Freehold's Gagliano Earns All American Honors

When she had played her final minutes with the Drew University field hockey team Freehold’s own Brooke Gagliano did so as the Landmark Conference Player of the year.

The former Freehold Township High School star recently earned a new distinction as she was named to the 2013 Longstreth/NFHCA Division III All-America Second Team. During her time at Drew Gagliano finished as the fifth leading scorer in the program’s history, was the captain of the squad and helped the Rangers reach national ranking status.

Gagliano said she has come a long way from when she first picked up a field hockey stick. “I started playing in middle school and I just kept missing the ball, but my coach kept me on the team because I was a good runner,” she said. “It motivated me to learn the game.”

Since that time she has become one of the most talented players to come out of not only the Patriot program, leading them to a state title, but also the Drew University squad. She became the 10th Ranger to earn All American status and the first since 2004.

Along with her time on the field hockey team Gagliano has also been an event coordinator for the Student Advisory Athletic Committee. Part of that work included raising money for breast cancer awareness and buying Christmas presents for children in need. “We always look to help other people,” she said. “It’s just a really cool experience.”

In addition to her major Gagliano has a double minor in biology and art and is working as an intern at CrossFit gym where she studies physiology of exercise and is learning how to run a small business. She has a goal of owning her own gym in the future.

When she learned she had earned All American Honors Gagliano thanked Drew Head Coach Felicia Cappabianca and her family among others for helping her garner the honor. “When I found out I was so excited, I was just shocked.”