Jan. 27, 2017
Hometown: Manchester, Md.
Years with PSWS: 2003-07
Major: Public Relations with a concentration in sports journalism and a business minor
GoPSUsports.com: How did Penn State prepare you?
HT: I don't think I realized just how much my experiences as a Nittany Lion would help me prepare for my future. Playing soccer for Penn State challenged me not just physically, but also mentally. My experiences as a Nittany Lion taught me that I really can do anything I put my mind to.
I worked harder than I had ever worked, and every day that I stepped onto the playing field I surprised myself with the things I was able to do. I learned how to overcome adversity, what it truly means to be a team player, and probably the most valuable life lesson which is to surround myself with people who lift me higher.
GoPSUsports.com: Favorite memory as a Nittany Lion?
HT: It's hard to pin point what my most favorite memory as a Nittany Lion was, because honestly those were the best four years of my life. On and off the field I had the time of my life, and those women are now and always will be my sisters. I know it sounds weird but I miss little things like riding buses and airplanes with my teammates and making dinner with them.
But, if I had to think back to one memory that captured my heart a bit more than the others, it would have to be my junior year when Tiffany Weimer notched in a header in the final minutes against UCLA to send us to the College Cup; I'll never forget that moment! We worked so hard for that and I can't quite put it into words but the feeling was remarkable! I love those girls so much, and that was a moment that to this day still makes me cry just thinking about how awesome it was!
GoPSUsports.com: What are you currently up to?
HT: Since graduating from PSU I've gone on to have my fair share of awesome adventures! I am currently a preschool special education teacher for an agency in New York City, and started a youth girls running group with LuLu Lemon and Ivivva brands. I absolutely love what I do! I've overcome every obstacle thrown my way because of Penn State.
I wanted to play there since I was 10 years old and once I did it, I knew for a fact that a positive outlook and a "never say never" attitude will forever be the key to my own success in life. I'm thankful for the group of incredible women I played alongside and who showed me the importance of smiling when you don't necessarily feel like smiling. I am forever grateful I played for Penn State. WE ARE...
GoPSUsports.com: Anything else you would like to add?
HT: I played semi-pro for the Washington Freedom (now the Spirit) and then went on to coach at the youth level for Paul Riley on Long Island. I currently play for fun in a co-ed league in NYC with a few other former PSWS players. Although, when I say "for fun" I really mean I still play like the College Cup is on the line every Tuesday night, because I have no ability to turn off the competitive drive instilled in me. Sorry to my fellow New Yorkers for the inappropriate slide tackling!