Stevenson opts for Grove City
BUTLER TWP — Tori Stevenson does more than budget her time.
She maximizes it as well.
The Butler senior is a three-sport athlete — playing soccer, basketball and lacrosse — for the Golden Tornado. She also maintains a 4.2 grade point average, is a member of National Honor Society, Best Buddies, the Community Alliance Youth Group and volunteers at CAC in the nursery and with the 2-year-olds.
“Sports have taught me a lot,” Stevenson said. “I like staying busy. I’ve learned how to balance things.”
That balancing act will continue at Grove City College, where Stevenson will continue her academic and soccer career. Playing outside back in soccer, she plans to major in bio-medical engineering. She also considered Cedarville before choosing Grove City.
“I like the engineering program there and the values of the school are the same as mine,” Stevenson said. “Everything just fits for me there.”
Andrew Gillan, assistant Butler girls soccer coach, agreed.
“It’s a perfect fit, ” Gillan said. “I’ve been working with Tori since seventh grade. She’s an effective player, an outstanding defender. She constantly works to get better ... I don’t think she’ll have any trouble working her way into their lineup.”
Melissa Lamie is entering her 29th season as GCC’s women’s soccer coach. She has led the program to 333 wins and seven Presidents’ Athletic Conference championships. The Wolverines were 11-7-1 overall, 7-2-1 in PAC play last season.
Cranberry Township resident Natalie Merrick is a forward on the team and Mars resident Courtney Lisman is the Wolverines’ starting goalkeeper. Karns City standout Emma Dailey — a former teammate of Stevenson’s with Northern Steel — is headed to Grove City to play soccer as well.
The two will be roommates.
“We’re very good friends,” Stevenson said. “I didn’t even know she was going there. We bumped into each other two years ago at a Grove City College ID soccer camp. Then we both showed up on campus as recruits. It’s great.
“I like Coach Lamie’s coaching style. I’m used to that style and I know I’ll further develop as a player while being coached by her.”
Stevenson has been playing soccer since age 3. She grew up playing in the Butler County Soccer Association, played for Northern Steel and PA West ODP select. She now plays for the Pittsburgh ECNL Riverhounds. She plans to play a full spring schedule with the Riverhounds before starting to train with Grove City’s team in August.
“There was no doubt my goal was to play soccer in college,” Stevenson said. “It’s my No. 1 sport. All I want to do is help the team continue its success.”
Stevenson will also be a camp counselor at Seneca Hills Bible Camp this summer. She’s camped each summer there since age 5 and will now serve as a mentor for the group.
She was a team captain for the Golden Tornado soccer team.
“This is a well-rounded person who will continue to develop in all areas of her life,” Gillan said. “Grove City’s getting a good one, on and off the field.”
