2020 | Minnesota | GIRLS

Maple Grove | Crimson | GIRLS

Excellence is an all the time thing. Sarah Bergland walks this daily as a person, student and an athlete. Her character and integrity are second-to-none and do not waiver. She plays hockey because she loves the game and everything that it gives to a person. From the joy of playing, to the camaraderie with teammates, to the competition from the opponent, to the desire to become the best player she can be – she loves it all. It is vividly seen in her attitude, her approach and her journey.

Sarah has had to work extremely hard to make the varsity team. Sarah did not make the varsity team the first three years of playing high school hockey.
Adversity builds character and character builds excellence. This did not change her attitude, commitment, approach or work ethic. We did not hear from her or her parents throughout this process. Sarah became determined and relentless in her own development. She put in many extra hours during the season as well as in the off-season. She was willing to put in the work needed to make the team. This demonstrates that she understands the commitment and sacrifice needed to accomplish goals as well as the patience and belief in oneself that is needed to reach them. What a gift she gave herself. As her hockey coach, I have seen these attributes illuminate Sarah’s character and enjoyed watching her journey from a youth player that wasn’t always on the “Aâ€_x009d_ team to a varsity hockey player. She is a complete team player and focuses all her efforts on team success. She always accepts her role and is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure success.

Sarah combines an excellent work ethic, selfless team first attitude, a commitment to her work, and passion for the game to become a “model athleteâ€_x009d_ to coach. She always finds the positives and continues to work through adversity. Sarah never settles and will do whatever it takes to be successful. She never takes a short-cut and plays the game the right way; demonstrating that she understands sportsmanship and playing with integrity. Sarah Bergland is excellence and displays this in her character, sportsmanship and love of the game of hockey.