Name: Sierra Berkel
Sport: Women's Basketball
Hometown: Flushing, N.Y.
High School: Townsend Harris
Activities/Clubs/Committees: Intern at the Women's Center

Why did you choose Haverford?
Haverford first appeared on my radar because of its outstanding academics, so I reached out to Bobbi about the women's basketball team and the possibility of me playing here. Then, as I started doing more research, I realized that Haverford might actually be a great fit for me. I wanted to get away from New York City for college (not too far), I wanted the opportunity to explore different areas of learning, and I wanted to play college basketball. When I first stepped on Haverford's campus with my family, I knew that this was a place I could see myself attending.

What is your favorite team experience?
One of my favorite team experiences was our win on the road against Gettysburg during my freshman season. It was a turning point for me because I found my rhythm on the court, but it was also a huge team win. All of our hard practices paid off and something just clicked for us. It was awesome to just completely destroy Gettysburg, and everybody on the team stepped up and got a chance to play. We were so excited!

Why did you choose to play a sport in college?
It's simple for me; I just love to play basketball. Although that wasn't a priority in the college process, it was definitely a large factor. I knew I wanted to go somewhere where I had the opportunity to be on a team.

What does being a student-athlete mean to you?
Being a student-athlete means representing my team, my family, and I both on and off the court. I strive to be the best when I'm playing, but I know that it is important to keep working hard in the classroom and achieve at the highest level.

What advice would you give a High School student considering Haverford?
I would tell them to just go with their heart, because that's ultimately what led me here, and I have never regretted my decision!