#NationalSigningDay: Brooke Bennett kicks her goals all the way to Shepherd University
February 10, 2020
On February 5, Brooke Bennett signed her National Letter of Intent to play Division II soccer at Shepherd University in West Virginia. Bennett and Alison Gagne are the two female soccer players to sign this spring. At Shepherd, she will join Dustin Keith who signed for football and Emily Cole who signed for lacrosse.
Bennett has been a member of the soccer program for all four years.
Her coach Paige Pohopin said she loved “watching her grow throughout the years.”
Bennett is a midfielder. She describes soccer as a “natural love.” While she started out playing basketball on the court, her “heart drew her to the soccer field.”
Bennett joins the Rams with high expectations of contributing to improving their 2019 record of 1-15-2. The Rams have recently begun to compete in the PSAC East Conference against other teams including Frostburg, Shippensburg, West Chester, Lock Haven, and Daemen Universities.
Bennett is excited to become a new member of this team. Bennett said, “I hope to join old friends at Shepherd and improve the team as well as to stay close to home.”
Bennett said she hopes to earn her starting position on the first day. Bennett wants to become a “Dynamic Duo” with her friend (Sarah Hohn) who currently attends Shepherd and is a striker for the team. Sarah, a Thomas Johnson graduate, previously played club soccer with Bennett.
Bennett’s parents and teammates are proud to see her move onto the collegiate level.
Teammate Samantha Hoefs describes Brooke as “a hardworking player who would do whatever it takes to get the team a win.” Throughout the season, she was featured in the Frederick News Post several times, including a story about how Bennett scored four goals this season as a center midfielder.
Coach Paige Pohopin says Bennett is an “unsung hero and an true MVP to the team.”
Bennett’s father proudly declares that his daughter is a “natural” and coaches agree. Richard Conner, football coach says Brooke is “one of the best students that Linganore has to offer.”