On Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, Abington senior Toni Washington was recognized for signing a letter of intent to play soccer at Delaware State University. To view photos of the signing celebration, please visit the Photo Gallery.
Toni Washington – Delaware State University (Soccer)
Major: Physical Education
Final list of colleges: Delaware State, West Chester, East Stroudsburg, Holy Family
Reasons for choosing Delaware State: “I liked the vibe – it felt like home. I have family down there as well. The coach was very young, and she just had that great energy about her.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “Playing against other competitors like Megan Schafer from Neshaminy made me a better player because she was the best, and I wanted to keep up with her. (Coach Tompkins) helped me a lot with my footwork and helped make me a better soccer player instead of just a good athlete.
“After I tore my ACL my sophomore year, it was kind of a wake-up call – I’m either going to do this or I’m not. That was a big motivation for me.”
Coach Rick Tompkins says: “It’s a combination of things that make her so good. She’s got natural athletic ability, she’s got a desire that’s unmatched, and she’s a very, very easygoing personality that enables her to get along with all different types of people and players. You put it all in the mix, and it comes out with a D1 offer.
“When she was a freshman, she was pretty raw, in my opinion. I said, ‘You’re athletic as can be, but you’re not really a soccer player right now, but if you work at it, I can see you being first team all-league.’ She realized that goal, and she worked very, very hard to get there. She should be really proud of herself.
“On the field, her speed was unparalleled. She had closing speed that wouldn’t quit. She’s a very tenacious defender. She was willing to do her job and, at the same time, help others do theirs as well. She’s really a gifted athlete. She’s the best defender I’ve had in my six years here, no doubt about that. Her throw-in is ridiculous – she’s a weapon every time she’s on the field because if the ball’s in her hands, she’s capable of making something happen on the offensive end. She’s also an underrated header of the ball. She does it defensively, but she chipped in on the offensive side as well on corner kicks.
“(Toni) is one of the classiest people I’ve ever met. She’s mature beyond her years. I think she goes out of her way to make life better for everyone around her. It’s really nice to see that she’s being rewarded for the dedication she’s shown for four years.”
About Toni:
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite movie: Love and Basketball
Favorite music: Hip Hop
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