Jan. 4, 2008
By Mary Kate DeCoursey, Athletic Communications Student Assistant
When asking most college females what they want to do after college, the typical responses usually include an elementary teacher, public relations specialist, or business professional. But for Lady Lion Meggan Quinn, a police officer is the only thing in her future.
As a sophomore guard for the Penn State women's basketball team, Quinn has had a dream of becoming a cop for nearly four years.
"When I was in 10th grade, a principal in my school district was fatally shot by a 14-year-old student," said Quinn. "A student resource police officer from the Red Lion Police Department was assigned to our school. I approached him, and we began talking about his job. I didn't really know what I wanted to do."
Corporal Keith Dyke was the officer on duty that day, and he remembers that first encounter clearly.
"We hit it off right away," added Dyke. "Meggan was very personable and expressed an interest in what we do, and I asked her if she wanted to ride along with me one evening."
It seems the rest is history. Throughout the remainder of her high school career, Quinn made countless trips with the local police department, shadowed many of the officers, and became well-known around the unit.
"Once she started to get to know us, we would support her by attending her high school basketball games," Dyke said. "We cheered for her and the Red Lion basketball team, and she would support us by volunteering and helping at police department fundraisers."
A connection that had a greater impact than anyone would imagine. Quinn, a crime, law, and justice major, says the Red Lion Police Department has been incredibly helpful with her career hopes and has supported her in all she does.
The 5-8 guard played in 11 games last year before missing the final seven contests with a torn ACL and MCL. Before the injury, Quinn's breakout performance just happened to occur during the game that the "Cops for Quinn" were in town.
"That was the best game I played all season last year," Quinn smiled. "I can't tell you how good I felt. I still remember where they were sitting. That really meant a lot to me. I balled my eyes out when I saw them."
With four points, four assists, a rebound, and her first career steal in a come-from-behind win against Iowa, Quinn's cops from Red Lion could not have been happier.
"This solidified our support for Meggan and her teammates," Dyke commented. "We just have a genuine interest in her and how she is doing in all aspects of her life."
Back home in Red Lion, Dyke says Meggan's connection with the police department has allowed them to bridge a gap between local teens and the police.
"She has showed the younger kids that look up to her that it is okay to be friendly to the police. Her `off the radar' impact in our community has immensely helped our police department."
In the locker room, many of Quinn's teammates tease her about her hopes for the future.
"They always say, `watch out, she's a cop.' They consider me already certified," Quinn laughed. "But they think it takes a special person to do something like that."
Corporal Dyke hopes this special person will return to Red Lion and be on their squad.
"I hope she comes to work for our department," said Dyke. "Meggan will be an asset no matter where she goes. She has a great head on her shoulders. Wherever Meggan ends up after college, someone will be lucky to have her on staff."
Is there a chance of this level-headed athlete driving the ball down a basketball court after her time in Happy Valley?
"No. I just want to be a cop. I have a passion for this and have worked hard to get here."