Just like mom, Freeberg trying to help Rider win conference title
The name Freeberg has been etched in the field hockey history book at Rider since 2000, and amazingly the final chapter is yet to be written.
Back in 2000 when the Broncs stunned the hockey world by winning the Northeast Conference title in Lori Hussong’s first year as coach, they entered the NEC playoffs at Monmouth as the No. 4 seed and beat the top-seeded Hawks, 1-0, in the opening round on a goal with just 1:13 left in regulation.
Janette Freeberg scored that goal.
It was the goal that sent the Broncs to the championship game where they defeated Quinnipiac for the first hockey title in school history.
The Broncs will be playing for another conference championship next week and now they’ll be relying on another Freeberg.
Junior Jade Freeberg has started all 16 games for Rider and is following in her mother’s footsteps and looking to cherish her own conference championship.
“Having a conference championship of our own is always a goal to have for the team,” Jade said.. “I feel like this year we are really close to achieving this goal. We have a shot, and this is what all our hard work has been going towards, we just need to look at prior years (like my mom and her class) as motivation to go and get our own championship.”
Rider faced Sacred Heart on Friday and with a berth in the final Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference field hockey tournament already clinched, the Broncs will be looking for the highest seed possible.
Jade leaned the game watching her mom play.
“I always looked to her and thought how about how awesome the sport is,” Jade said. “Once I stared playing in middle school, then high school, and then club I decided I wanted to play in college at a higher level than ever before. It’s been a huge part of my life and it taught me so much not only the sport but the people and coaches along the way have shaped me into the athlete and person I am today.”
While her mom has been the greatest influence in her life, Jade wasn’t sure she wanted to follow in every one of her footsteps.
“At first, I wasn’t sure about Rider because of my mom,” Jade said. “I went to the same high school as her, I didn’t want to do everything she did exactly the same. But as soon as I visited the campus and talked to Coach Lori (Hussong) and Coach Dan (Hussong) I knew Rider was the right fit. After 2 ½ years I am still proud to represent Rider and wear No. 11, the same number my mom wore when she played for Rider years ago.”