On Thursday, May 26, 2016, Springfield seniors Marley Berger and Brianna Buckley were recognized for committing to continue their field hockey careers at the collegiate level. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery.
“Marley and Brianna were captains, and they were very good leaders,” coach Linda Nixon said. “They’ve been friends forever.
“Brianna’s sister, Alyssa Buckley, played field hockey at Widener, and the two families would go to watch Alyssa’s games and take the girls when they were underclassmen. I really think that was not only an inspiration but also a real growing experience for both of them.
“I hope both of them have a great time playing college. They were such good teammates. We don’t have a cast of thousands to choose from, and they just really rose to the top because of their own willpower.”
Marley Berger – Albright College (Field Hockey)
Major: Secondary Education
Final list of colleges: Albright, Millersville
Reasons for choosing Albright: “The moment I stepped onto campus I knew it was the place for me. The amazing academics that are offered made my decision much easier.”
What was the progression that led you to playing field hockey at the collegiate level? “Ever since I began to play when I was little, I always knew I wanted to play in college. I started looking at colleges in the middle of my freshman year, and ever since, I just fell in love with everything about it.”
Coach Linda Nixon says: ““Marley was our center back, our up back, and she really could control the game directionally because she had really good passing skills and really good vision on the field. Marley can be really quick, and she was one of our corner shooters and scored goals for us.
“Marley and Brianna, who were our captains, both have asthma, and they fought their way through that. They both could carry the ball, and they both could distribute the ball. They talked a lot while they were playing. They supported everyone else really well.”
About Marley:
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite movie: The Best of Me
Favorite music: Everything
Brianna Buckley – Alvernia College (Field Hockey)
Coach Linda Nixon says: “Brianna played (defensive) back, and she was our flier on corners and did a fabulous job in a very tough position. She developed her stick work over the years and really worked on her drive and really did a super job of getting the ball up to the offense. I think she really understands the game. She coached in the Wissahickon Recreation Association and is always willing to share with the younger players.”
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