Following a successful four years on the Hollis Brookline High School Field Hockey Team, senior captain Nyah Jernberg committed to play Division 1 field hockey for Wagner College to continue her athletic and academic career.
On Nov. 2, Hollis Brookline faced-off John Stark at Bedford High School, both teams fighting for the title. John Stark had been two-time champions, while Hollis Brookline had been close to the title in 2022 and again in 2023, but never as close as they were in 1990.
Jernberg’s mom and aunt were both on the team when Hollis Brookline Field Hockey last made it to the championship game in 1990, then losing to Winnisquam. “She’s the fourth generation in her family that’s played. It’s in her blood, but she took it further than anyone,” said Jernberg’s mom, Jenn Buckland.
Thirty-four years after Hollis Brookline’s last championship appearance, Jernberg found herself in the exact same place. After being knocked out by John Stark in the semifinals in 2022 and then by Kennett in the 2023 quarterfinals, the team was fighting for a win. “Everybody saw the goal. It was out there. They knew they could take the title this year, and they wanted it,” said Buckland.
Hollis Brookline worked together to claim the champion title with goals being scored by Jernberg’s co-captain Addison Marchant ‘25 and teammate Emily Tebbetts ‘25. “I think the people we played with made that all possible. Our culture on the team is such an uplifting environment,” said Jernberg.
Jernberg was unsure of whether or not she wanted to play field hockey at the collegiate level. Yet, she continued to advance her ability her junior year, exceeding well beyond her own expectations of herself. That year, she ended up being the only Hollis Brookline team member to make the New Hampshire Division II All-State first team. She began researching playing field hockey in college, and after meeting the Wagner team, she decided she wanted to play for them. “I’m very fortunate to have another four years of my favorite sport, and I think it wouldn’t have been possible without such a successful high school career,” said Jernberg.
Jernberg’s love for her team is apparent through her teammates. “She’s always such a leading force that made our team better both on the field and off the field,” said Marchant.
This sentiment was similarly shared by others. “She continuously inspired us and always kept the team happy. She pulled us out of any grump we had,” added Jernberg’s other co-captain Sabrina Hill ‘25.
With a clear passion for the field, Jernberg is excited to continue playing. “I just love the sport, so it’s easy to keep a good attitude toward it,” said Jernberg.
At Hollis Brookline, Jernberg has found a supportive community that she will definitely miss. “Our culture on the team is such an uplifting environment every day to go to for every practice and every game,” added Jernberg. “I hope to bring some of the HB culture to my team in New York,” Jernberg said.
The Hollis Brookline Field Hockey Team’s motto is “all gas no brakes,” started by their coach, Greg Cochrane. Jernberg is not planning to put the brakes on any time soon. You can keep track of Jernberg and her journey by following the Wagner Field Hockey season, beginning in September 2025.
