At College: "Lakeville's Beckman Making An Impression At Worcester State"
By Mick Colangeo, Staff Writer
September 22, 2011
Judging by her play this season for the Worcester State women's soccer team, one would never know that Brianne Beckman found the adjustment from high school to college challenging.
"I'd have to say it was a lot more work, getting into shape, it's such a faster game than high school. It's more aggressive, you have to be more strong on the ball," said Beckman. "It's definitely more physical, and starting over with new teammates, being a freshman, it was a little intimidating."
The Lakeville native always worked hard at her craft, but success came a little more naturally as Apponequet's go-to scorer. In Division III college soccer, a certain level of success cannot be assumed, but Beckman's work ethic has translated into a bigger role on a bigger stage.
The 20-year-old junior is a forward.
"But she's almost like a withdrawn forward at times," said Worcester State head coach Kevin Cumberbatch. "She one of the best players I've ever coached. We're looking for her to be creative for us. We're looking for her to be dangerous at all times, whether it's slipping a through ball or taking it through herself.
"She can get at you a bunch of different ways. It's not always her putting it home. She takes a lot of the corner kicks. Even if she's not having the greatest game, she can get at you on a set piece."
Two years might as well be a hundred years for Beckman, who quickly made friends, won the trust of her teammates and influenced what happens on the pitch for the Lancers.
"I think we're doing really well," she said. "Last season we did really well, too, but I think we're improving. We have great team."
In 2010, Worcester State won the MASCAC tournament, earning a spot in the NCAA tournament. But the Lancers lost in the opening round to Eastern Connecticut State. This year they hope to take things a step further.
"Our goal is just to be the champions again this year and go a little further in the NCAA," said Beckman.
For serious students with sports in a modest perspective, juggling school and sports is not easy.
"That's always in the back of your mind, but at the same time they're young adults at this point. They have to manage," said Cumberbatch. "Bree's got a very, very demanding majors, as do others on my team."
Beckman is an occupational therapy major and has an art minor.
"They have a really good program here," she said. "It's difficult balancing some times, but I think I manage it pretty well this semester. I'll be coming out with a masters and hope to get certified and get a job."
Beckman is pretty good at her present job of creating offense for the 4-2-1 Lancers, who followed up on Saturday's 1-0 victory over MCLA with a 1-0 win on Tuesday at Plymouth (N.H.) State. Worcester State is riding a four-game winning streak headed into Friday's game at Framingham State.
Beckman's assist on Danielle Clifford's game winner against MCLA was her team-leading 11th point. She's made the MASCAC Women's Soccer Weekly Honor Roll for the past two consecutive weeks.
"There's really no secret to the success that Bree's having. She earns everything she gets," said Cumberbatch. "Sometimes that transition is tough, but Bree has taken everything in stride. She wants to win and wants to be a better player. It trickles out through the whole team."