August 31, 2023 By Carol Britton Meyer
The 2022-2023 season was an “incredible journey” for South Shore Select’s U14 soccer team from start to finish, according to Coach Brendan Hamilton.
Taylor Bello of Hingham and Ilona Chisholm of Cohasset are members of this talented group, which won the national championship for the Girls Academy League earlier this year.
“Finishing the regular season undefeated and going through a tough group in the NJ playoffs led to a trip to St. Louis for the quarterfinals,” Hamilton told the Hingham Anchor. “All games were decided by one goal, and the championship game was won with four minutes left in regulation. This was the first national championship for the GA league in [our] history, and we could not be more proud of the team for this major accomplishment. Hopefully a repeat can be accomplished next year!” Select held an event celebrating the girls team.
South Shore Select is a year-round soccer program for boys and girls ages 2 to 19 based at South Shore Sports Center that fosters a competitive, supportive, and positive environment for young soccer players.
South Shore Select Director Liz Lima said the winning team is not only “super-talented on the field, but also embodies everything about our values and our mission. I’m super-proud of the kids, coaches, and parents — they’re a class act from top to bottom,” she said. “Their victory started years ago, with the team — made up of players from different South Shore communities — and coaches working hard for years. It’s amazing how they all came together to win the national championship.”
The primary goal is that each player will take their love of the game and strive to reach their greatest potential, on and off the field.
Taylor shared her thoughts about the spectacular recent win and how much the program means to her.
“I have been with South Shore Select since the age of 8, as have many of the girls on my team. In addition to teaching soccer skills, Select prides itself in teaching core values. These include integrity, respect, family, dedication, passion and community. My team is a second family,” she told the Hingham Anchor. “We spend countless hours together at practice and at community events, and we travel together across the country on a regular basis. Every one of my teammates shows that same level of dedication to the team, and to each other. That is the secret to our success.”
Taylor said the recent championship win “was the most thrilling experience of my 14 years. Our team qualified for nationals after going undefeated in the regular season. In the end, the season goal total was 88 for, and 8 against, and as a center back (defender), that is something I am incredibly proud of.”
The team first travelled to New Jersey for the playoffs, and then to St. Louis for the quarters, semis, and finals. “Unfortunately, we had some injuries along the way, but everyone stepped up to the plate,” Taylor said. “Some of my teammates were playing new positions, even in the championship game, making our win even more special.”
Taylor looks forward to contributing to the Hingham High varsity girls soccer team this year “in our quest for a repeat state championship.”
Taylor’s mother, Kim, called her daughter “the best, truly a star! Select has been great for her. If there is anyone who can contribute to bringing home another Hingham state championship it will be her, not to mention her sister, Hadley, a junior, who is also on the varsity team.”
Ilona also shared her thoughts about her team winning the national championship.
“My teammates and I have been together for years, and we work so hard every time we step on the field. I love playing with them, and they are some of my best friends,” she said. “Winning the national championship in St. Louis was incredible. Everyone played their hearts out and left it all out on the field.”
Her mother, Tara, has high praises for the South Shore Select program, which she said has taught these athletes the importance of leadership, sportsmanship, and excellence. “This team is the epitome of those virtues. They are some of the toughest athletes you will find – practicing at least three days a week year-round whether it is 25 degrees or pouring rain,” she said. “They expect a lot from each other and aren’t afraid to push one another to rise to the occasion. To win the national championship in St. Louis is the culmination of years of dedication by the athletes and their families, day in and day out. It is a special team, and the best is yet to come.”
For more information about South Shore Select, go to https://selectma.com/.
South Shore Select is holding specific tryouts for boys and girls with birth years 2017-2011 as follows:
- Saturday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at South Shore Sports Center, Hingham;
- Tuesday, Sept. 26, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at South Shore Sports Center, Hingham.
“Our future is bright with the successes we have had with our teams, and being one of the most prestigious clubs, we are always looking for more talented players,” Hamilton said.