Mangual’s experience allows her great insight to girls team
By: Carolyn M. Hartko
As a four-year varsity starter, South Brunswick High School girls soccer player Monica Mangual has a unique perspective on the Vikings’ program.
"Freshman year, I feel, was the best team that we had," Mangual said. "The senior class was extremely talented. And all of us meshed well together. Sophomore and junior years, we were okay, but last year was a rebuilding year, and our record showed it. We were struggling."
"But this year is going to be a repeat of my freshman year," the senior continued. "I really think we’re going to go to the county finals. I’m really excited. We’re all playing hard. All the coaches are working us hard. All the girls are taking it seriously, and they’re committed to the sport."
Mangual is one of those hard-working midfielders who are often overlooked when a team is successful. The glory goes to the strikers, or the goalie that makes the spectacular save. But in a game between equals, it’s the midis that take the pounding, whether the team is on offense or defense.
Since beginning her soccer career in second grade with the South Brunswick Township recreation program, Mangual has been primarily a half back, although she can play almost anywhere on the field. Currently, she starts in the midfield for SBHS, and for her club team, the Hillsborough Wildcats.
"I like playing halfback," Mangual said. "You get to play both offense and defense. I’m fast, which is good, because I can get back when I need to. I haven’t really met too many girls with the same speed as me, so I usually have an advantage there. And I make a lot of runs. I get a fair amount of touches on the ball, so I’m usually involved in the play."
According to Viking head coach Nancy Ducko, Mangual is one of those players who always gives 100 percent, whether it’s practice time or game day.
"Monica’s presence on the team really adds to the intensity, and the drive that the team has," Ducko said. "She’s dedicated; she’s motivated; she’s enthusiastic. She’s been serving as the glue for our team this year. She’s just got such a great attitude and she really has done a great job as a captain for the squad this year. She’s a great role model."
Actually, the Lady Vikings have four captains this year. Seniors Rebecca Dezan (goalie), Cherise Johnson (defensive midfielder) and Kiana Johnson (striker) are all helping to keep the team on track. Mangual feels that the leadership provided by this group is one of the strengths of the 2001 Vikings.
"Everyone’s stepping up," Mangual said. "We even have a few juniors who are stepping up and helping everyone out. Everyone’s encouraging each other and working hard."
Mangual has tried several other sports while in high school, including track and lacrosse, but soccer is the only one she’s stuck with. She has given time to several other school activities, such as the National Honor Society, SADD, and Affinity. The latter is a group that works to identify and reduce sources of bias in the high school community.
Mangual does have one other passion besides soccer, and that’s music. She takes private piano lessons, and plays that instrument in the jazz band. And she plays the clarinet in the wind ensemble. Music is a shared hobby in the Mangual family, and Monica suspects the three Mangual children inherited their musical talent from their father, Reynaldo, who once sung in a Doo-Wop group.
"I guess that’s where we get it from," she said.
Like the other members of her class, Mangual will be making an important choice soon about where she’ll be going to college. She’s concentrating her search on schools in New Jersey and western Pennsylvania, with Drew University on the top of the list. She’s planning on majoring in secondary education with the hope of teaching English on the high school level. And sports is definitely on her mind as she looks at all the brochures.
"With the schools I’m considering, I’m looking to play soccer," Mangual said. "I’ve contacted a lot of coaches from a lot of different schools, and some have written to me."
But before the glamour of college, there are plenty of games left as a Viking.
THROW-INS: The Lady Vikings squeaked past Old Bridge last Friday 3-2, then lost to Piscataway 3-1 on Tuesday. That puts them at 6-3-2.