Hartwick College Athletics

Berkel O'Brien was the first player in the history of the women’s soccer program to receive All-American honors in 1982. She was a four-year starter at sweeper from 1981-1984, and helped the team to a combined 42-12-9 record.

Hartwick began the women’s soccer program in 1980 and Berkel led the team to the postseason in only its second year of competition. She played every minute of every game and helped the 1981squad finish with a 13-3 record. Hartwick placed third in the NYSAIWA Tournament and she was named to the tournament’s all-star team. Berkel was also selected to the all-state and all-region first teams.

As a sophomore in 1982, Berkel earned second-team All-American honors from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and was named to the all-region first team. Hartwick finished with a 12-3-2 record and won the NYSAIAW Tournament, and Berkel helped the defense post seven shutouts.

Berkel served as the team's captain in her junior and senior seasons. The team posted a 9-2-4 record in 1983, and the 1984 squad went 8-4-3.

She was a two-time All-Monroe County selection as a member of the soccer and basketball teams at Hilton High School, where she was inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998.