Bergey's Highlighting SOL Field Hockey Players (10-15-14)

Players from CR South, Hatboro-Horsham and North Penn are featured in the third Bergey’s Inc Highlighting.

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
Kayla Nitka, Council Rock South
The senior sweeper anchors the Golden Hawks’ defense.
Note from the coach:.
“This is Kayla's first year as a varsity starter, however, she seems like a veteran,” coach Lisa Belz said. “She has tallied six defensive saves so far and proved herself to be an amazing sweeper.  Kayla is an outstanding student-athlete with accomplishments in the classroom as well as on the playing field.  She always has a positive attitude and is willing to go above and beyond to improve as a player and a teammate.  She is a true team player and one of the most coachable players that has ever gone through this program.”
About Kayla:
Best memory playing high school hockey: “My best memory playing high school field hockey would definitely be a major game against our team’s rival, Council Rock North, during my junior year. It was our last league game, and it was a battle between both teams for the league championship. Though my team is always extremely pumped for our games against our strong opponents, the adrenaline running through us during this game was at a level beyond anything I’ve ever seen before. It was a night game located in a turf stadium filled with fans from both teams, and both teams knew what the goal was: to walk off that field with the gold. With only 1:29 left, we had the lead with a score of 2-1, but as that clock hit 1:28, North managed to sneak in a shot and tie the game with not much longer to avoid going into a strenuous overtime. Time eventually ran out and the two teams were still in a knot. Our team still had hope. We knew how we wanted the game to end, and we walked back onto that field for overtime with our heads on straight and focused. With six minutes tallied into overtime, I heard a glorious sound. A sound I still clearly remember today. It was a hard ‘knock’ against a piece of wood. It was the sound the ball made when it hit the backboard of Council Rock North’s cage. The field, the sideline, and the bleachers were all dead silent when that ball flew in, but as soon as the whistle was blown by the referee, that dead silence transformed into a giant roar with everyone screaming “YEAHHH SOUTH!” We all ran into the center of the field, into a pit full of sweaty jerseys and tears of happiness. We did it. Council Rock South, our team, achieved our goal: to be league champions. This moment is not just one of my favorite field hockey memories, but it is one of my favorite moments within my lifetime. I will forever look back at this memory and continue to tell this story of the time our team achieved what we once thought was the unthinkable.” 
Part of game I enjoy most: “I enjoy the initial face-off at the start of the game the most. It sets the whole tone of the game and determines the level of communication my team and I have with each other through our first transitional passes.”
How did you get involved in hockey? “Both my mom and my older sister grew up playing field hockey, so I was highly encouraged to try it out. I started in seventh grade, and have developed an increased love for it ever since.”
My role model is: “Definitely my older sister, Lynda, both on and off the field. She is currently a starting player on the Northeastern University Club Field Hockey Team, which has recently taken fourth place in nationals. While encouraging me to always work my hardest on the field, she has also influenced me in my studies and pursuits. She has taught me that as long as I work my hardest, I can achieve anything.”
Music on iPod:  “I listen to anything, from metal to folk to dubstep. It all depends on what my mood is at the moment. Before a game, I may pump myself up with some harsh metal to get my adrenaline running, and some dubstep to get my mind racing. After a stressful day, I may cool down with some acoustic music, or maybe some indie. Overall, the most played artist on my iPod is the band Imagine Dragons. They are my all-time favorite.”
Favorite food:  “My favorite food would have to be buffalo chicken dip. Homemade and fresh out of the oven, it is great to dip into with some fresh celery or some crunchy Tostito chips. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!”
Favorite class:  “Psychology is my favorite class. I find it so interesting to learn about how the mind works and the reasoning behind the behavior of human beings. I hope to pursue an interest in it in my future.”
Future plans:  “I hope to attend college at either The University of North Carolina or Hamilton College and major in psychology. I want to stay involved with field hockey and participate in a club team at whichever university I attend. Further in my future, I’d like to have a big family, just like my very own.”
If you could invite four famous people – dead or alive – to a dinner party, who would they be?  “I would invite Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey, Neil Armstrong, and Jason Mraz. All four of these people definitely do not fit under one similar category, but all of them are known for pursuing their dreams and working hard for it. Each of them has their own unique story and journey on how they have risen to their success, and I would find it so interesting to sit down with each and every one of them to hear about it. I would want to receive advice from each of them in regards to my aim towards accomplishing my own dreams in the future.”

