Truman's VanDerPoel Commits to Play Soccer at Holy Family

On Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, Harry S Truman senior Madison VanDerPoel was recognized for committing to continue her soccer career at Holy Family University. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery at the following link:  https://solsports.zenfolio.com/p369338598

Maddie VanDerPoel – Holy Family University (Soccer)

Major:  Nursing

Final list of colleges:  Holy Family, Neumann, Penn State

Reasons for choosing Holy Family:  “Holy Family had the better academics, and I just felt it was a better fit for me. Especially the nursing program, I heard it’s excellent, and when I visited, it felt right. The coach made me feel welcome when I went to visit with her too. Also, Holy Family is Division II team, so I’ll get that competition with it.”

What was the progression that led you to competing in soccer at the collegiate level?  “I’ve been playing soccer all my life, and I always wanted to play soccer forever. I even wanted to go pro.  I do allied health at the tech school, so nursing has always been a major part of me. I’ll get a good academic career out of it and also fulfill the college soccer life that I wanted to do.”

Coach Michael McHugh says:  “Madison was a four-year varsity starter, so that’s a big accomplishment on its own. This year she scored 13 goals, which is the most I’ve had coaching the girls’ program in one season. She’s a leader, a hard worker. She won the MVP for our team. The girls pick these awards, and they’re usually correct – they pick who we would pick. She was the girls’ MVP and she was my MVP.

“It’s more than just scoring goals. She never wants to come off the field, she’s very durable, she works hard, and you can’t coach that. Injuries are part of the game, and I always could count on Maddie. Even if she was injured, she’d say, ‘Coach, I’m fine.’ I always say to the girls – playing for Truman can be difficult. We don’t always see results in wins and losses. I give them credit to play for four years and to struggle with wins and losses and to still work hard and try. I think she’s going to do well in college.”

About Maddie:

Favorite food:  Chicken

Favorite TV show:  The Challenge

Favorite artist:  Post Malone

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