The most recent guest on The Base Path Podcast has established one of the top programs in Massachusetts at a public school in the Hockomock League. Franklin High head coach Zach Brown joined co-hosts Dan Guttenplan and Matt Feld in-studio to share his philosophy for building a public school powerhouse.
“Our youth programs are outstanding,” Brown said. “They’re actually very competitive. So, I think that environment has allowed those kids to flourish when they get to high school. Then once they get to high school, I think we have a great foundation and a great plan in place for development.”
Brown led Franklin to a Super 8 state championship in 2018 and seems to have the Panthers in the mix for a state championship every year. Over his 10 years as head coach, he has made Franklin a hotbed for D1 recruiting among New England programs.
“I still believe that there’s a fit out there for everybody, and there’s a way to make it happen,” Brown said. “I think social media sometimes adds a layer of pressure. Either a student-athlete or a family sees a player commit and then they’re feeling more anxious. There are a bunch of different avenues to make it a reality. If the desire is there and the drive is there, then there’s a way to make it.”
