Talent made Alexandra Braem a good field hockey player. A strong work ethic made her a great one.
“Lots of training,” said Braem, a junior at Bishop Eustace Preparatory in Pennsauken. “It takes a lot of hard work. You don’t just pick up a stick one day and, poof, you get good. It’s a lot of staying true to yourself and knowing you can do it.”
Braem began picking up varsity experience as a freshman two years ago, quickly earning a spot in the varsity lineup. She took full advantage by scoring 10 goals and seven assists in her rookie season. Last year, she led the Crusaders with 29 points (15 goals, 14 assists), and she seemed to find another gear before returning to the field this fall.
“Just training and working on my shooting,” Braem said of her summer workouts. “Lots of shots, lots of skill work, lots of running and conditioning. That’s really helpful, especially in the high school game. I don’t like running, but you have to get over it because it’s worth it in the end.”
Braem also took care of another form of business by committing to play Division 1 field hockey at Colgate University in New York State after she graduates high school in 2027. Known for its outstanding liberal arts programs, Colgate – located about an hour southeast of Syracuse – was at the top of the list for Braem, who plans to study political science.
“I either want to go into the FBI or be a lawyer,” she said. “My mom is a lawyer, and I always liked learning about government and studying politics and watching the news. I fell in love with that side of the field.”
And the Crusaders fell in love with Braem’s skillset on the field.
“She’s one of our more versatile players,” Coach Trina Lisko said. “I can put her on the left. I can put her in the center or on the right, on the forward line or in the midfield. She just does exactly what she is asked to do every time. She hustles all day, every day.”
Bream took on some added responsibility this season, becoming a leader by example.
“Having the confidence that comes with being an upperclassmen in high school is great,” Lisko said. “Plus her path is a little more set, having committed to Colgate. It takes a lot of the pressure off. She’s just here to play for herself and the team.”
Bishop Eustace is hoping to compete for a South Jersey title, which has been owned by Camden Catholic High School since the 2019 season. “We really want to make it to states this year,” Braem said.
After finishing 10-9 last year, the Crusaders started the current season 4-0, including impressive wins over Cherokee, Lenape and Moorestown. Braem scored three goals and six assists through those first four games.
“This was a big game for us,” Braem said after the Crusaders won against Moorestown 4-1 on Sept. 8. “[Beating Moorestown] was just a great goal in itself. I think we just want to keep growing our team and get better and better every day.”
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