BERLIN — Berlin Brothersvalley has a reputation for producing talented athletes, regardless of the sport.
On Friday, two Mountaineers announced their intentions to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.
Kassidy Smith will play softball at Division III Susquehanna University while Hartley VanGilder will attend Potomac State College to play soccer.
Smith to patrol Susquehanna outfield
Smith is entering only her second season playing softball at Berlin, but she has competed for the Laurel Highlands Lady Knights travel team since the age of 10.
She found the right fit for the next four years in Susquehanna.
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“I made the decision last spring that I wanted to play softball in college,” Smith said. “I looked down South and toured a lot of schools in the summer. We went to Susquehanna in August, and I just loved it there.”
Smith, who boasts a 3.9 GPA, plans to major in business management. The university has a top-notch business program.
The River Hawks needed outfielders. Smith can play all three outfield positions, which will benefit her at the next level.
“I want to be able to show off my skills there,” Smith said. “They are getting a leader. Playing travel softball and playing centerfield, I learned to be a leader. I am excited to continue to put in the work and improve as a player.”
While Smith does not have the traditional high school softball experience, playing travel ball has prepared her to excel in college.
“I have played against so many good athletes who have committed to play Division I, Division II and Division III softball,” Smith said. “You learn how to bear through two-day tournaments. Playing eight or nine games in those tournaments has prepped me for college softball.”
Smith has received several MVP selections at travel tournaments in recent years, which shows her skillset.
Lady Knights coach Tim Mateljan has coached Smith throughout her travel softball career. He has seen her development over the years and how much she has grown as an athlete.
“She truly exemplifies what is means to be a leader on and off the field of play,” he said. “She has the passion and drive to be successful in whatever it is she sets her mind to accomplish. Susquehanna will be blessed to have her as a successful student and athlete.”
She thanks Mateljan for teaching her almost everything she knows about the sport, travel coaches Cory Muro and Eric Walker, hitting coach Steve Costea, her Lady Knights teammates and her parents. Smith is the daughter of Cory and Kristi Smith.
Smith has also competed in volleyball, track and field at Berlin. She is the yearbook president and a National Honor Society member. Now, she is looking forward to writing the next chapter of her life.
“I can’t wait to get on campus,” she said. “I want to spend time with my new teammates. It is a very tight-knit and family-oriented team. I am very excited for it.”
VanGilder fills need for Catamounts
VanGilder is one of the top keepers in the county. She is a four-year starter for the Mountaineers. However, her decision to attend Potomac State was not for athletics.
“The school had the career path and major I wanted there,” VanGilder, who will major in agriculture entrepreneurship, said. “I had friends who went there and they loved the program.”
Potomac State only had one keeper on the roster. VanGilder will fill that void and potentially challenge for a starting role.
“They only have one goalie and the coach said they needed another one, so everything fell into place,” she said. “I am really involved in weight lifting and I liked their weight rooms. I liked the campus a lot. They have a really nice field and the coaches are great.”
VanGilder, who has a 4.33 cumulative GPA, wants to start an event venue barn after college. She wants to be able to build a business through a successful college career.
VanGilder is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Berlin.
She began playing soccer when she was 5 years old through AYSO. Her parents, Justin and Jessica VanGilder, played a major role in her career. It is a sport that has given VanGilder so much over the years.
“I am going to remember my Berlin teammates the most,” VanGilder said. “They helped me become the player I am. We could all go work out together, and they pushed me to be who I am today.”
VanGilder thanks her Berlin coaches for impacting her life on and off the field and working with her, travel coach Brad Dickey, her parents for taking her everywhere, Braden Fochtman, owner of Iron Mountain Training Center and Doug Paul, Berlin football coach and athletic director , for helping her with her lifting and training, and everyone who has helped her get to where she is in life.
She earned Somerset All-County honorable mention as a freshman and a junior before being chosen first team as a senior. VanGilder was a Santa Fund Soccer Classic All-Star selection this season as well as an all-WestPAC selection.
Berlin coach Zeke Werner only coached VanGilder for two seasons after taking over for Jake Zorn. However, he knew VanGilder was a driving force for the program the moment he took over.
“One of the biggest things we noticed from Day 1 when I came as coach, Hartley stepped up as a leader,” Werner said. “Whether it was her work ethic or her passion for the game, she was someone we could always count on. She was anchor in net and that is something we will really miss.
“Potomac State is getting someone who is very passionate about the game. She loves the game and everything about it. She is genuine, willing to learn and do whatever it takes to win.”
VanGilder wants to make an impact at the collegiate level.
“I want to help better their team,” she said. “Last year, their goalie got COVID so they went through a bit of a rough patch. I want to go there and showcase my skills and be an asset to help them win games.”
Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can Be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on Twitter @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook.