Players from CR North, William Tennent, Upper Moreland & Wissahickon are featured in this week’s Bergey’s Inc Highlighting. The players are selected by nomination of their coaches.
Bergey’s Inc.
Highlighting…SOL Field Hockey Players
This recognition is sponsored by Bergey’s Inc. Athletes are chosen based on nomination of coaches.
Bergey’s Inc. National Conference Highlighted Player
Niyah Rhoades, William Tennent Senior
Note from the coach:.
“Niyah has a remarkable story and outlook on life,” coach Kaitlyn Rauchut said. “As Niyah gets older and more advanced within the game, she understands the game more and her tactical awareness has evolved immensely. While not only being humble, outgoing, polite and encouraging, her athleticism cannot go unseen on the field. She has constructed moments that seemed impossible without witnessing them and remain somewhat implausible even with proof. She is a leader on the field. Niyah is willing to push herself offensively and defensively at all cost on the field. I am truly inspired by Niyah’s efforts on and off the field. She is the senior class president, a member of National Honor Society, volunteers in the community, varsity track member, and participates in multiple clubs.”
About Niyah:
Best field hockey memory: “My junior year I dove along the baseline for a missed shot and broke my finger and passed it to a teammate and we scored! It was such a cool moment!”
Part of game I enjoy most: “The part of the game I enjoy the most is playing on the field in an intense game, hustling with my team. There’s no feeling like it.”
How did you get involved in hockey? “I got involved in hockey because in eighth grade my gym teacher begged me to come out for the team. I really didn’t want to and had no interest in the sport. I really should thank her because hockey has been such a great part of my life.”
My role model is: “My role model is Ellen Degeneres because she’s making a living out of making people laugh and making people happy, and I respect her so much for that.”
Music on iPod: “Music hands down is the most important part of my life. My absolute favorite artists are Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Twenty One Pilots, The Fray, Kings of Leon, The Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, and, of course, the Beatles.”
Favorite food: “My favorite food is tough because I like all of it, but I’m going to go with homemade mashed potatoes.”
Favorite class: “My favorite class is English because I love to read!”
Future plans: “My future plan is to go to the University of Pittsburgh to major in neuroscience and follow the career path of an occupational therapist.”
Four people – dead or alive – I’d invite to a dinner party: “If I could have dinner with four famous people, it would be Teddy Roosevelt because he’s my favorite president, Ellen Degeneres because she would make me laugh, Ryan Gosling because I think he’s really good looking, and Tyler Joseph because he’s the lead singer of Twenty One Pilots, and I’d love to hear what he has to say about his music!”
Bergey’s Inc. National Conference Highlighted Player
Julianne Mangano, Council Rock North Senior, Right Mid
Note from the coach:
“Julianne works really hard on getting better at hockey each and every year,” coach Heather Whalin said. “She’s started for me since she was a freshman, and she plays year round for Mystics and is looking to play D-1 and has a couple of schools she’s looking at. She’s a really good outside player – she knows how to use the field, she knows how to use the sideline, and she has a fantastic drive, which has scored her a bunch of goals on offense, but what I like about her the best is that she’s our assist leader this year. She had seven assists in a game last week, and she’s not an inserter on corners. You can’t score a goal without having someone get you the ball, and she’s been doing that a lot this year.”
About Julianne:
Best memory playing high school hockey: “My best field hockey memory happened last year as a sophomore. We were playing Neshaminy, which is always intense. When we scored we got so excited that we all rushed to hug each other, knocking over the net. This is by far my favorite memory because I got to experience it with all my sisters and it just shows how much we all love each other.”
Part of game I enjoy most: “My favorite part of the game is being able to practice and play with my teammates everyday. I never thought I could become so close with a group of girls as I have this team; I consider crnfh to be like my second family.”
How did you get involved in hockey? “I started playing field hockey in third grade in a small league called DAA because my sister started playing. In middle school, I joined my club called Mystx, and that’s where I learned to love the game.”
My role model is: “My role model is definitely my mom. She does so much for me and supports me through everything. I will always look up to her.”
Music on iPod: “I listen to all types of music…a little High School Musical never killed nobody!”
Favorite food: “All things peanut butter!”
Favorite class: “My favorite class I’ve taken so far in high school was biology freshman year; the sciences have always interested me.”
Future plans: “I hope to continue playing field hockey in college and am considering going pre-vet.”
Four people – dead or alive - I’d invite to a dinner party: “I would invite two of my all-time favorite authors – JK Rowling and Cassandra Clare, Walt Disney and Bethany Hamilton.”
Bergey’s Inc. American Conference Highlighted Player
Delaney Smith, Upper Moreland Senior, Left Mid 
Note from the coach:
“Delaney is one of our team's tri-captains,” coach Karen Grossi said. “She is constantly looking and working to improve her game and her stick skills. She's respected by her teammates and always makes a huge positive impact on the field. Delaney plays pivotal roles on both our offensive and defensive corners.”
About Delaney:
Best memory playing field hockey: “Although we didn't win, it was playing on our home field against Wissahickon last year. We went into overtime and eventually tied 1-1. Most intense and fun game I have ever played and I got to share it with the best teammates in the world.”
Part of the game I enjoy the most: “Watching my teammates score!!”
How did you get involved in hockey? “I’ve always enjoyed sports, so I decided to try out in seventh grade.”
My role model is: My Mom – Linda Smith
Music on iPod: “Basically everything, but I do love to jam to some Taylor Swift.”
Favorite food: Chipotle Burritos
Favorite class: Psychology
Future plans: “Hopefully attend Temple University to become a physical therapist or something with sports medicine.”
Four people – dead or alive – I’d invite to a dinner party: Leonardo Dicaprio, Johnny Depp, Shakira and Kit Harington
Bergey’s Inc. American Conference Highlighted Player
Claire Tarzia, Wissahickon Senior, Goalie
Note from the coach:
“Claire has been our goalkeeper for four years,” coach Lucy Gil said. “She had a rough time last year after receiving a very serious concussion, but she worked hard to get back to her old self and is having a great year. Claire personifies determination and hard work. She runs on her own and keeps in top shape. Even though she is an amazing athlete, I would say that her spirit is what really impresses. She is kind and cheerful and always playful – a great person to have on our team.”
About Claire:
Best memory playing field hockey: “My freshman year I was halfway through the first week of preseason, and coach Gil had asked me if I wanted to be a goalie, so I decided to suit up just for fun. She took about 10 shots on me, and I stopped every one. That was the day I became a goalie.”
Part of the game I enjoy the most: “In the beginning of every game, the starting lineup does a ‘baby team’ huddle, and we all get together on the field before we start. Everyone usually says a few words of motivation to get us pumped. I love the feeling of being surrounded by my teammates.”
How did you get involved in hockey? “I have been playing field hockey for as long as I can remember. I started WRA field hockey in second grade.”
My role model is: “The athletic trainer at Wissahickon, Mr. Rooney, because he has taught me so many things about caring for people and injuries and taken care of my countless injuries over the past three years.”
Music on iPod: “Everything. I like all types of music, and my iPod is a mash-up of it all.”
Favorite food: ANYTHING CHOCOLATE!
Favorite class: “AP US History my junior year with Mr. Mulherin was my favorite course because the teacher inspired me in something that I hadn’t found an interest in before.”
Future plans: “I intend to attend college and pursue a career in health care. Hopefully, I will be able to continue my field hockey career as well.”
Four people – dead or alive – I’d invite to a dinner party: I would invite Sigmund Freud, Amelia Earhart, the Dalai Lama and Ellen Degeneres.
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