On Friday, April 14, 2023, Upper Moreland seniors Alexa Marczak & Jenna Piantieri were recognized for committing to continue their field hockey careers at the collegiate level. (Photos provided courtesy of Upper Moreland HS)
Alexa Marczak – Immaculata University (Field Hockey)
Major: Nursing
Final list of colleges: Immaculata, Alvernia, Misericordia, Holy Family
Reasons for choosing Immaculata: “I really loved the campus, and I got to know a lot of people there before I visited because I knew people from my high school that went there. I loved the coach, and I really liked the area.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in field hockey at the collegiate level? “Over the summer before my senior year is when I really knew I wanted to play past high school. I started reaching out to schools probably in June before my senior year, and after that is when it all came together.”
Coach Marissa Elizardo says: “Within the team, Alexa was affectionately known as the jab queen. Alexa has a lot of patience and plays great 1v1 defense. Alexa has the ability to play anywhere on the field. She forces turnovers in the midfield and generates opportunities on attack. Alexa always found a way to lighten the mood and keep practices fun. Her positive attitude and sense of humor are going to make her a great addition to the team at Immaculata. As a captain this year, Alexa was the person a lot of our younger players turned to when they wanted advice or someone to talk to. I’m so happy that Alexa will be able to continue playing at Immaculata while pursuing a degree in nursing.”
About Alexa:
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite TV show: Grey’s Anatomy
Favorite artist: Harry Styles
Jenna Piantieri – Stevens Institute of Technology (Field Hockey)
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Final list of colleges: Stevens Institute of Technology, Arcardia
Reasons for choosing Stevens Institute: “I really liked the team culture, and once I stepped on campus, it felt right. The major choice was a big factor – it was pretty perfect for that. The team had similar majors. I felt like I could fit in really well. I also liked the location – just everything.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in field hockey at the collegiate level? “I always loved the sport, and when I got into my junior year, I had a setback, and it really made me push myself harder, and I realized I really wanted to prove myself that I could play in college.”
Coach Marissa Elizardo says: “Jenna loves field hockey. Plain and simple, she just loves the sport. Each year Jenna’s skills, confidence, and leadership have grown. Jenna was one of our captains this year. While she always leads by example, Jenna stepped up and took on a more vocal role this year. Jenna was the player that other players would go to when they wanted help with learning or working on a new skill. I am so excited for Jenna to be able to continue playing field hockey at the next level. Jenna works incredibly hard both on and off the field. She has great stick work and speed. I think Stevens is a great fit for her both academically and athletically. I know that her knowledge of the game and work ethic will make her an asset to the program at Stevens.”
About Jenna:
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite TV show: That ‘70s Show
Favorite artist: Fleetwood Mac
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