Bergey’s Buick GMC
Highlighting…SOL Field Hockey Players
This recognition is sponsored by Bergey’s Buick GMC. Athletes are chosen based on nomination of coaches.
Bergey’s Buick GMC National Conference Highlighted Player
Alyssa Mangano – Senior at Council Rock North High School
The senior captain is the lone returning starter in the Indians’ defense. A two-year varsity starter, Mangano plays center back and anchors a defensive unit that has not allowed a goal in SOL National Conference play.
Note from the coach:
“It doesn’t show up in the newspapers what the defense does, but Alyssa is one of the main reasons we have not been scored on within the division,” coach Heather Whalin said. “She’s a solid defender, and she’s getting more comfortable with her position. She’s even pushing up on offense to relieve some of the pressure of Alex Kuzma playing center mid. She’s been very consistent. She’s on corner defense for us. She’s a quiet, confident player who is always smiling. She’s always positive and always giving everybody their just due.”
About Alyssa:
Best field hockey memory: “Making it to the quarterfinals in states my sophomore year.”
Part of game I enjoy most: “Being able to hang out with my best friends every day. They are all so great and always make me laugh.”
My role models are: My Parents
Music that gets me pumped before games: “Waka Waka,” “Lose Yourself,” “Lip Gloss”
Favorite food: My mom’s homemade chili
Favorite TV show: Friends
Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate
Bergey’s Buick GMC Continental Conference Highlighted Player
Tabatha Almond –Senior at Souderton Area High School
Almond, a senior captain, made the transition from defense to the midfield this season. She has been not only a key to the Indians’ transition game but has been instrumental in setting up goals.
Note from the coach:
“Tabatha is a very positive athlete with a lot of heart and love for the game and her teammates,” coach Lauren Whiteside said. “She can be heard on the field encouraging her teammates and leading by example. Tabatha is a natural athlete with hustle and drive. We can always count on her speed in the midfield, and she is a huge part of our passing and transition game. Last year, she played defense for us, and this year – because of graduation and positioning – we moved her to play midfield, and I think she enjoys it more! She made the transition very smoothly and without hesitation. She still has that defensive mindset but can really work the ball on offense. She is extremely versatile and will do whatever is best for the team. Tabatha is always looking to better herself to be the best she can be. We are lucky to have an athlete and leader like Tabatha on our team this year.”
About Tabatha:
Best memory playing field hockey: “My favorite memory would have to be beating North Penn my junior year. We went in as the underdogs knowing that North Penn always comes out strong. We beat them 3-1. It was such an exciting game, and I am so glad I got to play and be a part of it.”
Part of the game I enjoy most: “My favorite part of the game is definitely making a good play and helping out my teammates. It always feel great when you know all your hard work pays off.”
My role model is: “My mom. She is always there for me and always knows the right thing to say. She taught me to never give up and to always play my hardest.”
Music that gets me pumped before games: “I like a lot of ‘pop’ music. We have a great warm-up CD this year, and it always gets me pumped up before games.”
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite TV show: Teen Wolf
Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate, for sure!
Bergey’s Buick GMC American Conference Highlighted Player
Emily Gallagher – Senior at Wissahickon High School
Gallagher is a four-year varsity player who is co-captain of this year’s squad. A talented striker, Gallagher last year scored 33 goals for the Trojans. She also plays for a top WC Eagles club squad that has won several titles, including National Hockey Festival, NIT’s and club championship. She also was selected to play in China this summer with her squad.
Note from the coach:
“Emily is not only a gifted field hockey player but a kind, determined and courageous young lady,” coach Lucy Gil said. “Because she is soft-spoken and unassuming, she is sometimes overlooked by outsiders, but her leadership comes from the example she sets for others as she is the first one on the field and last one off. I often see her teaching younger players a new skill or shooting at the goalkeepers on water breaks. She excels because she works at it, but what makes her different is that she brings everyone else along for the ride!”
About Emily:
Best memory playing field hockey: “Traveling to China and playing in the finals of the Chinese National Championship.”
Part of the game I enjoy the most: “The teamwork it takes to win a game.”
My role model is: Bethany Hamilton
Favorite TV show: The 70’s Show
Chocolate or vanilla: Vanilla
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