All-Area POTY Bushey didn’t slow down for Rustin

he West Chester Rustin girls soccer team came into the 2014 season under an unusual prospect, for the first time, they had to get used to a new coach. But, new in this case was a relative term. Longtime are veteran coach Peter Rohall took over for Joe Corba with a senior-laden group at his disposal.

On their way to a perfect mark in the Ches-Mont League and the division title, senior Alexa Bushey’s play stood out.

Bushey was a defensive midfielder who could lock down the opposition and had the conditiong to run all day. More importantly, she had the burning desire to score goals using her prowess in the air.

Those talents allowed Bushey to be named the Daily Local News All-Area Girls Soccer Player of the Year.

“She was one our captains (along with Brooke Morgan and Charlotte Elrod),’ said Rohall. “She was one of the best conditioned players on the team and she always encouaging the players who needed it. Soccerwise, she is probably the best header of the ball I’ve seen in my 20 years as a high school coach.’

Her skill in the air came in handy in a late season showdown against Downingtown West. She scored a brilliant goal in the air with the back of her head to help Rustin secure a perfect league campaign.

“My ability in the air and having the strength to hold my ground are definitely a couple of my strengths,’ said Bushey. “I was working with my trainers and I didn’t even know I could jump that high. It was great having teammates who put the ball in great positions that I could score.’

The transition to a new coach might have been tough, but Rustin quickly acclimated to it and went on to have a sterling season.

“We were a little unsure of the change to begin with,’ added Bushey. “But, it became easier to be an older coach, we weren’t sure if he can relate, but he shows he cares about his players and he is excited, he transfers that to the players.’

The ability to go forward and score goals — she had 11 on the year — helped provide a second scoring option if teams tried to mark leading scorer Mackenzie Moore out of the game.

Bushey became the Ches-Mont League American Division MVP despite playing most of the year with an aching ankle. She soldiered on, only missing the Downingtown East game in which Rustin tied.

“My favorite games this year included the West game. The Henderson game was a big game. And the game against Great Valley, where I hurt my ankle, but came back in and scored in overtime to win,’ she said.

Taking to the game early, Bushey started playing when she was at the age of three.

“I played pee-wee when I was three and the coaches thought I was good and moved me up the next year, but I was terrible,’ she said with a laugh.

She played for, and learned the game from her father. She feels she was a natural center midfielder, who always have the thirst to get forward and score.

She plans to play next year for Gettysburg College and major in Psychology.