals in the title game, firmly believes Natick can repeat as Division 1 champions. 

“We’ve got experienced returnees and our team will be driven,’’ Graves emphasized. “We’ll be super motivated to keep the title. We also know what playing for a state championship is like and we know what needs to get done.’’

Now a senior captain, Graves is acutely aware that every one of Natick’s opponents will be going all out to defeat the defending champs. “We understand that it’s hard to repeat because everyone will be aiming for us,’’ she added. “There’s a target on our backs but we can make it two straight if we improve daily and fix the things that need to be corrected.’’

The 17-year-old Graves, who earned Bay State Conference all-star honors last year for her play as a striker, enjoys reflecting on Natick’s dynamic playoff run. 

“After beating Attleboro and Needham, we defeated the three-seed (Acton-Boxboro  2-1) then shut out the two-seed (Bishop Feehan 2-0),’’ Graves recalled. “Hingham was ranked No. 1 and nobody expected a sixth-seeded team to win the tourney. But, after those victories over Acton-Boxboro and Bishop Feehan, our confidence grew. Those two wins gave us a positive mind-set.’’

Thanks to Graves, Natick took a 2-0 lead in the final but Hingham bounced back and tied the contest. In the 77th minute, Emma Grant scored and Natick went all out on defense to clinch the crown.

“It was an exciting feeling, to score twice and to be a member of the team that won the first girls soccer state championship in school history,’’ Graves noted. “It was nice to play a significant role. The state title rates as my top thrill at Natick and the final was the best game of my career.’’

The last time the Redhawks played for a state title was in 2018 when they lost in a shootout to Wachusett, 1-0. Graves was an eighth-grader then but knew she’d be teammates with some of the players who experienced that letdown. “For the last three years, I’ve thought about the possibility of playing for a state crown,’’ she offered.

Graves scored 9 goals and had 3 assists before the tourney got underway. Her 4 goals and 2 assists in the playoffs gave her 13 goals and 5 assists as a junior. Her team objective this season is another state crown but her individual goals are “to be a quality leader and role model, aim for more assists, and win the BSC’s Carey Division title.’’

Unfortunately for Graves, she wasn’t able to start the season because of a knee injury she suffered in a scrimmage. Due to return this week, her presence will be a big plus for the Redhawks who were off to a 2-0 start at Local Town Pages deadline, winning matches over Walpole and Newton North. 

An aggressive striker, the 5-foot-4 Graves likes the position because there’s plenty of scoring opportunities, lots of activity and plenty of challenges. 

“I get scoring chances and I can also help the team with assists,’’ she said. “One decision can change the complexion of a match. The key to success for a striker is to know what to do before you get the ball and to know where your teammates are.’’

Head coach Dave Wainwright rates Graves highly and he admires the way she handles her position. “Zoe has great instincts, is consistent and balanced,’’ he said. “She’s got the ability to receive a pass, create separation from a defender, then strive for a goal or an assist. She’s very athletic, can shoot from anywhere and has a knack for putting points on the board. Zoe has the talent to play at the next level.’’

Other key assets include a high soccer IQ, quickness, technical skills, and a keen post-up ability. As a captain, Graves wants to be a plus for her teammates. “I can lead by example but I also will be vocal with an eye towards inspiring and helping players grow,’’ she said.

Four players Graves rates as quality contributors are senior captains Eliza Campana and Grant (both forwards), and sophomores Kendall Hacker (outside defender) and Olivia Penn (midfielder). All four have tourney experience.

“Eliza is a good pivotal player,’’ Graves said. “She’s quick and top-notch in key situations. Emma gives 110 percent, is aggressive and fast. Kendall is calm, versatile and a major factor on defense. Olivia is a plus in midfield. She’s got great composure, is solid in transition and has good technical skills.’’

Graves is also complimentary when her coach is the topic. “Coach Wainwright knows how to build team chemistry and he’s a great motivator,’’ Graves emphasized. “He stresses  hard work, is passionate about soccer, and he not only holds us accountable, but he also makes sure we hold ourselves accountable.’’

An honor-roll student, Graves hasn’t yet decided on a college venue but she plans on majoring in elementary education and hopes to continue playing soccer, likely at a Division 1 or 2 school.

A native of Natick, Graves began playing soccer at age five in the town’s youth league. Competing at the club level for the last eight years, she started on the varsity as a sophomore and she’s currently in her fourth varsity campaign. 

Calling her parents (Lisa and Bryan) and Wainwright role models for their support and encouragement, Graves relies on a competitive philosophy that stresses winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun. 

“Winning happens when players reach their potential and enjoy their athletic experience,’’ she said. “And, it’s important to learn valuable life lessons from sports — like being resilient and able to overcome adversity, how to be a good leader and teammate, and how to manage your time.’’

Whether the Redhawks win a second consecutive state championship remains to be seen. Lots of factors have to fall into place. But, Graves has made it a high priority. She knows her teammates have the necessary attributes — athleticism, a high soccer IQ, sharp instincts, experience and technical skills.