On Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018, Upper Dublin seniors Sascha Keitz, Tina Haug and Katelyn King were recognized for committing to continue their soccer careers at the collegiate level. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery.
Tina Haug – Tusculum University (Soccer)
Major: Nursing
Final list of colleges: Tusculum, Richmond, Campbell
Reasons for choosing Tusculum: “It was a good fit because the coach would let me do nursing as a major and also let me play on the team, so I had more flexibility academically. Obviously, it’s still a high level of soccer, and I loved Tennessee. I wanted to go south where it’s warm. It was a perfect fit.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “I always knew I wanted to play in college and continue my career, but it didn’t really become super attainable until I switched club teams to an ECNL team. That exposure just brings coaches knocking on your door.”
Coach John Topper says: “Tina has been such a centerpiece of our team for the last three years, two years especially. You saw the way she scored goals for us last year and ended up all-state, and then followed up with this year when teams were really keying on her. She was still able to put up impressive offensive numbers. One of the things about Tina – we talk about the way you train is the way you play, and whether it’s a practice of a game, every single day Tina’s really pushing herself and pushing her teammates to be the best that they can be. She’s a special player, and players who have a knack for putting the ball in the net are really at a premium. I think Tusculum is very lucky to have her.”
About Tina:
Favorite food: Mashed Potatoes & anything fried
Favorite movie/TV show: The Blind Side/ The Office
Favorite music: Country & Rap
Sascha Keitz – Bridgewater College (Soccer)
Major: Business with a minor in Public Health
Final list of colleges: Bridgewater, Albright, Shenandoah
Reasons for choosing Bridgewater: “I chose Bridgewater because instantly I felt really connected to the girls, and they had a really great chemistry. I also really enjoyed the coach’s coaching style and felt I would really like it there.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “Soccer has always been a huge part of my life. Once I hit sophomore year in high school and I saw girls going on and playing at the collegiate level, I thought that was something I definitely wanted to consider and try out. I couldn’t really see myself stop playing. It’s really been a process of talking and finding the right school and the right coach. Once I found Bridgewater, I knew that I definitely wanted to continue.”
Coach John Topper says: When I think of Sascha, I think of her work ethic and her athleticism, which I think will translate very well to the college game. I think coaches look for and love to find defenders that are as sturdy, as consistent and as hardworking as she is. I think for all of those reasons she’ll probably push for playing time right away in the college game. She’s got that kind of athleticism, and she’s a hard worker.”
About Sascha:
Favorite food: Shushi
Favorite movie/TV show: She’s the Man/Friday Night Lights
Favorite music: Country
Katelyn King – Washington College (Soccer)
Major: Nursing
Reasons for choosing Washington College: “I didn’t really know where I wanted to go, so I was visiting a bunch of schools. Once I visited Washington, I knew I wanted to go there because it just fit me.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level? “I have always played soccer since I was young, and by middle school, I knew I wanted to keep playing when I was older. I would look up to the women’s soccer team. College was a given – I wanted to do it.”
Coach John Topper says: “Katie is a coach’s dream. She’s as versatile as she is talented. When we first brought her up on the varsity, we saw the qualities she had, and the questions we had were simply – is she going to be a forward, a midfielder or a defender. She can do all of them very, very well. Primarily, we used her as an outside back, and she gave us a lot of tactical flexibility because if you have someone that talented playing in the back it gives you a lot of different ways to attack. When she gets to college, that versatility will serve her very well. She will be able to fill in any spot that a coach needs her. I think Washington is very lucky to be getting a player like her. She’s a great player, she’s a great kid, and we really enjoyed our time with her.”
About Katelyn:
Favorite food: Chocolate
Favorite movie/TV show: The Great Gatsby/Friends
Favorite music: Cold Play & Khalid
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