Since kindergarten, senior captain Toby Bergstrom has been committed to the sport of basketball. According to Bergstrom, it is where she developed the majority of her commitment and disciplinary skills.
“Basketball is so important to me because I started playing when I was so young and it taught me about commitment, discipline and teamwork in a sport,” she said. “It pushes me to improve. When I’m playing, nothing else matters.”
Bergstrom recognizes her dad as her main motivator throughout her entire basketball journey.
“My dad played basketball, and he would practice with me from the beginning,” she said.
Bergstrom’s strong passion for the sport and the discipline she has learned from it propelled her to continue playing in high school, in addition to her main commitment to lacrosse, which she is committed to play Division I at University of Maryland. Bergstrom is perceived as a hardcore athlete and leader by her coaches and teammates.
“Toby is a great leader and is the glue for all of the players. Her effort on defense is always a momentum shifter,” freshman Naomi Trayers said.
Along with leadership, Bergstrom displays poise and confidence in what she does. Her team notices her as a strong and reliable teammate; this is especially noted by head coach Devonne Pinkard.
“Toby plays with confidence and poise. She trusts the work she has put in. We often say confidence is earned, and Toby has earned hers by staying after practice to get extra shots up and by asking thoughtful, detailed questions about scouting reports,” Pinkard said.
Bergstrom has always been described as a strong competitor. This quality of hers is not only noticed in her performance in lacrosse, but also in basketball, where she demonstrates a hunger to win.
Bergstrom said that one of her favorite aspects about basketball is its competitive drive within the team: “My favorite thing about basketball is the constant competition and the hustle up and down the court. I especially love our team dynamic and values everyday in practice or games.”
Bergstrom’s drive for competition fuels her performance in games, which is especially evident in her defensive skills. She is considered a key player for the Blue Streaks because of her strong rebounds and coverage.
“She is the leading rebounder and protects the paint. Her ability to run the floor helps us on both ends,” Trayers said.
Bergstrom consistently steps up as a leader and constantly takes the time to bring spirits up when needed. She is always vocal and ready to help.
“In practice, she is the biggest vocal leader and is never late to encourage someone,” Trayers said.
Her vocal skills did not only go unnoticed by her teammates, but were also a main point of emphasis from her coaches. Her ability to bring competition with an uplifting spirit is considered one of her many strong suits.
“Toby is a vocal leader who also leads by example. She is constantly communicating and uplifting her teammates, setting the tone with her positivity, effort and competitive spirit. The way she approaches every drill shows how much she cares about being great,” Pinkard said.
According to her team, Bergstrom has always been a strong player, but has shown great growth over time, especially on the offensive side of drills. Pinkard emphasized how Bergstrom has improved her offensive skills as a player.
“Toby has also grown offensively. She has improved her footwork and finishing around the basket, and she has become a stronger passer and screener, allowing her teammates to score,” he said.
Bergstrom’s journey doesn’t stop here. Though she is planning to play lacrosse in college, she expects basketball to always be an important part of her life.