Bergey’s Inc. Continental Conference Highlighted Player
Amanda Lashkevich
The senior midfielder contributes at both ends of the field for the Maidens.
Note from the coach:
“Amanda is a player and person that I am extremely proud of,” coach Shannon McCracken said. “She has blossomed as a field hockey player and leader on the field in the last two years. Amanda has worked extremely hard to master skills as a player and worked on her fitness and strength in the offseason. She is coachable and is willing to improve everyday at practice and in games by asking questions and accepting criticism. Amanda is a great athlete who is aggressive on the field and wants to win the ball. She is a great teammate to be around because she is encouraging and has a great personality. I am excited for what her future holds because she has seen that hard work does pay off.”
About Amanda:
Best memory playing high school hockey: “My best memory is when we went up against Downingtown West again this season. We were losing 2-0 at halftime but then pulled together and beat them in overtime. It was a great feeling, especially since they were the team that knocked us out of playoffs last year. It just proved a lot to our team because we became aware that anything is possible.”
Part of game I enjoy most:  “I love so many things about this game. I love the start of the second half because by this time, all the ‘before game jitters’ are gone. And just knowing you have another 30 minutes to give it your all, no matter what the score is. It gives you an adrenaline rush because a lot can happen in 30 minutes; it is just a matter of making it happen. I also love the excitement after my team scores a goal. We always come together and hug one another, and it just is a great feeling knowing how close my team is. My team is important to me, and I love that this game has given that to me. It is like the 11 sisters I have never had type of thing when we are out there on the field together.”
How did you get involved in hockey?  “I did not start playing until middle school. I never really had an interest in it until my two friends talked me into it. Amanda Laessig and Casey O’Donnell got me to try it, and I began to like it. I got more into it especially at the high school level, and it became something that I loved doing. Amanda and Casey spent time to help me, and through this, they have become my best friends. Now, it is great knowing that these two are out there on the field with me because they are the ones who tell me I can when I think I cannot, and I know they are there to have my back. They have helped me come such a long way.”
My role model is:  “Both my parents are my role models. Since they are my parents, I have seen them at their strongest and weakest times, especially my dad who has been dealing with a broken leg and wound vac for the past four months. However, he still finds a way to smile every day. I have seen both my mom and dad overcome these times too. From that, they have set examples for me, and being a teenage girl, I definitely go through these times too, but they are the ones I think of when I’m weak, and the ones I think of when I’m strong. They have pushed me to follow my heart and they are the ones there to give me that extra boost when I really need it. They have taught me that things may not always go my way, but that is okay because there is going to be a tomorrow.”
Music on iPod: “My music varies depending on my mood. My go to is The Fray, but I always like to add in a little country, Dave Matthews Band, or even Eminem. I will also always have a little spot in my heart for my girl Hilary Duff.”
Favorite food:  Shrimp
Favorite class: “Either math or any writing class. I love to write.”
Future plans:  “Go to college and major in early education, and minor in special education. I also want to play club field hockey or at the Division III level.”
If you could invite four famous people – dead or alive – to a dinner party, who would they be?  “I would probably invite Miley Cyrus to encourage her to go back to the way she was. Also, Shemar Moore who plays Derek Morgan in Criminal Minds because I always loved him and that show. Maybe Shakira so she can teach me some of her dance moves. Lastly, I would invite my grandmother, Cecilia Coffield, because even though she isn’t famous, she should be. She has been there for me through everything and is always willing to have a good time. She would be everyone’s biggest fan if she could. Most importantly, she has the biggest heart I know, so she should definitely be at this dinner party.”

Bergey’s Inc. Continental Conference Highlighted Player
Jaime DiQuattro – Hatboro-Horsham
The senior midfielder is a two-year starter after switching from soccer to field hockey as a sophomore.
Note from the coach: 
"Jaime was an unsung hero for us last season in districts and states,” coach Laura Swezey said. “We gave Jaime the task of marking top level players on opposing teams, and she came up big! We knew with Jaime's soccer skills in marking (she’s a converted soccer player to field hockey in 10th grade) along with her speed and tenacity she would be the perfect fit! This year Jaime has marked a couple of opponents but her stick skills and IQ for the game have matured so much that she has become a presence on the field carrying the ball and scoring.  Jaime is such a pleasure to coach. She just keeps getting better and better!"
About Jaime:
Best memory playing high school hockey:  “Growing closer and closer as a team as we went into states and advanced further than we ever thought we could have as underdogs.”
Part of game I enjoy most:  “My favorite part of the game is the team aspect. We lose together. We tie together. We win together. Instead of putting each other down when we are having an off game, we pick each other up in order to accomplish our common goal: to do our very best as a team.”
How did you get involved in hockey?  “I have been best friends with Casey Swezey since sixth grade, and if you know the Swezey family, you know that means you’re part of their family. In eighth grade, Casey and Coach Swezey convinced me to pick up the stick and try to play a year in middle school. I played soccer my first year of high school and then decided to step out of my comfort zone and try to pick up the stick again even though I only had a season under my belt. Ever since my late start, I have become part of the HH field hockey family, and I am so utterly thankful for the Swezey family for presenting me with that opportunity.”
My role model is:  “My mother who is the most incredible woman who I have been blessed to have in my life.”
Music on iPod:  “I only have Pandora… I don’t have the patience to sit down and download music onto my phone!”
Favorite food: Anything Chinese!
Favorite class: AP Calculus
Future plans: Major in mechanical engineering and pursue a job as a senior estimator
If you could invite four famous people – dead or alive – to a dinner party, who would they be?  “Isaac Newton (he is the father of calculus and physics… this dude’s pretty smart), Michelle Obama (to discuss these new school lunches), Jennifer Lawrence (she doesn’t care about what society expects), and Cristiano Ronaldo (because he is a beautiful man).”