Coach Jablonski starting anew at Timber Creek

Timber Creek field hockey coach Bernadette Jablonski is excited to embark on a new journey, even though there is a lot to handle.

This is the Jablonski's first time as a head coach, but with her playing career and years as an assistant, she brings plenty of experience.

Jablonski played for four years at Paul VI, four years at Stockton University, and went on to become an assistant coach at Cherry Hill West and Paul VI.

"I was really lucky to coach under two strong and great head coaches," Jablonski said. "I also had great coaches that I kind of have built my philosophy off of. I think that the experiences of playing and not being so far removed, I am able to relate to the girls a lot."

For seniors such as Caitlin O'Sullivan and Ra'Ann Mercier, this is their third coach in four years.

"I feel like Coach Jablonski made a smooth transition, being the third coach to come in," Mercier said. "She really incorporated all the seniors and we all got to have our input to make the best team and coaching style."

On top of being a first-year head coach and having to adjust to a new role, Jablonski is helping the team deal with a tragedy. Freshman Gavyn Connolly was struck by a car and died in late April.

"I feel like everything we do is for Gavyn," Mercier said.

"I do anything in my power to play for her," O'Sullivan said. "She came in and was so full of life and a free spirit. I feel like I knew her right away."

Jablonski did not get to meet Connolly but is making sure to keep her memory alive. The team will be dedicating a game to her, has a tree growing by the field in honor of her, has warm-ups dedicated to her and wears Connolly's favorite color, purple, on their gear.

"I want the girls to know I am here as a support system whether as a coach, but as a person if they need anything," Jablonski said. It is really hard to deal with that in general, and have it happen so young with all of them. My job is just keep her light and love alive for field hockey and everything else, so that us my goal."

Jablonski will be doing her best to bring the team together as one as the season progresses.

"My goal for our team is to every game build off of the last," Jablonski said. "It is my first year as a head coach, so I am learning and they are learning. I am hoping each day we get a step further, so by the end of the year we are one complete team."