Star player taking to shift as head coach

She was a star soccer player at Framingham High in the early 1990s. Then she played at the highest level in college, for the powerhouse University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After that came a stint in the professional ranks, then some college assistant coaching gigs.

This year, however, was unlike any other for 30-year-old Sarah Dacey.

Having recently put the finishing touches on her first year as head coach of women's soccer at Babson College in Wellesley, Dacey said she has a new appreciation for the lead job.

''It was everything I expected in terms of it being an awesome job, but what I didn't realize was how exhausting being a head coach can be," she said. ''It's a four-month ride and when it's over, you kind of crash and burn."

Despite several injuries, Babson finished 9-7-2 this fall, a season Dacey said was a learning experience for all concerned.

''It was a complete challenge for them and for me," she said. ''They had to get used to my personality, how I coach, and what my expectations were. And for me, it was new coaching at this level," Division 3.

When dealing with expectations, Dacey often used the word ''mentality" with players.

''I'm huge on effort; I want players to be tough and I'd like us to be a blue-collar team that others don't want to play because we're tough and feisty," she said. ''Fitness is another thing we're incorporating. This is a tough game. You have to be fit, and also be mentally tough. Everyone is going to improve technically over the course of the season, so it's all about mentality."

Often, she would incorporate lessons or drills taught by her college coach, UNC's Anson Dorrance.

''He was basically the best coach I ever had, a brilliant man, motivational," she said.

Other times, Dacey would consult Boston College women's coach Alison Foley. ''She's a great friend and a great resource. If there were any issues I was having trouble with, I'd talk to her extensively."

Dacey, who said she also was fortunate to bounce ideas off Babson's former coach, acting athletic director Judy Blinstrub, found the difference between being an assistant coach and head coach profound, particularly when relating to the players. She had previously been an assistant at the University of Tennessee, Boston College, and Providence College.

''As an assistant coach, it's easier to kick back, and you can take a role of being their friend," she said. ''It's not like that as a head coach. I felt like I had to be 'on' a lot of the time. It's sort of finding that balance between pushing them but making sure they respect and like you. I think that's important to make it work."

Dacey has been hard at work recruiting, which is a crucial component for any successful college program. In addition to attending several high school games and tournaments this fall, she also plans to coach an under-17 club team in the spring.

''Ultimately, I'd like us to be one of the top programs in Division 3," she said. ''I'd like to think we can do that by working hard, having fun, and enjoying the experience. To me, the important thing is the girls enjoying the experience. I'm already excited for next season."