Player Profile: Becca GalI lagher

CHRISTINE BLOM SPORTS EDITOR CBB722@CABRINI.EDU

Jirnior captain, student ambassador, honor student. These three achievements belong to field hockey starting forward, Rebecca Gallagher.

Gallagher, a business major, has been playing field hockey since she was in the sixth grade. She got her start when she tried out for her middle school team, while living in her hometown of Brookhaven, Pa.

"I tried out for my middle school's team during the first week of school. I didn't even know how to play, but I knew that I wanted to play a sport and make friends," Gallagher said.

For the last ten years, Gallagher has devoted her time, energy and spirit to being the best athlete she can be. She has attended numerous camps and won several awards while she was attending Sun Valley High School.

According to Gallgher, there is only one major difference between playing on a collegiate level compared to playing for a high school team: talent.

"Playing at the college level is very competitive and full of amazing talent," Gallagher said.

Many athletes play their sport for fun. Not Gallagher, she plays for the love of the game and the benefits field hockey has to offer.

"I love staying in shape and being competitive. And plus, I love hockey. It's probably the greatest sport of all time," Gallagher said.

Some students worry about managing their time because having the responsibility of being a full-time college student and Division III athlete can be very stressful. Withthis being her second season with the Cavs, Gallagher has no worries.

"I find that playing a sport and going to classes helps me manage my time better and get my work done and not wait around until the last minute. My grades are usually better during season than off s_eason,"Gallagher said.

Gallagher started her field hockey career at Cabrini last year, as a sophomore. She gave herself a break freshman year in order to get acclimated with the campus and the college lifestyle. Then, she realized that it was time to get back in the game. She could not keep herself off the field any longer.

Gallagher mentioned some of things that makes being a Lady Cav better than playing for any other Division III team.

"I'm fortunat~ enough to play on a team wtth some of the best girls at Cabrini," Gallagher said.

"My teammates are extremely talented and fun girls, so they always make the hockey season a good time. I'm also blessed to have Jackie Neary as a coach."

Gallagher, in her first season as a Cavalier, had five goals and two assists contributing to the respectable 7-4 record in Pennsylvania Athletic Conference.

This year, she has even higher hopes for the team.

"My goal this year is to win the PAC championship. With a record of 6-1, we are on our way there," Gallagher said.

Christmas

What is your group doing?