The 2019 Rams Reflect is the fourth in a series of annual collections. Senior captains and representatives of Suffolk teams have been invited to contribute viewpoints based on personal experience from both their senior seasons and full varsity careers at Suffolk.
For a complete listing of past and present Rams’ Reflections, click here.
Veronica Bernardo | Hometown: Ludlow, Mass. | Public Relations / Marketing
There has always been more to look forward to, another opportunity to compete, another opportunity to win. Now that my time playing soccer is over, all I can do is reflect on everything the sport has given me. Playing soccer at Suffolk was something I looked forward to as soon as my high school season ended. The chance to continue playing the sport that I love, and on the collegiate level, was a great gift that I realize not everyone gets to do.
Suffolk Women’s Soccer gave me the chance to fulfill my dreams of playing soccer in college, and I was honored to put on my jersey for four years to represent this school. Every time my team took the field, I wanted nothing more than to play a fast paced, quality game of soccer. When your team connects, and you individually know you’ve performed well, it’s like nothing else. I appreciate all those times that I could be proud of this program.
Soccer has been one of the most consistent factors in my life. As soon as my sister and I could walk, my parents started us in the Ludlow Youth Soccer Program. My brother, sister, and I worked extremely hard in our chosen sports throughout our lives. The passion we had for them came from our dedicated parents. There was no better feeling than to look at the sideline and see our mom and dad, with smiles on their faces, knowing that they were truly proud of us. They never missed a game. My parents are the reason that soccer was my passion, and I am forever grateful that they instilled that in me. I only wish that my dad could have watched me finish out my college career, and that was a big obstacle for me when going into this season. Without the support and love given to me by my teammates, I don’t know that I could have even played at all. My commitment to them, and theirs to me, is what allowed me to complete this journey.
Being a part of this team gave me a home away from home. Moving away from home for the first time was made so much easier with the companionship of my teammates to rely on. Without the sisterhood that grew amongst this group of young women, college would not have been the amazing experience that it was. I am truthfully blessed with an extended family.
Now, as I graduate, I can say I leave with no regrets. I wish my teammates nothing but success in their upcoming seasons, and want them to know that I will be in the stands watching them do great things.
It has been a pleasure ladies. Thank you for everything.
Go Rams!
Veronica Bernardo