Marlee Berg has dedicated herself to track and field, a passion in her life.
And for the past four years she has proved to be one the top athletes in Westfield State College history.
Berg’s accomplishments are spectacular. The Chelmsford, Mass. resident was:
- a four-time qualifier for NCAA Division III national championships;
- a Mass. State Conference champion 14 times;
- All New England nine times, including winning the 2008 heptathlon championship;
- All-ECAC three times;
- the Westfield State College team’s Most Valuable Field Performer in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
She also holds school records in four events - high jump, 200 meter dash, 500 meter run, and pentathlon - and is a member of four school record-setting relay teams.
Berg’s most outstanding achievement, however, happened this past February when she won a national championship, placing first in the high jump at NCAA Division III indoor finals.
“I still don’t know the words, satisfying I guess I would say. It’s what you work for. It’s like the ultimate goal,” said Berg on becoming Westfield’s third national champion in track and field.
Not only does Berg have astounding athletic ability but she possesses the leadership that has led her to be team captain for three years.
“She’s pretty much the captain for the men’s team too,” said head coach Sean O’Brien. “She’s a leader. Marlee has kept everything on an even keel.”
High jump is Berg’s specialty and one of her favorite events, but she can also perform in many other events like the long jump, triple jump, hurdles, and sprints.
“She’s one of the best and a big-meet performer,” said O’Brien when asked to compare Berg to other athletes that he has coached. “It’s not just her athletic ability but her personality, too. You get a top athlete with leadership and personality. You only get a few of them.”
Berg’s motivation to perform at a high level comes from her teammates. “When it’s a team thing, I want to do well for them,” she said.
Berg also has dedicated herself to the classroom, and she will graduate in May with a communication degree.
“A student-athlete that’s what you are. You’re here to go to school. We do it because we love the sport,” said Berg about being a Division III athlete. “We’re here because we want to be here. Other divisions are there because they have to be.”
Berg has made a lot of progress since her freshman year and credits this to her coaches. She claims to be in better mental and physical shape and also more knowledgeable about the sport.
“The coaches are great. They teach you. After I take a jump I can figure out what I did wrong. I used to just run and jump. Now I understand,” said Berg.
Berg will move on from Westfield State with many memories and a cartload of trophies. She describes her four years at Westfield as exciting and an enjoyable experience.
“I couldn’t even imagine going to another school,” said Berg. “This school was definitely the right choice.”
“She works at it and anything she gets, she deserves. You don’t get those types of athletes who want to practice all the time. It’s the whole package,” said O’Brien.
Marlee Berg competes in the high jump at the NCAA Division III national indoor championships in February.