By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

The Natick High boys soccer team has a new varsity coach but he’s no stranger to the players or the program.

Danny Joseph, who worked as the varsity assistant for Alex Mioduszewski, has taken the reins and hopes to build on the success the Redhawks had last year when they compiled a 6-7-3 record and were ranked No. 14 in the Division 1 playoffs. Mioduszewski stepped down to focus on getting his masters degree.

Natick split a pair of games in the state tourney, defeating Cambridge Rindge & Latin before losing to Belmont in the second round

“My first goal is to continue to build on the momentum of last year,’’ said Joseph, who graduated from NHS in 2013. “Our record fell short of .500 but a No. 14 rank showed that our rebuilding plan is on the right track. My other goals are to develop our younger players, look to our seniors for leadership, and qualify for the tournament again.’’

Joseph’s transition to varsity coach should be smooth after three years as a varsity assistant. 

“I learned a lot from Alex,’’ Joseph said. “There will definitely be a transition for me and the players because of the late change in coaches. I’m excited for what’s to come. We have a strong, young core, balanced with a group of seniors who are leaders.  

“Alex bonded really well with the players, and the trust he built with them, especially last season, paid off. I hope to do the same thing —build a ‘brotherhood’ with this team early on so that team chemistry helps from the start. Alex prepared me well to take over this role. I’ll keep a lot of the things he did but I’m also excited to add my own personal touches to building this squad.’’

The 29-year-old Joseph is confident his goals will be reached in his rookie year. “I’m confident we can achieve our objectives and I’m impressed with our team’s talent and ability.’’

Joseph, who competed in soccer and volleyball and ran track at NHS, is optimistic about his Redhawks because of a plethora of vital strengths.

“We’ve got skilled players who are athletic, instinctive and coachable,’’ he offered. “And, our team chemistry is good, the players have a high soccer IQ and they’ve got passion for the game.’’

That passion had helped Natick start this season above .500, posting a 3-2 record at Local Town Pages deadline.

The Redhawks lost 11 seniors from last year’s team but Joseph has 10 returnees with varying degrees of experience.

Two top-notch competitors are the senior captains — Matty Gordon (midfielder) and Devin Owens (center back).

“Matty and Devin are leaders by example and they’re communicative and supportive,’’ Joseph noted. “Matty controls the midfield with ease, is solid in transition and has great endurance. A high soccer IQ player, he’s got speed and quickness and is an excellent passer. Devin, who’s tall and strong, is a stalwart on the back line. He communicates with his teammates and is dynamic and tenacious on defense.’’

Senior Theo Paxton is a 6-foot-2 center back/striker who’s versatile. “Theo is flexible, able to adapt to all situations,’’ Joseph said. “He’s fast, plays at a high level and is capable of being a prolific scorer.’’

A trio of juniors will be key contributors. They include forward Luke Dougherty and twins Austin and Brady Dubeshter. Austin plays left midfield and Brady is a right fullback.

“They complement one another well, they’re skilled, tall and fast,’’ Joseph said. “They get terrific touches on the ball, they’re strong dribblers and very coachable. Their soccer IQs are high and they understand their roles.’’

Seniors Richie Moulton and Eddie Anniballi are defenders who get high praise. “Excellent on defense, they’re terrific in pursuit of our opponents’ offensive players,’’ Joseph said. “They’re skilled and their endurance is great. Going up for 50-50 balls, their headers are effective and they win a majority of those efforts.’’

Senior midfielders Colby Ciavarro and Joel Duarte are intelligent competitors who have  great field vision. “They’re super technical with their possessions,’’ Joseph said. “They’re also very good in transition, quick, well-skilled and coachable.’’

Senior Jadon Connors was a back-up last year but Joseph said “I’m happy to have him as our starting goaltender this season.’’ The coach also believes Connors has a great opportunity to showcase his skills and instinctive ability. “He cuts the angles well and is very athletic,’’ Joseph added.

Sophomore Luca Tavilla plays midfield but can also fulfill multiple roles at either forward or as a defender. “He’s young but his maturity level is high,’’ Joseph said. “His skill level is through the roof, he’s solid in transition and has very good endurance. His versatility is a plus.’’

New additions to the varsity include Cole Boggis (sophomore, midfield), Owen Ford (junior, forward), Kallon Masse (junior, midfield), Emmett Bradley (senior, defense), Ethan Chambers (senior, forward), Lukas Barreto (senior, defense), Cathal Condon (senior, defense),  Collin Meisner (injured senior, team manager)

“I’m excited to welcome these players to our team,’’ Joseph said. “They vary in the positions they play, but all of them are looking forward to contributing immediately.  We’ve had a challenging start this season, so these players are going to get some great experience right away but they’re ready for the challenge.’’

A native of Natick, Joseph considers himself a defensive-minded coach but that doesn’t mean he dismisses the value of offense. “I played center back in high school but I know the importance of offense,’’ he said. “Depending on our personnel, I plan to blend both aspects into our attack.’’

Joseph’s assistants will include Bryce Nardizzi at the varsity level and Ivor Ford as junior varsity coach. “Both know the game and I’m pleased to have both on board,’’ he emphasized.

Joseph’s athletic philosophy focuses on developing character, building team chemistry, and making sure his players reach their potential. “If those things are in place, then winning will follow,’’ he said.

Life lessons can be learned in sports and Joseph lists several that he believes can be valuable after high school. “Overcoming adversity and developing resilience are important,’’ he noted. “And, sports can also teach how to be a quality leader and a good teammate. Other key lessons are setting goals and a willingness to be accountable.’’

After graduating from Natick High, Joseph enrolled at Fairfield University where he played volleyball for four years and majored in political science and history. A captain in volleyball as a senior, he also was a New England Collegiate League all-star.

Joseph, who has a masters degree from Boston College in education, has been on the Natick High faculty for six years, teaching history and philosophy.

Danny Joseph’s enthusiasm and energy coupled with his knowledge of soccer should make him successful sooner rather than later. The NHS alum looks like a good fit for his alma mater.