On May 24, 2018, Neshaminy seniors Nicole Palmer, Jackie Ziegler and Fiona McDonald were recognized for committing to continue their soccer careers at the collegiate level. (Photos provided by Neshaminy girls’ soccer)
Neshaminy girls’ soccer had a magical year, advancing to the PIAA 4A Finals in Hershey. The team worked hard through a slow start and caught fire at the end of the season, focusing on one game at a time. Led by a passionate and dedicated group of seniors, the 2017 season will be one that has created life-lasting memories for all.
Fiona McDonald – Juniata College (Soccer)
Major: Occupational Therapy
Final list of colleges: Juniata College, Susquehanna University, McDaniel College
Reasons for choosing Juniata: “I selected Juniata because it felt the most like home to me and the academics are great for what I want to do in the future.”
What was the progression that led you to playing soccer at the collegiate level? “My recruiting process started the summer going into my junior year when I went to my first ID camp. I’ve always wanted to play soccer in college, and as I saw my brother go off to play, that’s when I knew I wanted to continue my soccer career. I’ve always loved being part of a team and competing and I look forward to doing that for four more years.”
About Fiona:
Favorite food: Chicken Fingers
Favorite movie: Legally Blonde
Favorite music: Pop Music
“Fiona was one of the most tenacious and aggressive players on the team. When she was on the field, she gave it her all the entire time. She was never afraid to go after head balls and won a lot of the 50/50 balls in the middle for us. Fiona contributed to the team whenever and wherever we needed her without question. She added a spark every time she stepped on the field that was contagious. We will miss her smile and intensity. Juniata is getting a very hardworking athlete that will always give everything she has for the team.”
Nicole Palmer – Morehead State University (Soccer)
Major: Elementary and Special Education
Final list of colleges: Morehead State University, UMBC, Mount Saint Mary’s University, University of Delaware
Reasons for selecting Morehead State: “I selected Morehead State because the coaches were very welcoming, all the girls on the team were super nice, they have great facilities and I had a great opportunity to play.”
What was the progression that led you to playing soccer at the collegiate level? “Ever since I was little I wanted to play soccer for my entire life but I started thinking about playing at the collegiate level when my brother was going through his recruiting process for football. So around 8th grade I started getting really serious about it. The recruiting processed started in the beginning of my sophomore year.”
About Nicole:
Favorite food: Zucchini
Favorite movie: Taken
Favorite music: Twenty One Pilots
“Nicole was one of the 2017 defensive captains. She was the anchor of our defense. Her calm aggressiveness and focus in the most frantic of situations was the key driver behind the success our defense had this year. Nicole’s ability to plug up the middle and direct and organize the backline will be a gap that we will be looking to our younger players to fill. We will miss her quiet but stern demeanor as a strong leader for the team. Morehead State is very lucky to be bringing on such a talented and dedicated player. She will represent Pennsylvania well.”
Jackie Ziegler – Holy Family University (Soccer)
Major: Nursing – specializing in Anesthesiology
Final list of colleges: Holy Family University, Philadelphia University, West Chester University, Bloomsburg University
Reasons for choosing Holy Family: “For me it really came down to academics. Academics have always been important to me, and the Nursing program at Holy Family is excellent. In addition, the close to home location really added to the pros of picking Holy Family.”
What was the progression that led you to playing soccer at the collegiate level? “Ever since I was a little girl I imagined playing soccer my entire life. Although realizing that I can't play forever, I also can't imagine the end of my career being anytime soon. So, for the true love I have of the game, I just knew I had to play in some form or another in college.”
About Jackie:
Favorite food: Peppers
Favorite movie: Harry Potter Series
Favorite music: The Struts
“Jackie was the offensive captain in 2017. Her great speed and agility made her a difficult player to contain. She was a playmaker for us offensively as well as recovering back to make big plays defensively. Jackie’s ability to service the ball with pinpoint accuracy put us in position for many scoring opportunities. Whether it was on set corner plays or delivering a served ball in motion from the outside into the box, Jackie would always strike the ball with strength and precision. We will miss the way she led by example and Holy Family is very lucky to be getting such a versatile athlete.”
- Log in to post comments
