Let’s play 2
JEFFERSON TWP — Knoch track and field coach Shawn McAnallen describes senior Brooke Galcik as “always in shape, always ready to go.”
That’s because she never stops.
Galcik competed in cross country and soccer for the Knights during the fall season, does some indoor track over the winter and will run track and field in the spring. An all-section soccer player, she’s competed in the 4x400 and 4x800 relays, 800, 1,600 and 3,200 meter runs, and the triple jump during her high school career.
“She’s one of those kids you never have to worry about,” Knoch girls soccer coach Greg Hess said. “Her motor simply does not stop.”
Galcik recently signed a letter of intent to play soccer and do track and field at Waynesburg University. She also considered Bethany, Chatham, West Liberty and Toledo before choosing Waynesburg.
“Everyone was so friendly there,” Galcik said. “Not just the coaches ... The administration was very welcoming. I could really sense a family-like atmosphere and that’s what I wanted.
“I’ve enjoyed playing soccer and running track in high school so much, I wanted to continue doing both. I was looking for a school that would be willing to provide me that opportunity.”
Galcik is carrying a 4.3 grade-point average — ranked No. 12 in her 207-member graduating class — and plans to major in biochemistry. She eventually wants to attend physician assistant school.
She is not worried about carrying a heavy load in college.
“That’s what is great about Division III,” Galcik said. “The sports at that level don’t feel like a job. I’ll be able to have fun playing, contribute to team success and keep up with everything.”
Galcik played center-midfield and defense for Knoch soccer. While Hess often asked her to concentrate on the defensive side of the game — including marking the other team’s best player — she still managed to score 22 goals and tally 12 assists in four years.
Galcik netted eight goals her senior season.
“Brooke could have been a great offensive player and was exactly that when we use her in that role,” Hess said. “She knew we needed her on defense and she is a great team player.
“I have no doubt she’ll pull off being a two-sport athlete in college. She works hard at everything she does, including academics.”
McAnallen agreed.
“I think she’ll be fine,” he said. “Brooke is an exceptional athlete with an exceptional work ethic. She’s a winner. She’s fearless. She has those intangibles a coach cannot teach.”
Waynesburg’s women’s soccer team was 9-7-2 overall, 5-3-2 in Presidents’ Athletic Conference play last fall. It marked the Yellow Jackets’ first winning season since 2011. George DeAugustino, a Seneca Valley graduate, former All-WPIAL selection who went on to become team captain and MVP of the Grove City College men’s soccer team, has been head women’s coach at Waynesburg for three years.
“That team is turning the corner right now and I want to step in and help wherever they need me,” Galcik said.
Chris Hardie has been the Yellow Jackets’ women’s track coach since 2020. The team won the PAC title in 2019 and Hardie led the cross country team to six consecutive conference crowns from 2016 through 2021.
“I plan to run a lot more events for them,” Galcik said. “I’m going to ask the coach if I can become a pentathlete. That’s something I really want to do.”
