SACRAMENTO, Calif. – St. Francis senior Marli Berry has made a verbal commitment to play soccer and attend school at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
"I really like the school and have had several family members who have gone to school there," said Berry. "Once I went to visit, I knew it was where I wanted to go."
Berry had seen the campus while on a visit with her brother, who is now a sophomore at the school. She contacted the coaches and they saw her play at her next showcase and the rest is history.
"I like their mentality and what they have been able to accomplish," said Berry. "The coach has really changed the program and they have been doing really good. They have a great mentality and work ethic."
Berry, who plans to study biology, will play for Head Coach Brent Leiba, who has directed the Bison program since 2009. He has led them to two NCAA Tournament appearances and multiple conference titles in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
Berry is excited to continue her career in college, fulfilling one of her goals entering high school.
"It means everything," said Berry of her signing with Howard. "I do not know what I would do if I did not get the opportunity to continue to play soccer because it has been a part of my life for so long. If I was not playing I would still play club. It is really important to me and I am really passionate about it."
Berry has been a four-year player on the St. Francis varsity team. She has scored nine career goals and recorded four assists. She was named all-league and Defensive Most Valuable Player for the program as a junior, leading the team to the CIF DII Northern California Regional title and a Sac-Joaquin Section runner-up.
"It was literally the best season for soccer I have ever had in my life," said Berry of last year's postseason run. "The championship was great but I loved the environment with the girls. Everyone came to practice and gave it their all without expecting to win anything. Every game we came in with a great mindset and it was the best thing ever."
As a sophomore, Berry earned her first All-Delta League honor and Defensive MVP for the first time, as well as recognition on the 2018 United Soccer Coaches All-West Region team.
"Marli was a significant non-captain leader last year," said Head Coach Maryclaire Robinson. "We count on her. Now she is a senior and I think it is her time. She has a nice way of getting the team going. She has been of our compasses I've been leaning on for a couple of years."
Berry looks to lead the charge in 2019-20.
"My goals are to keep the same environment," said Berry, who was selected a team captain. "I want to incorporate love and positivity with everyone coming together as one team to play for each other no matter the outcome."
Berry will celebrated at the Sping Signing Day event on April 22.
