MHS grad was three-sport standout

By Chris Villani

Olivia Baglione said her favorite season at Milford High was her freshman year with the MHS softball team. In addition to putting together some of the best numbers of her career, Baglione said she was impressed with the upperclassmen and the environment they created. It’s something that stuck with her as her career progressed, and she leaves with her coaches saying she is among the best leaders they have seen.

“I felt like, at a young age, I watched my older sister, Caitlyn, and she always led by example,” Baglione said. “And I watched our upperclassmen that first year, and they set a good example for me. I always thought ‘That’s how I want to be, I want to lead by example and support my teammates like they did for me.’’

Milford softball coach Steve DiVitto called Baglione “an incredible leader.”

“The kids always looked to her for answers,” DiVitto said. “That’s the type of kid she is. It made life easier as a coach knowing we had that type of player and individual in our program and in our school.”

Milford Athletic Director Peter Boucher said Baglione is “one of the best leaders and captains I’ve seen in my 35 years of doing this.”

Baglione, who also played soccer and basketball for the Scarlet Hawks, said being a good leader means being positive, no matter the situation.

“Whether you are winning or losing, you have to stay positive and encourage other people to be the same way,” she said.

Leading by example is also crucial, Baglione said.

“If I am not working as hard as I can or not doing what I am supposed to be doing, I can’t expect everyone else to be doing great,” she said.

Baglione is attending UMass-Amherst this fall and plans to major in communications. She is also considering continuing her softball career.

“It’s something I have thought about,” she said. “They have a lot of good club teams. One of my friends plays club softball and she loves it.”

Baglione said she picked UMass in part due to its proximity to Milford, but she is also looking forward to striking out on her own.

“I am excited to meet new people and be out on my own a little bit and take more responsibility,” she said. “It’s a great school."