On Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, Central Bucks West seniors Kate Weyer and Alexis Castro were recognized for committing to compete in soccer at the collegiate level.
Alexis Castro – McDaniel College (Soccer)
Major: Nursing
Final list of colleges: McDaniel, Ursinus
Reasons for choosing McDaniel: “The environment when I went there to visit, and the players and the coaches just really seemed like a fit for me.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “Ever since I was little, I always wanted to play in college, and obviously,
when I was little I was always like, ‘I’m going to go D1’ and all that, but as I got older, I was like – I don’t want it to be my whole life, but I love soccer, so I a hundred percent wanted to play in college. I love nursing. That’s the one thing that interests me, so I wanted to go D3, so I could focus on that too.”
Coach Bree Benedict says: “Alexis is a great soccer player with an ability to play with the ball on the ground and absolutely dominate the game in the air. Her ability to prevent an opponent from breaking out of their half is unmatched. She provided essential defensive coverage, but also was the first to connect a pass that broke pressure and allowed us to create some rhythm in possession. She has a great balance of soccer IQ and physical play to her game. As a leader, she really led by example with her toughness and grit. AC sets the standard for sacrificing for her team and doing whatever is asked of her to make the team successful. She was a part of a special group of captains that drove a culture of enjoyment and kindness. Alexis will do great things in college on the field and in the classroom, and we are going to miss her owning the air at War Memorial.”
About Alexis:
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite TV show: The Vampire Diaries
Favorite artist: Zach Bryan
Kate Weyer – Virginia Commonwealth University (Soccer)
Major: Health Sciences
Final list of colleges: VCU, William & Mary, Ohio State, Penn State
Reasons for choosing VCU: “They’re really great for academics in what I want to study. Their soccer program is a style of play I really enjoy playing, and the location – I have a lot of family there. The school and city are just beautiful.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “I started playing club in kindergarten, and I always wanted to play. Up
until middle school, I always wanted to play lacrosse in college, but then I moved here. It was clear I wanted to play soccer.”
Coach Bree Benedict says: “Kate is as great a leader as a coach could ask for. On the field, she was our engine. As a high level soccer player, she gave us security all over the field. In a season filled with injuries, Kate stepped up and played absolutely everywhere. She would play striker and score goals, she would play midfield and connect passes and defend, and she would play center back to defend leads or keep shutouts. It is incredibly unique as a player to be able to play multiple positions and impact the game positively from all areas like Kate did. Her passion for the game and her team was infectious to the entire program and that impact will last forever. Nobody works harder than Kate. If she felt like she didn’t get enough touches or was struggling with something on the field, she’d stay after practice for reps or get off the bus from an away game and head straight to Pettine to work on it. Kate’s leadership was strong, kind, and caring, and exactly what this program needed this year. Her character will drive her to success in a highly competitive environment at VCU. Kate the Great crushes it in Black and Gold.”
About Kate:
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite TV show: Gossip Girl
Favorite music: Country
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