S.J. Field Hockey Player of the Year: Maddie Morano

In her 17 years of coaching that have resulted in 17 straight state championships, Danyle Heilig has seen quite a few standout players grace her Eastern field hockey team.

But few have compared to Maddie Morano, the South Jersey Player of the Year.

"She's obviously the complete package," Heilig said. "She's probably the best player I've ever coached as far as end line to end line, sideline to sideline, offensively, defensively and transitionally."

The senior has not lost in her four years at Eastern. Her record stands at 106-0-1. She owns four Group 4 state titles and three Tournament of Champion crowns. (The TOC was not played in 2012 because of Hurricane Sandy).

"Eastern field hockey has been a huge part of my life and has impacted me so much," Morano said. "The fact that I haven't lost a game with this team is an incredible experience and something that I am very proud of. It just makes me realize how awesome this program is."

This year, Morano left her mark on Eastern history by setting the record for most career goals by a player who is not a forward. The midfielder scored 95 goals over, surpassing the mark record of 89 set in 2001.

Her field hockey career will continue at Penn State, where Morano is eager to continue making her mark on field hockey.

"Leaving this year I am going to Penn State with a huge amount of confidence," Morano said. "I feel that my coach has prepared me and my teammates have prepared me to challenge myself and prepared me for that level, I'm excited, and ready to make my name at Penn State."

Morano will leave big shoes to fill, as she was a leader on the field and off. She was captain for two years and deeply committed to the Vikings.

"She someone who is a leader in the hallways, in the locker room, in practice, in games she's a role model for the kids to look up to," Heilig said. "One of the things I treasured about her is that she is about the program."

Her experience has left her grateful for the opportunity to wear a Vikings' jersey on her back.

"The biggest thing that I have learned would be a strong work rate," Morano said. "All of our success has come from our strong work rate, and that's something that I will take with me for the rest of my life."