Messmer

JACKSON TWP — Catherine Messmer is seeing red — the red of Edinboro University, that is.

The Seneca Valley senior soccer player will play next season at the Division II school.

Messmer, who will receive a scholarship, will make her decision official by signing a letter of intent next month.

"I visited the school in November and I really liked the campus," she said. "Plus, they have the majors I'm interested in, biology and either elementary or secondary education."

Several Division I programs were courting the center midfielder, including Stony Brook, Fairleigh Dickinson, Duquesne and James Madison.

"Playing soccer at Division I takes up your whole life," Messmer said. "I want to keep playing soccer, but I also want to experience college life.

"At Edinboro, I'll work with the team in the offseason, but I'll be able to do other things, too."

Messmer also competes for the SV girls basketball team and the track and field squad.

She has been playing soccer since she was 4 and has starred on Cup teams for several years.

The resident of Cranberry Township saw a few minutes of varsity action as a freshman in 2005.

As a sophomore, Messmer played goalkeeper before moving to center midfield her junior season.

Year after year, the SV girls soccer team is one of the best in the WPIAL and Messmer helped to keep that tradition going.

During her three seasons as a starter, the Raiders compiled an overall record of 46-11-5, three trips to the WPIAL playoffs, one section title (2008) and one WPIAL Class AAA championship (2007).

Needless to say, Messmer left her mark on the program and head coach Dave Sylvester.

"Catherine is one of those players who's willing to do whatever it takes to be successful," Sylvester said. "Her ability to play physical was so big for us, especially with the section we play in and the daily grind."

Messmer will take her talent and work ethic to a Fighting Scots program that went 7-11-1 in the PSAC West last season.

Edinboro is coached by Gary Kagiavas, the only head coach in the program's 13-year history.

"Coach (Kagiavas) was very encouraging about me seeing time on the field as a freshman," said Messmer. "I want to work for my spot and I might play other positions, possibly defense."