SWAMPSCOTT — There isn’t much Swampscott senior forward Haley Bernhardt didn’t accomplish during her four years with the Big Blue girls soccer team. Perhaps the most feared player in the Northeastern Conference, Bernhardt led Swampscott to consecutive Division 3 North sectional final appearances and a trip to the Division 3 state semifinal this past fall. Last October, she scored her 100th career goal with a three-goal performance in a win over rival Marblehead. Bernhardt was also named to the NEC South all-conference team at the end of her senior season.
Thus, it was never in doubt that Bernhardt had the talent to continue her soccer career at the collegiate level. She made her future plans official earlier this month when she made a verbal commitment to play at Division II Bentley University in Waltham.
“It was definitely relieving to finish the process of deciding,” Bernhardt, who plans to sign a letter of intent next week, said. “It’s great to know that I’m going to a place I’m comfortable with and I’ll be able to thrive at. It’s good to have everything locked down and have it be something I’m excited for.”
Bernhardt came away impressed with Bentley’s mix of academic opportunities and a strong women’s soccer program.
“Bentley’s a really good fit,” Bernhardt, who also ran indoor and outdoor track at Swampscott, said. “When I started my college search it kept coming up in all the guidelines that I wanted. They have a good soccer team and I wanted to continue to play at a high level. I loved the team when I met them. I think it’ll be a good fit for me in the fall.
“I considered a couple other schools but none of them were very serious. It was Bentley as soon as I found out about it.”
Location also played a key factor in Bernhardt’s commitment. She hoped to stay close to home in hopes that her family could continue to support her at games.
“I was looking for something that wasn’t too far,” Bernhardt said. “My parents and my brothers have been a huge part of my success since I started playing soccer. I wanted them to continue to see everything and be a part of the journey.
“I really owe a big thank you to my parents for being there and helping me get to this position.”
The Falcons compete in the Northeast-10 Conference. They went 7-6-3 last season and 6-6-2 against conference opponents. Bernhardt will be the third local to join the team when she laces up her cleats at Bentley. Peabody midfielder Chloe Gizzie and Saugus goalie Lauren Giordano (a Pingree product) will begin their junior and sophomore seasons in the fall, respectively.
“I know the program’s been very strong the past few years,” Bernhardt said. “I want to help them make an impact there. I know some of the girls on the team. I’ve played against them. They’re all very talented. I’m excited to join the program and just help them progress next season.”
Bernhardt acknowledged that she’ll face a learning curve when she makes the jump to the college game but she’s excited to tackle the challenges ahead of her.
“I think it’ll be difficult to make the change at the next level,” Bernhardt said, “but I’m excited for the challenge. I think I’ll be able to adjust. I have a great support system from trainers that I work out with and my family that pushes me to succeed. I think I’ll be able to handle it and I’m ready to take it on.”
Swampscott coach Norman James has nothing but confidence in Bernhardt’s ability to succeed at the collegiate level.
“I had the opportunity to coach her for a season,” James said. “She was a standout player. She attracts double-teams. She did a little more than I thought she’d do this season. She defended very well, she passed the ball very well. It was an honor to coach her. I wish her well at Bentley. Bentley’s going to have a good player.
“I think she’s going to do fine at Bentley. What’s more important is her studies. I think she can crack the starting lineup and be consistent in their starting lineup. She was very consistent for us.”
