By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 12/25/09
Pottstown senior defender Amanda Krok has signed a National Letter of Intent to play Division II lacrosse at Shippensburg University.
Krok helped the Trojans finish 12-6 last year and advance to the Pioneer Athletic Conference semifinals as well as the District 1 playoffs.
At Shippensburg, Krok will play under newly appointed coach Mia Gambino, a Pottsgrove graduate. Krok plans to major in Physical Therapy and work with school-aged children.
“I think it’s the best of the state schools for anyone trying to go for any type of teaching (degree),” said Krok. “Lately, I have been thinking about looking into physical therapy for kids.”
Krok has a background working with children. She worked hands-on with infants at the Reading Hospital/Child Development Center for her Senior Project, she has umpired youth lacrosse at Owen J. Roberts and worked as volunteer coach with her club team, AfterShock, at the Longstreth Clinic.
“In my Senior Project, they showed us how to feed them and do a lot of things,” she said. “It was literally hands-on. That’s what I will be presenting on.”
Krok also has enjoyed umpiring youth lacrosse.
“It was the first time I ever refereed a game and it definitely was a lot of fun,” she said. “I liked being able to see it from another view. Even watching little kids play, it gave me pointers. I was seeing plays before they were happening. It helped me in the long run.
“I also enjoyed doing the clinics with my travel team. We worked with middle school kids and showed them how to cradle, catch and throw.”
Krok, who wished to thank Pottstown coach Andy Bachman and AfterShock coach Jenn Medaglia for their help, is confident the Trojans will improve next year. The team returns senior Kasey Mock, who recently committed to Syracuse, and several others. Also, a talented group of newcomers could make an impact.
“Going into the preseason, I am excited,” she said. “The seniors thought all the weight would be on their shoulders, but the girls coming up look impressive.”
