A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Burrell’s Maggie Nesko

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, November 25, 2024 | 11:04 AM

It was a tale of two seasons for Burrell senior midfielder Maggie Nesko.

Last year, she lost the majority of her season to a major knee injury, tearing her patellar tendon.

“We were playing against South Park, and it was a no-contact injury,” Nesko said. “I was just running, and it happened. I lost nine months of soccer.”

Despite the injury, there was a silver lining for Nesko, as she was named to the all-section team.

“I was surprised because I only played in three section games,” Nesko said.

According to her father and coach, Nesko came into her senior year with a newfound purpose.

“She’s learned to value what she has,” Frank Nesko said. “She enjoyed the opportunity to play soccer her freshman and sophomore year. After what she went through last year, she now cherishes it and embraces every moment.”

Added Maggie: “When you get hurt and you lose something you really love, you learn to not take it for granted. I began to focus more on being in the moment and gave 100% in everything I did because it can be taken away so easily.”

Nesko was a major reason the Bucs went 11-5-1 in the regular season and battled their way to the WPIAL Class 2A championship game, where they lost 2-1 to Quaker Valley.

“This year’s practices, for us, had a different tone,” coach Nesko said. “I’m not saying she was totally responsible, but I think she was a major cog in the wheel with the attention to detail. It was still fun, and the girls had a good time. There was just a different tenor, a more focused energy day in and day out.”

When it was all said and done, Nesko was named all-section for the second year and was named to the All-WPIAL team. She finished her career with 22 goals, including 11 this season, and 39 assists.

“Each time I’ve been named all-section, I’ve been proud of myself and very thankful,” she said. “Being All-WPIAL had been a goal of mine since I was a freshman.”

Nesko took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:

What was it like to topple Mt. Pleasant in back-to-back seasons in the playoffs?

Watching last year, I was so proud of the team, and it was such a good feeling to be a part of it this year. It was so great beating them and going to the finals two years in a row.

How challenging was Quaker Valley in the WPIAL final match?

That was a pretty tough game. I think everyone’s nerves were high because we hadn’t been in a moment like that before. They were a pretty good team, fast and aggressive.

How tough was the section this year?

It was the most difficult in my four years of playing. North Catholic, Shady Side, Freeport and Knoch were all very difficult games. Any team in our section could have been a playoff-worthy team.

Who was the toughest nonsection opponent you faced?

Quaker Valley. I also think South Park was our most physically taxing game. It was an even back-and-forth affair, each side was putting 100% on the line, knowing that the winner was going to the WPIAL final.

How did you learn to be a leader, and in what ways did you lead this year’s Bucs team?

I’m not a very vocal person. I don’t like to talk much, so I think one of my main leadership qualities is leading by example.

What part of your game were you looking to improve on this season?

My confidence in taking on players one v. one. I worked hard on getting opportunities out wide. It’s still something I’ll continue to work on heading into college.

Favorite high school memory so far?

When we won against South Park.

Post high school plans?

I’m attending Cal U, and I’m going to play soccer.

What do you plan on studying?

I’m going to major in health sciences and hopefully get accepted into physical therapy school to be a physical therapist.

What lessons have you learned from sports?

Coming back from setbacks. We lost to Freeport twice this year in overtime and that’s a team, being our biggest rivals, we always want to beat. We were able to overcome those disappointments and play in the WPIAL finals.

What’s one piece of advice you’d want to leave your teammates?

Don’t take it for granted and don’t take it too seriously either. Have fun because it’s going to be over before you know it.

Tags: Burrell