On Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, Central Bucks East seniors Grace Craig and Sofia Mignon were recognized for committing to play collegiate soccer.
Grace Craig – Franklin & Marshall College (Soccer)
Major: Psychology or Pre-Law
Reasons for choosing F&M: “Definitely the environment – when I visited, it was just such a welcoming team - the coaches, all the players, and it really felt like home when I went there. It felt like the perfect distance from my own home. It has all the things I’m looking for in terms of academics as well.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “It really was kind of a spur of the moment type decision. I wasn’t really sure if I wanted to play soccer in college. Obviously, for tournaments, I was emailing coaches and considering it, but it wasn’t really on my radar until I came across
Franklin & Marshall, and that’s when I decided I would love to play soccer there.”
Coach Jake Nesteruk says: “Grace Craig is one of the most beloved teammates I have ever coached. Grace brought a new standard of what is expected and what can be accomplished from an outside back. She has brought a contagious positivity to training, a calm voice of leadership in the most difficult games and moments throughout the past two seasons and has always risen to the occasion when we needed her most. She will leave the program with two state appearances, a district final, a key part of the team that did not lose a game at home her senior year, a captain who received all-league honors. Thinking back on her time representing CBEGS, there are two memories that capture her greatness on the field and who she is. While I can absolutely tell you about the laughs and the skills she has lent us, I am reminded of the goal against Spring-Ford her junior year in the first round of playoffs, a goal in a game that ignited one of the most magical runs in the program we have seen. The most special for me is a direct free kick goal to give us the lead and ultimately a tie against nationally ranked Pennridge after starting our season slow with a record of 1-2. Thanks for all of the effort, love, big moments you’ve given our program, Grace. Best of luck at F&M. We are so proud of you, and CBEGS will always be in your corner.”
About Grace:
Favorite food: Pesto Pasta
Favorite movie: 10 Things I Hate About You
Favorite artist: Brent Faiyaz
Sofia Mignon – New Jersey Institute of Technology (Soccer)
Major: Business
Reasons for choosing NJIT: “I went on other visits, and I just knew when I went on the visit to NJIT that it was the one. I really love the campus and the girls on the team, and the coaching staff is great.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “I have played soccer my whole life, so I just knew it was something I
wanted to pursue in college as well.”
Coach Jake Nesteruk says: “Three years, 50 wins, a league title, a district title, three appearances in states, two undefeated home records – there has been one student-athlete that has never come off the field for any of them – Sofia Mignon. At the heart of the midfield, Sofia has given us great goals when we really needed them, game-changing passes against our toughest opponents and wins on 50-50s in the air, the toughest of slide tackles you’ll ever see and the most mature leadership presence I’ve ever coached. She leaves with all the team accomplishments mentioned before along with a two-year role as a captain, first and second team all-league honors, this year All-Southeastern PA and a track record of goals and assists. Sof’s ability to find the right words to motivate the group, her tireless work ethic and her commitment to improvement made her a role model now and for years to come.
“There’s a laundry list of moments I could share, but the two most poignant for me this season – a 35-yard goal against Central Bucks South, one of the hardest hit balls I’ve ever seen, and the second, a driven volley in busy traffic in the Spring-Ford box to give us a 2-1 lead in a game that would send us back to states. Thank you for your humility, your grit, your love and great games you’ve put into this program. There’s nothing but great things ahead at NJIT. We’re so proud of you, and CBEGS will always be in your corner.”
About Sofia:
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite TV show: The Vampire Diaries
Favorite artist: The Weeknd
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