Tuller making a statement for Kingsway

Nichole Tuller knew she needed to make a statement in her senior year. So the attacker for the Kingsway field hockey team put in a summer of intensive training.

Tuller went to camps held by the University of Maryland, South Jersey Edge, and Eastern, among others. She advanced her stick work and has become more aggressive.

"I did whatever it took to make my senior year the best," said Tuller. "I was able to be open to learn new concepts. I think that's really helped me have an open mind."

Tuller looks to challenge herself every game to ensure that she is making herself noticeable. The goal is to draw a college's attention.

Her skill in cutting through the right-wing defense alongside teammate Sophia Casella has certainly worked well for the Dragons so far.

Tuller has scored 17 goals for the Dragons, who are off to a 6-1-2 start.

"Every game, I try to make it a goal to . . . score," said Tuller. "Everyone on the team tries to score, that's the whole point of playing. I talk to myself in my head, I motivate myself and set goals for myself."

Tuller emphasizes, however, the need to stay focused on the game at hand.

"As a senior, I need to be a leader. When I score, I celebrate, we all celebrate," said Tuller. "I think leading by example, like, 'Yes, you got the goal, but you've got to get back out there and get another one for the team.' "

Her commitment to her team reveals itself in the work she puts in.

"I never have to ask for Nichole to go 150 percent, she always does," said head coach Sara Lewis. "She's one of those kids you want to have in your program and on the field. She pours her heart and soul on the field for us."

Though she plays other sports, Tuller prioritizes hockey. As for her love of the game, that goes without question.

"I play other sports," Tuller said. "Nothing compares to field hockey."

rallysports@phillynews.com