North Carolina State University Athletics
CARR: Berger Refused to Walk Away From Challenge
7/28/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
July 28, 2010
By A.J. CARR
RALEIGH - Alex Berger had a modest goal when she arrived as a walk-on soccer player at N.C. State four years ago.
"I told my mom I would be happy (just) to make the traveling team,'' recalled Berger, who was lightly recruited after a standout prep career at Cary Academy.
Turns out, Berger has done lots of traveling with the Wolfpack -- and much more.
She earned scholarship aid as a sophomore, has been a starting defender all three seasons, and impressed teammates enough that they voted her a team captain last year and again this fall.
Now Berger's eager to show senior leadership, to help second-year State coach Steve Springthorpe continue his methodical building program. However, her immediate challenge is trying to recover from a broken collar bone suffered in a summer pickup game, an injury that likely will prohibit her from practicing until mid August.
The Wolfpack needs a healthy Berger. At 5-foot-3, she plays smart and with a ton of heart as well as with her head and feet.
"We need her experience and her play,'' Springthorpe says. "She's a positive leader, a good, solid player, has worked really hard and is invaluable."
FINDING HER WAY
Like many kids these days, Berger was playing soccer not long after climbing out of the crib, at about age four. She embraced the sport and learned how the big girls kicked by watching North Carolina's national championship teams.
Later, at Cary Academy, she made All-State two seasons and won three team MVP awards. Neat feats, but not enough to attract many recruiters. No major Division I programs offered a scholarship.
Still, Berger wanted to experience college life at a big university after attending a small high school. She liked State, the atmosphere, and the passion Wolfpack fans displayed for athletics.
But transitioning from high school soccer to college soccer was an eye-opening, shin shaking experience. Plus, walk-ons usually have to do something extra special to get noticed.
"It was a whole different game'' said Berger, reflecting on her first pre-season practices. "It was definitely more physical - elbowing, pushing, shoving, holding your jersey. The older girls made a point to be physical."
Back then, Berger was shy, quiet. Veteran players "got in my grill," emphatically emphasized that she had to be vocal, communicate on the field for the team to be successful.
Understanding it was either talk or walk, get tough or get out, Berger became more loquacious. She got physical. And she sharpened her left foot skills, the better to kick opponents with from a left back position.
In short, she became a Berger with extra chili.
"She got her chance and made the most of it,'' said Springthorpe, who has heard keen soccer observers express surprise that Berger is playing in an ACC program. "She proved them wrong."
CEREBRAL APPROACH
Berger doesn't dazzle opponents with speed, a scintillating style, and flashy stats. Also, defenders, like offensive linemen linemen in football, play a key role, but generally don't get recognized as much as prolific scorers.
"She's not the fastest on the team, but is real good at understanding the game," Springthorpe explained. "She knows where to play, how to play, how not to get beat by a player who is quicker. She's a thinking player and has maximized what she has."
While stopping an opponent's attack is her first responsibility, Berger is a technically sound, backline playmaker coaches give the freedom to move out of her zone and feed the forwards.
A career highlight came in last season's 2-1 win over Clemson, when she crossed a pass that led to one of the Pack goals. Another memorable moment unfolded when she helped State stun Virginia 2-1.
All that was rare air for Berger and State, which had gone 0-19-1 the previous two seasons in ACC games.
The Pack finished with a 2-7-1 conference record, not a lot to howl about, but it was significant progress.
"Our attitude, work ethic, chemistry, everything was so much better,'' she said. "It's a different mentality. Our program is moving in the right direction."
As a captain, Berger describes her style as "leading by example." That means working, "doing the right things, saying the right things, going to class," which she has done since arriving on campus.
"She does what's expected,'' Springthorpe says. "She does what is right for the team.''
BEYOND THE NET
It isn't all about dribbling, heading and kicking.
A scholar athlete (3.0 GPA or better), Berger's on track to graduate with a degree in psychology. After that, she plans to get a masters and possibly pursue a career in counseling.
Ever busy, Berger also has carved time to take piano lessons and assume an active role with State's Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes In Action chapters. This fall her agenda will include a Bible Study with Campus Crusade for Christ.
In the meantime, she hopes -- and prays -- for a quicker-than-predicted healing of the painful collarbone injury that has forced her to wear a cumbersome arm sling.
Come August, the Pack needs her on the field. And Berger -- a walk on who refused to walk away -- wants to be there, heading, kicking, leading.
