Jaclyn Fawcett practically grew up playing soccer and admits to this day that she deeply loves the sport because of the degree of competitiveness that it generates. Fawcett, a secondary mathematics education major at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, became introduced to soccer at a young age because members of her family have competed as organized soccer players in their own right.

A 2008 graduate of Penn-Trafford Senior High School, Fawcett was a standout performer on the girls’ soccer team at Penn-Trafford. As a 4.0 straight A student throughout her high school career, Fawcett made the decision during her senior year of high school that she wanted to attend college at a school that was close to her home. After some discussion with her family and the guidance department at Penn-Trafford, she finally arrived at the decision to attend Seton Hill University. “I visited the campus and after discussing my situation with coaches and admissions, the decision was very clear that Seton Hill University was the place for me and I don’t regret it one bit,” said Fawcett.

Fawcett takes great pride in her role as captain of the women’s soccer team, but fully understands that the title carries a lot of responsibility. “As captain of the squad I’ve had to play the role of a leader everyday at practice and especially when we are competing under game conditions.” Fawcett added. She also enjoys playing women’s soccer for head coach John Fogle because he gives the squad the leadership it needs to come through difficult times, as was the case last season. Because she is experienced and Seton Hill lost its assistant women’s soccer coach, Fawcett has been called upon to do some coaching and instructing whenever possible.

Last season the Lady Griffins posted an overall record of 8-11 and because the squad learned much from the experience, Fawcett believes prospects for a better year are bright. Fawcett feels very strongly that the squad will more than hold its own against much improved competition in the West Virginia Interscholastic Athletic Conference. “We’ve had a strong preseason training camp and everyone is looking for us to improve, but we’ll have our work cut out for us,” Fawcett pointed out.

As she enters her senior year at SHU, Fawcett maintains a 3.9 grade-point-average and is looking forward to graduating in the spring of 2012. Fawcett says that she will never forget her total experience at the university. Fawcett wants very badly to become a secondary mathematics instructor and before the school year is out will participate in her student teaching. Because of her outstanding work in the classroom, Fawcett is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman Honor Society of which she is extremely proud.

As she looks forward to graduation and a career as a secondary mathematics teacher, Fawcett realizes that the road toward achieving her goal has been made more difficult by drastic cutbacks in educational funding. “Because of the state funding cutbacks, I may not be able to find a teaching job in Pennsylvania and might find myself having to move where teaching jobs are available,” said Fawcett. Her older brother, Chris graduated from Seton Hill and played on the Griffin Men’s Soccer Squad, he is employed by the family food business.