The HMHS junior has already committed to play for Seton Hall University.
By BILL GELMAN, The Sun
Madison Bee is focussed on Haddonfield Memorial High School’s 2017 soccer season. The Bulldogs are coming off what many people would consider an exceptional year — 25–2, Colonial Conference and South Jersey Group II champs and state Group II runner-up. The First Team All-Colonial Conference, All-Jersey and All-State selection had a little something to do with it as she finished with 31 goals.
The starting forward enters the season with a clear mindset thanks to her recent college decision. Yes, Bee is just starting her junior year, but she saw no reason to keep the news that she has verbally committed to play soccer for Seton Hall University — she actually made the decision in June.
The Division-I squad is a member of the Big East Conference.
“I really wasn’t under pressure,” Bee, who had 10 scholarship offers, said. “When I stepped on the Seton Hall campus, it felt like home to me.”
The athlete said she loves the coaching staff, led by head coach Rick Stainton. It was one of the many factors that put the South Orange-based campus ahead of the others, including La Salle and Monmouth universities, both of which she visited.
“It feels great. It’s a lot of pressure off of my shoulders,” Bee, who is undecided on a major, said. “I wanted to go to a school where I can make an impact and watch the team improve. The facilities are super nice, and the school is a perfect fit for me.”
Sports medicine, teaching and coaching are a few majors under consideration.
“Seton Hall had all of the programs so I felt I had all of my options open,” she said.
The campus is a 90-minute car ride from home, making it easy for her family to come see her play, especially her mom who has never missed a game.
Besides the Bulldogs, she also plays club soccer with the SJEB Rush Academy team based out of Hammonton. They’re coached by Matt Brooks and Don D’Ambra. Playing for two teams is a big-time commitment, but Bee said she wouldn’t have it any other way. Playing club soccer has given the forward a chance to learn the game from Brooks, who previously played professionally in England.
“Matt has taught me everything I know,” Bee said.
Now that the player knows her college path, the athlete is now completely focused on Haddonfield’s championship goals. The Group I 1–0 loss to Parsippany Hills leaves a little unfinished business on the table. The team has a strong returning core that includes First Team All-Conference selections Nic Green, Wayden Ay and Sophia Schwab. Bee wasted no time predicting big things for the 2017 season.
“I feel everyone is confident in each other and themselves,” she said. “The chemistry we have together is going to carry us to the next level.”
