Summer Hill was already making a name for herself as a freshman midfielder/forward on Bethlehem Catholic’s girls soccer team, and three years later she is Bethlehem Press’s Female Athlete of the Year for Becahi.

“The impact she made over four years is immeasurable. Being the smallest school in the EPC and consistently competing with some of the biggest schools in the state is a direct result of what Summer and that senior class did for this program,” said Becahi coach Brad Kratzer.

The Golden Hawks jump-started their 2023 season with a Lehigh Valley Summer Soccer League Championship after defeating Jersey Dogs, 4-1, in the Girls Division Final on the Goodman Campus of Lehigh University.

Hill scored three of Becahi’s goals, including one, shoeless, in the second half.

“I cut around a player and took a touch inside,” Hill said. “It actually took my shoe off when I shot it, and then I shot it barefoot, and it went right under the goalie’s arms.”

Hill went on to score 32 goals in her senior year, leading the Hawks to a conference record of 10-6.

“She was one of the most talented players I have had the privilege to watch play, let alone coach,” Kratzer said. “She was the most driven athlete I have ever been around. She would train and condition seven days a week year-round. She would frequently finish a high school training and go train again with her club team or condition on her own. That discipline led her to where she is now.”

Hill was named MVP of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and has already begun the continuation of her academic and athletic career at Lehigh University under women’s soccer coach Lauren Calabrese.

“She’s really encouraging. She knows how to run the team well, and she’s very knowledgeable,” said Hill last fall. “The assistant coach, Gina Lewandowski, played pro soccer. They both played for Lehigh, and I like how they want to represent Lehigh in a good way, and that’s what I want to do as well. I looked at some other schools, a decent amount, but Lehigh was at the top of my list.”

Kratzer noted that Hill’s passion for the game was her true leadership, even pushing Kratzer to be a better coach.

“It was hard not to get swept up in her work ethic on the field and, most importantly, at practices. Summer was hard on everyone, but that helped keep everyone accountable, which in high school is exactly what you need. The girls trusted her to take a shot late in the game, free kicks, and penalties. That trust is not something you find a lot in high school sports,” Kratzer said.

“Summer was always open to criticism. She was always looking to improve as an athlete. Her drive and competitiveness led to some disagreements over the years, but that also made us better as a team and her as a player. Summer certainly has cemented her place in Becahi history. The carryover is incredibly important. We are truthfully going to be good for a long time, and she was a big part of turning that corner.”

Hill also competed in girls wrestling under Becahi coach Matt Bennett where she earned second place at the Christmas City Classic.

Hill’s first match ended in a pin inside of one minute, and she added a couple of dual wins, most notably at Northampton where she, again, had a first-period pin.

“Although she did not wrestle a complete season due to her Lehigh commitments, she was truly a standout,” said Kratzer. “Her athleticism led her to success on the mat.”

Kratzer had the recent pleasure of watching Hill’s first soccer match at Lehigh in a scrimmage against Villanova.

“She looked incredibly comfortable as an incoming freshman,” he said. “There is no doubt she is going to be a stand out with the work ethic she has.”