Bilka's soccer career breaks new ground
ERIE — Wrapping up the fall semester is always a drag for Penn State Behrend junior Alex Bilka.
The Seneca Valley graduate loves what playing for the Lions' women's soccer team gives her.
Focus.
“It's a great balance, I always tend to do better in my semesters during soccer season,” Bilka said. “It forces you to have time management. You do it for the other players and the love of the game. It's my motivation to play the sport I've loved for 12 years.”
Finding the right way to juggle her schedule helped Bilka knock down nearly every barrier PS Behrend's program had standing.
Bilka's biggest honor was announced last week.
She became the first player in school history to be picked as a Division III All-American after she was chosen for the team by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Division III All-America Team.
“It's definitely surprising to find out that I had received that honor,” Bilka said. “I'm fortunate enough to be a part of a program with such great coaches and players around me.”
Few others would be surprised by looking at her long list of accomplishments over the past few months.
Bilka, who was named the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Offensive Player of the Year, set school records for career points, career goals and single-season assists.
With only two seniors and three juniors on the team, Bilka served in more of a leadership role. It's one that suits her, PS Behrend coach Patrick O'Driscoll said.
“She's obviously very talented, which is something that garners respect,” O'Driscoll said. “She connects well with people of all ages on the team. She genuinely seems interested in helping them and being a good teammate.”
The Lions finished 13-8, winning their fifth straight AMCC title before falling 3-1 to eventual national semifinalist Centre (Ky.) in the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament.
Bilka finished with team-highs in goals (17) and assists (11). O'Driscoll is pleased with how Bilka has progressed within the program.
“She's a good student and has really developed a good work rate,” O'Driscoll said. “That's something we've talked about and her work rate every day in practice is good.”
How the season ended is something Bilka wants to work on for next year.
The Lions have never won a NCAA playoff game. In seven appearances, the Lions have only scored twice.
Bilka registered that second tally in the second half against Centre. Next year, she's hoping it could be a game-winning one.
“Our biggest goal would be to not only win the conference championship, but to get past the first round of NCAAs,” Bilka said. “That's something we've never been able to do here.”
