Hamilton Student Selected as
MCCC Woman Athlete of the Year

2/9/09


Soccer goalie Heidi Summers has been selected as the MCCC Woman of the Year for the Garden State Athletic Conference's National Girls and Women in Sports Day. The 23rd annual celebration was held at Seton Hall University on Feb. 2. Summers was the two-year starter in goal for the women's soccer team (2007 and 2008), which this season made it to the Northeast District final with its best record since 1989. The team finished 17-4-1 under second-year head coach Jodie Ricciardi.

Attending the ceremony with Coach Ricciardi, Summers said, "It was so nice to participate in the ceremony at Seton Hall and to be recognized with the other athletes."

Heidi Summers, right, accepts the "Woman of the Year" Award at the Girls and Women in Sports Day Feb. 2. She is pictured with coach Jodie Ricciardi.

She notes that her experience as an MCCC athlete has been a highlight of her college career. "Getting to know all the players and being part of such a successful team was terrific." She credits Coach Ricciardi with achieving a great balance of working her players hard, but supporting their best efforts.

In addition to athletics, Summers is active with the MCCC Student Government Association (SGA), serving as secretary since her first semester in fall, 2007. As an SGA officer, she takes an active role in charitable projects for a variety of local causes, most recently participating in a holiday gift drive for a needy family and collecting toys for children at Home Front in Trenton.

Her commitment to extracurricular activities began when she was a student at Nottingham High School, where she served in student government, swam, was goalkeeper for girls soccer, and was a drum major for marching band. "I like to stay busy. It's true at Mercer or anywhere - you make your experience what you want it to be. I have made a lot of friends. Even though we don't have dorms here, being involved on campus makes Mercer feel like a four-year college experience."

A Dean's List student majoring in psychology, Summers will graduate in May and plans to transfer to continue her studies. Her ultimate goal is to earn her master's degree in counseling and become a middle or high school guidance counselor. She has had conversations with several four-year coaches and hopes to play soccer at her transfer school. "Coming in as a junior, it's helpful to have had so much playing time as a goalie at the college level," she said.

Observes Athletics Director John Simone, "Heidi is the kind of student who exemplifies what it means to be a scholar-athlete. She is committed on the field, in the classroom, and in giving back to her community. She is a true leader."

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