217 Photography Field Hockey Players of the Week
(For week ending Sept. 25, 2010)
This weekly award is sponsored by Pete Malone and 217 Photography. Winners are chosen based on nomination of coaches.
National Conference 217 Photography Player of the Week
Elle Clark – Senior captain and defender from Abington High SchoolNotable accomplishment:
After anchoring the midfield last season, Clark, a three-year starter, has been moved to defense this year, and she played a major role in a pair of Ghost wins last week. On Wednesday, she led Abington’s defense in its 1-0 win over Council Rock South, and she also scored the game winner in overtime. In Friday’s impressive 5-1 win over Bensalem, Clark once again came up big on defense and contributed a hat trick of assists.
Notes from the Coach:
“Elle epitomizes team commitment by attending all off-season practices and encourages her teammates to do so as well," coach Amanda Deering said. "Her competitive spirit shines through in practice and carries over into games. My favorite aspect about Elle as an athlete is how coachable she is. Whether I am teaching a new skill or strategy, she is always the first to want to master it and then implement it into her game play. This year, Elle is playing with mostly first year starters and has been a 'coach on the field' helping the team develop. Throughout games, Elle is communicating with the younger players, ensuring the game strategy is implemented in order for us to be successful. It was a unanimous decision by the coaching staff to name Elle captain based on her commitment and leadership skills."
About Elle:
Part of the game I enjoy most: I enjoy just being out on the field playing my favorite sport with my friends, but my favorite part of the game is definitely the feeling I get after my team scores a goal or wins a game.
Most memorable moment playing hockey: My most memorable moment playing field hockey would have to be in last week's game against Council Rock South when I scored the winning goal four minutes into overtime.
My role model is: My older brother, Tim Clark
Music that gets me pumped before games: I listen to a lot of different music before games, but what gets me pumped the most is just about everything by Lil Wayne.
Vanilla or chocolate: Chocolate!
Continental Conference 217 Photography Player of the Week
Kirstin Russell – Senior defender from Souderton Area High SchoolNotable accomplishment:
Russell anchored an Indian defense that allowed just one goal in three wins last week over Hatboro-Horsham (2-1), Quakertown (1-0) and Pennridge (2-0). In the Indians’ win over Pennridge, Russell made a defensive save on the goal line.
Notes from the coach:
“Kirstin enjoys the game of hockey and is very enthusiastic about it. She’s always getting the other kids to play enthusiastically as well, which is important for our team to realize we can develop and become really good. She shows how the defense should be aggressive in their play. She turns her idea of defense into offensive play,” said coach Mary Ann Harris.
About Kirstin:
Most memorable moment playing hockey: In my junior year, I got the ball off of a defensive corner (I was flying), and I dribbled it all the way to the 50 past the entire team. I had only one girl to beat, and I basically tripped over my own two feet. It was pretty embarrassing. I know it’s not this great hero story where I scored with three seconds left for the win or something, but I play defense, so I was just so excited to dribble since I never get to on defense. I did not even know what to do once I got that far down the field with only one girl left. It was so thrilling and exciting. Everyone was cheering for me even though I lost it in the end!
My role models are: I have two role models in my life. One is my mom just because she has been there for me through everything and is an awesome person to look up to. My other role model is my friend Lindsay Walbrandt, a girl who graduated last year (2010) who I’ve played lacrosse with since I was in fifth grade. Everything about her is what I aspire to be, and even though she is only a year older than me, I look up to her so much.
Music that gets me pumped before a game: The Black-Eyed Peas and most rap music
Vanilla or chocolate: Absolutely chocolate!
American Conference 217 Photography Player of the Week
Gabbie Berry – Senior tri-captain and sweeper from Norristown High SchoolNotable accomplishment:
Berry is the undisputed leader of a defensive unit that last week helped lead the Eagles to a pair of wins. She had a pair of defensive saves on the goal line in the Eagles’ loss to Upper Dublin.
Notes from the coach:
“Gabbie gets the competitiveness of everything we do! She works hard every single second of practice and digs really deep during games. As a tri-captain for our team, she leads by example. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to play hockey her sophomore year. We chatted about it, and she decided to give it a few more weeks. She has been a strong presence on our team every since! I am very proud of Gabbie – she has guts,” said coach Stacie Staufenberg.
About Gabbie:
Part of the game I enjoy most: Being able to drive a ball from the backfield right to my wing.
Most memorable moment: Saving goals for my goalie Ellie!
My role model is: My dad
Music that gets me pumped before a game: Some good old country music!
Vanilla or chocolate: Vanilla
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