Bernie Fratto

Speaking
of
Sports 

by
Bernie 
Fratto


Poetry in Motion

4/19/05
In the world of U.S. Soccer, virtually every major accomplishment has been the result of our women’s teams dominating. Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Julie Foudy, et al, became household names over the last few years because of their great achievements.

There are a group of young ladies in Novi that are starting to blossom, and you’re going to be hearing about them… a lot.

Coach Brian O’Leary’s Varsity Girls soccer team features one of the most formidable team rosters in the state, and in just their first couple of weeks of competition, they have served notice that they are open for business, and business is good.

Seniors Sarah Schmitt, Kelly Hebert, Kristi Timar and Kim Herbst provide veteran leadership and stability. Herbst already has posted (3) shutouts and has recently accepted an offer to continue her soccer career at Grand Valley State University.

Junior twins Katie and Kellie Walker are fast and aggressive, and Lauren Marchioni is also a valuable force on the field. Shae Reichley and Lauren Troher provide depth and experience.

Sophomores Emily Esbrook, Kristine Chaklos, Stephanie Crawford and Jessica Barndt are returning letterman and have stepped right in as starters and field generals. Pia Janssens and Megan Stec will also be counted on for their support.

Freshman Katie Chaklos, Shannon Cody and Jamie Fratto have already seen plenty of playing time and their impact has been positively felt as they transition to Varsity Soccer on the High School level.

This team is an interesting mix of talent, experience, and soccer success. The Novi Wildcats feature State Cup champions, talent from ODP, and a group of multiple sport athletes that have also had success in volleyball and basketball.

Add it all up and it will be an interesting and entertaining season. The sky is the limit for this group, and even though they’ve already had success, they’re really just getting started.

And with each game, they look even more fluid, and cohesive. You’re going to be hearing about this group… a lot.

In fact, you probably already have.

(c) 2005 Novi Information Network
www.novi.org

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Bernie Fratto
is a freelance writer, radio personality, and motivational speaker.  His passion for sports comes in part from his experience as a former Cincinnati Red farm- hand.  "Behind every sports story lies the hearts and minds of real human beings" said Fratto.  "These athletic endeavors often serve as a metaphor for the game we call life."

Bernie is also on the broadcast team at Live 97.1FM talk-radio, and is a frequent co-host on the popular "Parker & The Man Show," a nightly sportstalk show which airs Monday-Friday from 7-11pm.