Standout Huntington High School goalie Julie Rogel has signed with the University of Scranton’s NCAA Division I field hockey team. The Blue Devil star is excited to begin her college career, but first she hopes to enjoy a final season wearing the blue and white.
“Upon first setting foot on the campus of the University of Scranton, I knew that it was the place that I would be calling home for the next chapter of my life,” Ms. Rogel said. “The physical therapy program is incredible, with state-of-the-art facilities that are unparalleled. I know that I will be well prepared to go out and make a difference in the world as a physical therapist. In addition, the field hockey team had a very friendly atmosphere and the coach is passionate about the team’s success.”
Ms. Rogel is one of Huntington’s proudest and most enthusiastic seniors. She has been among the Blue Devil field hockey team’s most competitive players. She’s a great student, too.
“Advanced Placement Biology has been the most valuable course I have taken throughout all of high school,” Ms. Rogel said. “Mrs. [Deborah] Beck is extremely knowledgeable on the material and makes difficult content enjoyable to learn and easier to understand.”
Loyal to a fault, the teenager’s closest friends during high school have been Bella DiBenedetto, Chloe Buffone, Gianna Prosseda, Grace Wildermuth, Jailyn Fuentes and Kate Sheran.
“I’ve appreciated the time that I have been able to spend getting involved in the community,” Ms. Rogel said. “I have been able to shadow in different physical therapy practices, gaining knowledge on different types of injuries and watching patients make great strides on their journey to recovery.”
Ms. Rogel has been integrally involved in Huntington’s Key Club chapter, first serving as an administrative assistant and now as an executive board member. “Participating in events such as the Target holiday gift tour and K-Factor talent show have had a profound impact on me and it is extremely rewarding to realize how much of a difference I can make,” she said.
A wonderful athlete, the senior has found many afternoons of happiness on the field. “I have enjoyed playing varsity field hockey for the past four years,” Ms. Rogel said. “Playing for the Huntington Blue Devils has been one of the highlights of my high school experience.”
The senior’s advice for incoming Huntington ninth graders? “Grades are definitely important, but so is being involved in the school community,” Ms. Rogel said. “Throw yourself into the things that you are passionate about and don’t be afraid to try something new. It might surprise you how much you’ll enjoy certain activities.”
Ms. Rogel has been able to develop many satisfying relationships with high school faculty members. “Ms. [Camille] Tedeschi is one teacher who really stood out to me,” the teenager said. “She makes it evident that she truly cares about her students and has been extremely supportive throughout my high school career. In addition, Mrs. [Kelly] Krycinski and I have worked together in Key Club for the past four years and she is so dedicated to making a difference in the community. I have also been able to bond with Mrs. [Lauren] Desiderio over our shared love of field hockey. She has been so helpful throughout my process of deciding on a college.
She’s been a Huntington fixture for so long that it is hard to imagine Ms. Rogel studying and playing anywhere else, but the time is coming when she will depart from the friendly confines of the high school and community at large and head to Scranton, Pennsylvania to begin a new phase of her life.
“Huntington is such a special district,” Ms. Rogel said. “The teachers genuinely care about the success of their students and the school atmosphere is so positive and uplifting. Through the wide variety of sports, clubs and organizations, there is something for everyone here. While I am definitely excited for what the future has in store, I have so many memories that I will be able to look back on fondly.”
