Players from CR South, North Penn and Cheltenham are featured in the second Bergey’s Buick GMC Highlighting. The players are selected by nomination of their coaches.
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 Players
Tori Wright, Senior, Center Midfield
Note from the coach:
“This year Tori has been playing center midfield, so she has been a major contributor on offense, leading the team in points and goals for the season,” said coach Lisa Belz of her senior co-captain, who is a four-year starter. “Tori sees the field well, she is able to distribute the ball under pressure and she plays a major role on offensive and defensive corners. Tori is competitive, intense and a great leader on and off the field. Tori will be moving on to play at La Salle next year and will be sorely missed by Council Rock South.”
About Tori:
Best memory playing field hockey: “Winning the district playoff game against Methacton that put us into the state tournament my junior year.”
Part of the game I enjoy the most: “The feeling after a huge win and when we score a crucial goal.”
How did you get involved in hockey? “Although my mom played field hockey throughout high school and college and my sisters played at South, I always said I didn’t want to play field hockey for some reason. This was until eighth grade when one of my favorite teachers, Mr. Mills, told me he was a field hockey coach that year and persuaded me to play.”
My role model is: My mom
Music on mobile device: Country and mostly Taylor Swift
Favorite food: Anything Buffalo Chicken
Favorite class: Graphic Arts
Future plans: Attend and play field hockey at La Salle University
Four people – dead or alive – I’d invite to a dinner party: Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Zac Efron and Channing Tatum.
Mikayla VanAken, Senior Midfielder
Note from the coach:
"Mikayla has outstanding stickwork and control of the midfield. She is an excellent leader and communicator on the field. Mikayla is a positive and encouraging player and is always looking to improve her skills. She is undecided as to what school she wants to attend next year, but I am hoping she continues her field hockey career somewhere."
About Mikayla:
Best memory playing field hockey: “Beating Methacton 2-1 in the last two minutes of the game. This win sent us to the state tournament.”
Part of the game I enjoy the most: Being with my teammates who have now become my second family.
How did you get involved in hockey? “Figured I’d try something new, so in seventh grade I tried out for the middle school team and fell in love with the sport.”
My role model is: My younger brother, Bryce, who is always outworking and outsmarting me.
Music on mobile device: Currently loving Khalid’s album, American Teen, but my go-to is always Jack Johnson.
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite class: History
Future plans: In college, I would like to major in occupational therapy. Hopefully playing field hockey and studying abroad along the way.
Four people – dead or alive – I’d invite to a dinner party: Barack Obama, Ellen Degeneres, Beyonce and Betty White
Bergey’s Buick GMC Continental Conference Highlighted Player
Rachael Fisher, North Penn, Right Back
Note from the coach:
“I am very proud of Rachael and the hard work that she put in to be back on the field her senior year,” coach Shannon McCracken said. “She suffered an ACL tear at team summer camp prior to her junior year, so she had to sit out a season. Rachael was determined to be back on the field her senior year and contribute to the team. She is playing right back for us and has been consistently playing strong in the backfield coming up with big stops and being a wall in the circle. Rachael has had six defensive saves and works really well with fellow teammate, goalie Anissa Gardizy. She is a student of the game and works hard to improve herself and her skills. She will be attending Boston University next fall and will be diving. Rachael is a dedicated athlete and is a true competitor."
About Rachael:
Best memory playing field hockey: “Stepping back onto the field with my teammates for the first time after tearing my ACL.”
Part of the game I enjoy the most: “The feeling of having a defensive save in a close game!”
How did you get involved in hockey? “My friends were going to play at Pennfield when we were in seventh grade, and I decided to try it out.”
My role model is: “My diving coach, Kyle Goldbacher, for not only helping me grow as an athlete but also grow as a person through his insight and advice.”
Music on mobile device: All Time Low
Favorite food: Seafood
Favorite class: Chemistry
Future plans: Attend Boston University to study biochemistry and dive.
Four people – dead or alive – I’d invite to a dinner party: Walt Disney, Aristotle, Susan B. Anthony, and Khalid.
Bergey’s Buick GMC American Conference Highlighted Players
Nimi Badejoko, Cheltenham, Junior Goalie
Note from the coach:
“Nimi is one of the best goalies in the league,” coach Tabatha Gilbert said. “She has taken on the role of goalie with such spirit and enthusiasm that it’s amazing to watch. Last year, as a first-year goalie, she had over 300 saves, and this year she has over 200 saves with a consistent 80 percent save average. I am super excited to have back next year!”
About Nimi:
Best memory playing field hockey: “Senior Night 2016 against Upper Merion that went into overtime, resulting in a tie due to the sun setting.”
Part of the game I enjoy most: “Playing against higher skilled teams and being willing to face a challenge.”
How did you get involved in field hockey? “Seventh grade (both my mom and sister played.)
My role model is: Rachel Lindsay, former Bachelorette
Music on mobile device: Big Sean and Eminem
Favorite food: Mac & Cheese, Seafood
Favorite class: Psychology
Future plans: Study Economics in a four-year college and continue to play club field hockey
Two people – dead or alive – I’d invite to a dinner party: Marilyn Monroe, Barack Obama.
Sadie Ellis, Cheltenham, Junior
Note from the coach:
“Sadie is full of encouragement and is always willing to help her fellow teammates improve themselves,” coach Tabatha Gilbert said. “I look forward to her being a key member of our team next year.”
About Sadie:
Best memory playing field hockey: “GETTING LOW with my teammates.”
Part of the game I enjoy most: “Halftime pep talks”
How did you get involved in field hockey? “My sister played, so I copied her.”
My role model is: My Mom
Music on mobile device: Mozart
Favorite food: Mashed Potatoes
Favorite class: AP U.S. History
Future plans: Travel the world
Four people – dead or alive – I’d invite to a dinner party: Audrey Hepburn, Mozart, Ellen Degeneres, and the guy who played Barney
Jada Pham, Cheltenham, Senior
Note from the coach:
“Jada has really stepped up as a senior leader and captain this year,” coach Tabatha Gilbert said. “She’s been a solid voice of reasoning and 
encouragement on the field. She’s also made the top 10 list for defensive saves according to Philadelphia Field Hockey stat reporting. She will truly be missed next year.”
About Jada:
Best memory playing field hockey:“Bus rides with my team.”
Part of the game I enjoy the most:16-yard hits out.
My role model is:Dalai Lama
Music on mobile device:Khalid
Favorite food: Avocado
Favorite class: Spanish
Future plans: Veterinarian or Dentist
Four people – dead or alive – I’d invite to a dinner party: Dalai Lama, Ellen Degeneres, Gary Yourosky, Barack Obama
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