COLLEGE SOCCER … Standing behind Emma Deffenbaugh (seated) as she makes it official are Gavin Cousino, Jeremy Mohler, Heather Mohler and Kurt Deffenbaugh. (PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER, STAFF)
By: Nate Calvin
DELTA – Delta Lady Panther goalie Emma Deffenbaugh is headed to Hiram College, a Division III school in Hiram, Ohio, where she will study Nursing while playing for the Terriers.
“I really love the school’s campus, educational opportunities, and also the overall vibe of the student and teacher population”, said Deffenbaugh when highlighting some of the reasons she selected Hiram.
“I also have the opportunity to continue playing my instrument for the school’s pep band and still play soccer.”
“I considered a lot of other schools like Heidelberg, Tiffin, Ohio Northern, and Capital University. I liked a lot of the schools, however none of them really gave me all the opportunities I really wanted to have both education and sport wise.”
This past fall, Deffenbaugh earned 2nd team All-NWOAL distinction along with being named to The Village Reporter All-County squad.
Academically, she has achieved First Honors all four years, was nominated to be a delegate for the 2021 Congress of Future Medical Leaders, and a band officer.
“One of the things sports has taught me is to not to take everything so seriously and how to learn from a mistake and move on.”
“I used to stress out about upcoming high-stakes games or bad games to the point where I struggled to enjoy soccer at all.”
“Learning to let go and have a “short term memory” really helped me relax, play better, and have a lot of fun.”
“I’m extremely excited to continue my athletic and academic career at Hiram College. I’ll have a lot of opportunities to learn and grow over the next four years there. Go Terriers!”
Nate can be reached at sports@thevillagereporter.com