Right now, Oliver Ames has two teams ranked first in the division 2 MIAA power rankings, soccer and volleyball. Oliver Ames boys soccer is yet again dominating this season. Boys soccer is currently 9-0-3. With this record, they find themselves ranked first in the MIAA power rankings in division 2.
Head coach of the boys soccer team John Barata credits their recent success to multiple factors.
“Our success has come from a combination of commitment, culture, and collective effort. These players have truly bought into the idea that it’s about the team first. They train hard, they care about one another, and they hold each other accountable every single day. The coaching staff and captains have set a great tone: focused, humble, and driven…. and the group has followed that lead. We also have tremendous support from our families, school community, and alumni who make this program what it is.”
However, he also knows that being ranked the number 1 team might not necessarily guarantee success the rest of the season.
“It’s an honor, no question. But we also know rankings don’t define us…. our daily habits and our character do. Being ranked number one just means we’ve been doing things the right way up to this point, but it’s also a reminder that everyone is coming for us. We try to enjoy it briefly, then get right back to work because the only poll that matters is at the end of the season!”
As they look towards the playoffs and attempt to capture their fourth consecutive state championship, Coach Barata knows that opportunities like that are not common.
“I’m proud…. really proud of how this group has handled the season so far, but our mindset is that the regular season is just one chapter. We want to finish strong, stay healthy, and keep growing as a unit heading into the playoffs. Most importantly, we want to enjoy the journey because seasons like this are special, and these moments don’t last forever.”
Even though they are ranked first, Coach Barata understands that there are always things the team can work on.
“Stay grounded and stay hungry. The challenge is not to protect a ranking…. It’s to keep improving, keep learning, and keep competing with the same intensity we had on Day 1. The boys understand that consistency, focus, and humility are what will carry us through. If we continue to take it one game, one session, one moment at a time, the results will take care of themselves.”
Volleyball is also ranked first in the division 2 MIAA power rankings. They have been perfect this season, currently 14-0 on the season.
