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12/19/2018 11:00 PMCaitlin May established herself as a versatile athlete for the North Branford girls’ soccer squad. Caitlin typically suited up as a central midfielder, but helped out the T-Birds in a multitude of ways throughout her career. During the recent season, the senior captain was even called upon to step into the net to play goalie for North Branford.
“It actually happened in one of our first games this season, when [starting goalkeeper Allie Augur] was hurt. We needed somebody to step up and take her place, so coach put me in, because he knew I had experience playing goalie with my Premier team,” Caitlin says. “I don’t have one position I particularly like, but I think it’s an asset to play multiple positions. I think it gives me different perspectives and makes the game easier to see. For example, it’s easier for me to predict what a goalie is going to do while I’m playing center mid, so it helped me approach the game a different way.”
One of Caitlin’s biggest attributes for North Branford was her ability to use her head—literally. Caitlin scored six goals off of headers this year, including the game-winner during the Thunderbirds’ 1-0 victory over Law in the first round of the Class M State Tournament.
“That was a big goal for us,” says Caitlin. “It helped us advance in the State Tournament.”
Head Coach Pat Kozloski loves the fact that Caitlin isn’t afraid to attack the ball head-on. Kozloski says Caitlin’s approach inspired other players on the team to implement that same strategy into their repertoires.
“Her ability to win balls in the air is really amazing. It helps our team out so much when we’re able to win the ball properly, and I think Caitlin’s ability really was infectious for the team. As players started to see her win the ball and the impact it made on our team, we started to see other players use their heads, too,” says Coach Kozloski. “It’s an important part of the game, and she has good technique. She certainly prides herself on that, and she has a knack for finding the ball at the back post and putting it home. It’s awesome to see.”
Caitlin was selected as one of North Branford’s four captains for the recent season, and she didn’t take her leadership role lightly. One of the biggest things Caitlin emphasized was that the T-Birds were always communicating effectively on the field.
“For me, it was an honor to be chosen as one of four captains this year. A lot of responsibility and leadership comes with it, but my teammates made it easy for me, because they’re an amazing group of girls,” she says. “I think communication is one of the most critical parts of the game. Being able to communicate allows you to work with people, and has been an asset for me on the field.”
One of Cailtin’s proudest moments at North Branford came during her junior season, when the Thunderbirds claimed the Shoreline Conference title. Caitlin and company achieved that feat by posting a 2-1 revenge victory versus Old Lyme in the final of the Shoreline Tournament.
“Against Old Lyme, we lost in the championship our sophomore year, so coming into junior year, we wanted to work and make it back to beat Old Lyme. When we did, it was amazing,” says Caitlin. “I’ll never forget that game. It meant the world to us to have that experience. I still have the picture of us holding up our trophy on my mirror. It was an incredible experience.”
Aside from soccer, Caitlin competes on the North Branford girls’ indoor track team. Caitlin uses her stamina from soccer to run the 600, the 1,600, and the 4x800 relay for the Thunderbirds.
“I like running, because it’s a great way to relieve stress, and it’s healthy,” says Caitlin. “I think I’m just in generally inclined to longer distance events, and soccer has prepared me for that. Playing center mid, it was easy for me to gain endurance and easier for me to run those long-distance races.”
Caitlin wants to continue playing soccer after she graduates from North Branford. Caitlin has been in contact with a few college coaches and plans to continue patrolling the pitch one way or the other.
“I intend to play soccer. We’ll see what happens. It will impact my final decision,” says Caitlin. “I’ve played the sport for so long, I just can’t image giving it up. So, it’s been an active search.”