Lily MacDonnell grew up experiencing all kinds of sports in her early years. But the Rutland native was looking to not only find something that she enjoyed but something that she could grow into. She had played softball but had dropped that sport. While she still plays basketball in the winter, soccer has become her ultimate sport.

“Soccer was something that I found was fun,” she said. “I really liked running around in the outdoors, so it became a sport that I wanted to play on a regular basis.”

 While playing for the Rutland recreational league, she realized that she needed to up her game and skills on the soccer field. So, four years ago she hooked up with the Worcester FC Stars, a club soccer program where she has been able to improve upon her skills as well as meet and make a lot of new friends.

“The FC Stars gave me a lot more coaching, and I was able to define my skill level,” MacDonnell said. “Here you learn from your mistakes and become a better player. I knew that I wanted to learn how to dribble effectively while making moves to get past players.”

Prior to joining the FC Stars. MacDonnell was one to take the ball and just try to run past other players. Now she has learned how to properly dribble while running and is able to get to the net without losing the ball.

MacDonnell and her teammates take part in many tournaments throughout the season. During their final tournament this year at the Boston Invitational Cup, the Stars were able to go undefeated during their five games and took home first place. MacDonnell scored seven goals during the tournament and was awarded the Golden Boot Award.

The Rutland native was surprised to have earned that award.

“In the past my confidence hadn’t been there, and I was hesitating a lot. I found myself doing things wrong on the field,” she said. “I think it all started when I joined the FC Stars, there were a lot of good players around me and it intimidated me. I believe that I have a powerful shot, but I don’t always take it when I should.”

With her skills having improved throughout the year, she hit her stride right before the Boston tournament.

“Scoring my first goal was very exciting and got me to thinking that I can do this,” she said. “Then when I kept scoring, I started to become relaxed and my game got better.”

Earning the Golden Boot Award made her extremely proud of all the demanding work she has put into the sport. It will also be the one tournament that will stick with her for a while. 

Her success in the season’s final tournament came at the right time as she will be entering Wachusett Regional High School in the fall and looking to play for the Mountaineers. The incoming freshman feels that the Wachusett coaching staff will know who she is and what she can accomplish on the soccer field.

As an incoming freshman she is hoping that she can make the junior varsity squad. But she would also be satisfied if she were placed on the freshman team. 

“I feel that I could accomplish so much more with the junior varsity team,” MacDonnell said. “I am good with my assisting but want to continue to work on making my way to the net.”

The Rutland athlete’s ultimate goal is to play on the collegiate level. While she has thought about playing at that level, she is focused on getting ready to play high school soccer – and forge a career with Wachusett. W