'I couldn't pass it up.' Former Framingham High softball teammates coaching Flyers together

FRAMINGHAM – A fire drill was hardly an interruption for Kaitlyn Seeto’s instruction. 

The first-year Framingham High softball coach used the time to do some learning for herself. Figuring out problems is nothing new for the math teacher. 

While students were outside during the drill, Seeto noticed that the softball field was under water due to the early-morning thunderstorms that barreled through the area Tuesday. Where to practice? 

The former team MVP and Daily News All-Star took pictures of the grassy areas near the diamond in her search to find a safe space to run drills later that afternoon. The task was among the many new challenges – in addition to arranging transportation and umpires - Seeto faces as she leads a varsity program for the first time. 

“Especially as the head coach, stepping into this role, it’s a lot of: everyone’s coming to you for all of these things,’” she said after Tuesday’s practice. “Organizing all of that is a lot, but it’s all enjoyable. I don’t mind it. Just being able to support the team in this role is exciting.” 

Seeto is assisted by two friendly faces: Jill Jones and Victoria George. The trio played together for Framingham High under Erin Powers before graduating in 2017. They also starred for the Framingham Force, which won a summer league championship in 2013. 

Jones, who played golf for the Flyers as well, has known Seeto since they were 10. They were also teammates for the Senior Poetry Slam at FHS. Team name: Golden Oreos.  

Jones coached the FHS golf team the past two springs before jumping at the chance to join Seeto’s staff.

“I had an amazing time as the varsity coach for golf, but I knew that this was my opportunity to coach with my lifelong best friend,” Jones said. “I can go and coach for any school at any time, but I knew this was going to be my one shot to do this. I couldn’t pass it up.” 

George, who coaches the junior varsity team, grew close to Seeto and Jones in high school and the three helped the Flyers reach the state tournament as seniors. Seven years later, they’re on the same team again. 

“It’s been fun to rekindle and see where life has taken us,” George said. 

The Flyers ended a playoff drought last season, going 11-9 before losing to Beverly in preliminary round of MIAA tournament. They have won just twice this spring, yet the team’s record is but one of many concerns for the new staff. 

“Just being able to connect with these girls,” Jones said. “We all went through this program and we know what it was like to be a girl in high school and how difficult it can be. Just being able to form those bonds with these girls that will last two, three, four years, I think, is big.” 

George acknowledged how her role has changed since her days as an outfielder for the Flyers. 

“That you’re not just a player on the field anymore; you’re someone who is in a leadership position for the girls (that) they look up to and they learn from,” she said. 

When Tuesday’s drills of running bases – albeit on the grass – and hitting a small plastic ball from a teammate’s lob concluded, senior captain Chloe Nestor talked about the team’s fresh start. 

“This year we’re really finding the love for softball,” the shortstop, who hit a home run Monday at Milton, said. “We’re focusing on techniques. Little stuff like that.” 

Pitcher/infielder Kayla Goodridge, also a captain, said the team is learning to mold together the coaching of Powers and the new trio. 

“It’s a good way to take what the old coaches taught us and use that to make a new and improved and inviting environment,” Goodrich said. “I learned a lot from my old coaches and I will take everything that I’ve learned into later life. But it’s nice to have a nice free start and a revamp.” 

Powers, who stepped down after accepting the vice principal role at FHS, is pleased to see her former charges now in charge. 

“It's incredible to see Kaitlyn, Jill, and Victoria take over the program, and it makes me proud to have been their coach,” Powers said. “They created a great legacy with their contributions as players, and now are working together to take the program to the next level in their own way as coaches. I couldn't ask for anything better than that.” 

The Flyer power trio has also attempted to grow a stronger connection to Framingham Youth Softball, instituting a new “Bat Girl” program where a youngster serves in that role during a game and receives a signed ball for their efforts. 

But just as important is helping the varsity grow as individuals. 

“Being able to just introduce them to other aspects of life,” Jones said. “It goes beyond just the game of softball for us. Being able to be there for them off the field too is a really cool aspect of it.” 

Tim Dumas is a multimedia journalist for the Daily News. He can be reached attdumas@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @TimDumas.