Springside Chestnut Hill’s Bella Brown earns Manion/Crescenz Award

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy senior Bella Brown is one of two recipients of the 2022 First Lieutenant Travis Manion & Corporal Michael Crescenz Award. The award will be presented by members of the Manion and Crescenz families at halftime of the Army-Navy Cup Friday at Subaru Park. The service academies meet for their 11th annual men’s soccer game at 7 p.m. in Chester.

This award is given every year to two high school aged soccer players, one girl and one boy, who exemplify the spirit of Manion and Crescenz, who gave their lives in service to their country. These two men lived by the motto “If Not Me, Then Who…” throughout their lives.

“I’m really excited,” Brown said. “I’m really grateful for receiving this award. It touches my heart the most because my dad is a part of law enforcement and he’s taught me so much. It’s really special for me. He’s taught me to respect higher authorities and always stand up for myself and work hard for what I want. I look up to his example and others like him all the time, which makes winning this award very special for me.”

Off the field, Brown gives back by helping out her uncle, a retired US Marine, who organizes clothing drives for Syrian refuges.

“It’s a case that’s very close to my heart because I’m part of a family of refuges,” Brown said. “Helping that cause is something that has taught me to give back to others.

“I think being there for people who are in need,” she added about how she displays Manion and Crescenz’ values, “and anytime you see someone down and you’re there you always have to be there to pick someone up.”

The award continues a decorated year for Brown, an Oreland resident. She won the PAISAA state championship with SCH last fall, committed to continue her academic and soccer careers at Binghamton University in January and won the USYS U17 national championship with Philadelphia SC Coppa Rage in July.

“All these achievements through this past year have been really surreal,” she said. “It’s been very exciting. I’ve been working really hard so I’m excited for the future and what’s to come.”

The Springside Chestnut Hill Academy girls soccer team is 10-1 this season. Brown has six goals for the defending state champs.