Athlete of the Month: Liza Froncek sets soccer records at Holy Cross

By Steve Svetovich

Holy Cross senior Liza Froncek is busy this year setting soccer records.

Daughter of Matt and Missy Froncek, Liza, 18, is as humble as can be despite her many accolades.

During a Lady Crusaders soccer win over Carbondale Area this past August 31, Liza set school records for three goals in a game and 50 career goals. She now has a record 55 goals at press time.

“I was really ecstatic when I set the career record,” she said. “I was three goals away at the end of last season, so it was good to get it in the first game. It was really a great feeling.”

The Holy Cross soccer team is 5-1-2 at press time.

Well-versed and extremely polite, Liza has a highly impressive 4.13 grade point average at Holy Cross. Her best academic subject is chemistry.

Liza is a member of the Mock Trial team, History Club, Language Club, Film Club, and Sign Language Club. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.

Her dad is her soccer coach at Holy Cross.

“My dad is very vocal to me as a coach, but I don’t take it personally. He teaches me a lot.” Liza’s dad has been the Holy Cross girls’ soccer coach for the past 17 years.

Liza said she learned a lot from her parents. “They teach me how to work things out, especially when things get difficult. Work through the challenges.”

Liza also holds the Holy Cross soccer record for most career assists with 33 at press time. The previous record was 25.

She is also a member of the Holy Cross track and field team. She has participated in the 100-meter, hurdles, high jump and 4 by 1. This year she will compete in the long jump.

As a freshman, the talented senior was a member of the Holy Cross girls basketball team that won a district title.

Liza is a member of the IHM program run by Marywood University. The program is available to the top 10 students based on grade point average at Holy Cross. Students earn college credits which can be utilized at various colleges and universities.

The soft-spoken scholar-athlete said she is not sure where she wants to attend college yet, but will probably study chemistry.

“I would like to get into lab work as an occupation,” she said.

Studious and hard-working, Liza enjoys listening to music in her spare time and would like to see Panic at the Disco, a pop rock group, in concert.

Liza’s mom is a language teacher at Holy Cross. She teaches French and Spanish.

“I have had her as a teacher all four years,” Liza said. “I get no special treatment,” she quickly added.

Liza also has a brother Matthew, 21.

A three-time first team soccer all-star, Liza is an attacking midfielder.

“To be a good soccer player,” she said, “you need dedication and skill. The skill level needs to be tactical and technical. You need to work hard both in practice and on your own.”

She talked about her goals. “I want to continue working hard, focus on my grades, and finish up on a strong note.

“I want to play a sport in college. Maybe it will be soccer. I want to do well in college and eventually earn a master’s degree.”

In the meantime, Liza is thoroughly enjoying her experience at Holy Cross.