The first Alumni Profile for the first week in June features Cabrini College women’s soccer player Brittany Runyen. Here is our conversation.
What factors helped you choose Cabrini? I chose to go to Cabrini because of its great education and competitive sports programs.
Major? I am an English and Secondary Education double major.
Favorite class so far at Cabrini? My favorite class at Cabrini so far would have to be a Business Ethics class that I took. It was very different and interesting.
Favorite class at CHS? My favorite class at CHS was hands down Mr. Campbell’s Human Behavior class. Best way to start off the day.
Most memorable moment from CHS athletics career? I would have to say my most memorable moment was beating top seeded Haddonfield in playoffs for soccer my Junior year. No one expected us to win, and that was a true team game which eventually helped us in winning Sectionals.
One piece of advice to give to seniors at CHS who want to play in college? DO IT! It is very doable. Time management is very easy as long as you stay focused. College may be your last opportunity to play sports, so take advantage of it!
Was it difficult to adjust from the high school game to the college game? It was a bit of a change. College is definitely a quicker game, and it requires faster reaction time. It’s also more physical, but like with anything you get the hang of it with practice.
What was it from your high school career that helped you most in college on the field? In high school I was always put in any leadership positions, which I was comfortable with. I think that has definitely helped me in college. I became more comfortable with the game and my new teammates, and put myself out there as a player who wants to be a part of the team in any way possible.
How did it feel to notch your first career college goal? That was a great feeling. When it happened I really couldn’t believe it. Plus my family and friends made it to that game which made it even more special.
Despite the loss, what was it like to participate in the NCAA tournament? NCAAs are a great atmosphere to be a part of. It’s a whole new level of competition that’s just an acomplishment in itself to get to see. The game definitely gets real then.
What part of your game has changed/improved the most since beginning your college career? I like to think that I’m a bit quicker now. I think I make decisions with the ball faster in order to keep up with the pace of the game.
Who was your toughest opponent at CHS? My toughest opponent was definitely Bordentown. They always had a solid team in every sport. Playing against them was always a fun game and intense game, especially when we would win.
Will you be playing for a club team in the summer months? If so, what do you hope to accomplish in preparation for the fall? Yes I will be playing with a team this summer. I just hope to keep in good shape and keep my foot on the ball as much as possible in order to be ready for preseason in August. I definitely do not want to lose the pace of the game.
What was it like to win the CSAC Tournament in your first year? Winning CSACs was one of the best days of my life. As a team, we had a goal coming into the beginning of the year, and that was to make history and win CSACs for the fourth time in a row. Accomplishing our goal together as a team that day was an incredible experience that I will never forget. It’s impossible to forget your first CSAC win!
What are your goals for your sophomore season on the field? This year, I want to improve everyday. In college, you realize that these are the final years of playing the sports that you love, so I just want to make the most of every opportunity everyday and be the best player that I can be. And aside from all of that, A fifth consecutive CSAC championship and an NCAA win is definitely in mind!
Image courtesy of Brittany Runyen
