Jan. 10, 2007

"Sometimes looking back at old friends is the easiest way to crack a smile."

Maureen Casserly earned that smile by excelling in the classroom, on the field and through her involvement with the Food Marketing Association.

A native of Cherry Hill, NJ, Casserly began her Saint Joseph's experience after transferring from Ohio University in the second semester of her freshmen year.

For her, the new university offered the chance to be surrounded by other students with the same values.

Casserly found these students on the Finnesey Field.

In her first season as a Hawk, Casserly started all 19 games and scored nine points

In her junior year, Casserly started every season game and led the Hawks to victory scoring 11 points throughout the season.

Her work on the field merited the team's Unsung Hero Award.

This past season was the most successful on record for Saint Joseph's Field Hockey which finished second in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

For Casserly, who played field hockey for 10 years, it was teamwork that made this year so unique.

"Teamwork is the ability to put aside any negative feelings in order to achieve a common goal," said Casserly. "This year we were able to put it all aside. As a senior it meant saying, `Hey guys, this is our year, lets do this and achieve our goals'."

This determination that led Casserly to be named to the Altantic 10 All Conference Team.

She was invited to join the All Tournament Team and received team honor to be named to the Mid Atlantic Region Second team.

Understanding how to work with others was engrained in Casserly from a young age. She is the fourth of five girls, and said that her sisters are her role models.

"I would see what they did and what they accomplished, and take a little bit of the great qualities in themselves to become what I am today," said Casserly.

Casserly is a Scholar Student Athlete as well as the president of the Food Marketing Association.

As president, she was able to institute a new website for the club, increase attendance and provide new programs for the club members.

Managing the Food Marketing Association as well as field hockey was her greatest challenge this season.

What keeps Casserly going is her "Interaction with many personalities. [She is] excited to see people and enjoy everyone in the Food Marketing Association. [This is why] I do things to make everything better."

Casserly is also involved with Project Appalachia, where she will be making her second visit this spring break.

According to Casserly, "Service is confirming who you are as a person." She also stated that through service, "you are able appreciate what you do have."

For Casserly, it was sharing values with fellow students that allowed her to call Hawk Hill home. "St. Joe's is a small university for one reason; if you put forth the effort you will succeed." With her season completed, Casserly looks to the future and to eventually coach field hockey.

"I will always be able to look back on Saint Joe's and crack a smile for all the good times I had with everyone I met through field hockey and the Food Marketing Association."