Field Hockey, Track
Favorite athlete: Bethany Hamilton
Favorite team: Abington field hockey team!
Favorite memory competing in sports: Scoring my first varsity goal.
Most embarrassing/funniest thing that has happened while competing in sports: One of my first varsity games, I started running on the field without my stick, and the whole bench was yelling my name, and I didn’t know why.
Music on iPod: Beyoncé
Future plans: I plan to go to medical school, and hopefully work for Doctors Without Borders.
Words to live by: “Whatever you are, be a good one.” –Abraham Lincoln
One goal before turning 30: Travel to six continents
One thing people don’t know about me: I was in a car accident on the way to my driver’s test (not my fault).
By GORDON GLANTZ
Most current high school students are barely aware of the major earthquake that rocked Haiti in January of 2010.
More than 300,000 people reported dead and a similar number injured. Meanwhile, an estimated 1 million in a country already dealing with poverty issues were left homeless.
It was such big news at the time that Anderson Cooper and CNN reported live from Haiti for a few weeks before the news cycle dictated otherwise.
But the challenges of rebuilding and healing did not go away with the television cameras turned off. Among those meeting those challenges was Dr. Joseph McGarvey, a cardiologist, and his spirit of volunteerism was not lost on his granddaughter, Rebecca Markham, now a senior captain of the Abington field hockey team.
“My grandpop went to Haiti after they had the earthquake there,” she said. “I knew that, one day, that was something I would also like to do.”
Markham has no hesitation when she lists her “grandpop” among her role models, which may explain why she was among eight Abington students to spend a week in Haiti in June.
The opportunity came about as she and the other members of the school’s buildOn program raised $30,000 to build a Haitian school.
“The work site was a lot of fun,” she said. “Even though it was a lot of physical labor, everyone was singing. Even the little kids were helping out.”
And although the Univest Featured Female Athlete of the Week put in more physical labor than skilled labor on the school’s construction, her future goals include following in her grandfather’s footsteps and becoming a doctor.
Markham said she knew, as soon as she had her classmates arrived in their designated village, it was going to be a memorable experience.
“It was awesome,” she said. “It was the best week of my life.
“From the start, the people were all so welcoming. When we got there, we were on a truck, and they were all waiting for us. They were singing and dancing and ran after our truck when we arrived.
“I’m hoping to go back (this summer). If not, I’ll just help with the fundraising.”
Perhaps the best, and most lasting, part of the experience was the bond built with her host family.
“Their last name was Labbe,” she said. “There was Jhimy (dad), Madame Jhimy (mom), D'Jeny (11), and Stefani (9).
“We immediately became really close, despite the language barrier. I remember the second night, my host dad was late in coming home from work, and I was so concerned. It's just amazing how fast you can connect with people. I lived with two other Americans with this family. We all became so close that buildOn interviewed us to write a story about the bond. Later, it was revealed to us that our family was worried about hosting white girls, because they thought we would be racist.
“There were a lot of tears leaving Pochette, Bouzi. Our host dad, with the translators help, hugged us and said ‘relax, courage,’ which made us all cry more. We are so lucky that our family was one of the only ones with a phone (our dad has one), so we can communicate through an app called Whatsapp. I still get so excited when I get a message from the family, and it gives me a way to practice a language I knew nothing about a few months ago. If I could see anyone in the world right now, it would no doubt be the Labbes.”
Future in Focus
As for a career in medicine, she won’t be in it for the money or the prestige. Her motives, as they are when playing field hockey, are selfless. Markham – who has also done community service at Philabundance and Cradles for Crayons -- points to an organization like Doctors Without Borders when asked where she pictures herself a decade down the line.
“Doctors Without Borders pulls everything I love together,” she said. “I love science. I love travel, and most of all I love helping others. I used to worry about money, so that crossed Doctors Without Borders off my possible list. I think my trip to Haiti really helped me to realize what's important. I learned so much about what it means to be truly thankful and happy. I get excited thinking about working for Doctors Without Borders. I think everyone should choose a career that excites them.”
For now, though, she is in the process of seeking out Division III schools where she can play field hockey and also take the necessary coursework for medical school.
She has volunteered at the cancer centers at Abington Memorial Hospital and the HUP, helping patients and families deal with formalities and attend to other ancillary needs.
“It can be sad,” she admitted, but added that she wouldn’t want to be anywhere but of service on the front lines in one of the greatest ongoing medical challenges of our time, saying “you have to know it.”
Just like she didn’t have to grow in a developing country like Haiti, Markham doesn’t need to have been personally touched by the cancer scourge to feel compelled to get in the game.
“I always knew I wanted to go into something in the medical field, and I figured it was a good way to be around it,” she said, explaining her responsibilities ranged from guiding patients to treatment rooms and walking them through the sign-up process online so that they can track prescription information and appointments.
A Humble Heart
Ranked No. 5 in her class of more than 500 students, Markham does take some time to herself to “hang out with friends” and ski in the winter and surf in the summer.
She also runs track, participating in the mile and the half-mile.
“I joined track as a way to get ready for field hockey,” she said. “It’s fun, though.”
And that is just fine with Abington field hockey coach Amanda McMahon, who said that Markham is not only “one of the most talented players on the team” but one rich in character.
“She's a great kid, with a humble heart and a fantastic role model for others,” said McMahon, adding that Markham has volunteered the last several years as a counselor at field hockey clinics.
Markham is quick to say she is a reflection of her family. She credits her father, Rick, for his support and says she inherited her endearing humility for her mother, Cecilia.
“My mom is very humble, which is where I get it,” said Markham, whose younger brother, Ben, is in sixth grade. “My dad has really helped to inspire me. He comes to every game and cheers me on.”
Rick Markham may sometimes need binoculars to locate his daughter on the field. She has played forward and midfield in the past, but has added defense to her resume this season.
“I don’t really mind,” she said. “I’ve played most positions. I’ll do whatever I can to help the team.”
While the Ghosts have been struggling to win games, their captain has remained positive.
“We’ve had a rough season so far,” she said. “Hopefully, we’ll improve.”
Markham describes herself as a leader by example, adding that “it is kind of just who I am.”
Her leadership may be a large reason why the team has not become fractured, a common occurrence when loses pile up.
“We take the losses together,” she said. “I’d like to thank my coaches and teammates for making the team like a family.”
It goes without saying that the feeling is undoubtedly mutual.
“Rebecca is one of the most selfless players I have ever coached,” said McMahon. “She is selfless both on and off the field and often will compliment a teammate or another student when someone is trying to compliment her hard work. Rebecca has been a 3-year starter for the Ghosts playing our left midfield or left forward position. However, this year she has also stepped up as a left defender in tough games despite not being her favorite position. She will do anything that will help the team to be more successful.
“Rebecca is one of our captains because she leads the team by her hard-working example. Whether it is a practice or game, Rebecca gives her 100 percent every day. Even in a game we are losing by multiple goals, Rebecca focuses on the play at hand and refuses to worry about the score.”
