ANNVILLE, Pa. – For students, Lebanon Valley College is many different things: It's transformative, challenging, and rewarding. For LVC women's soccer player Bridgett Finn '21, it's a place to call home.

Bridgett, who's in her junior year at The Valley, originally attended DeSales University. The Lebanon native admitted that LVC was her second choice, only because she wanted to go a little further from home. During her first semester with the Bulldogs, the Flying Dutchmen hosted DeSales in a soccer match. At that moment, Bridgett, who grew up 10 minutes down the road and trained here for years to prepare for collegiate soccer, knew something felt strange about not being at LVC since it's always felt like home to her. "Despite DeSales being a well-respected institution, I changed my career choice to athletic training. To pursue a career in the field, I couldn't continue my education at DeSales. I was happy I made that choice early in my education," said Bridgett.

The main reason that LVC attracted Bridgett was its proximity to home. Through elementary school to high school, she attended numerous soccer camps at Herbert Field. Also, LVC offers an incredible five-year Master of Athletic Training Program, and Bridgett could transfer in and be on track with the rest of her classmates. Additionally, when she was looking to transfer, construction had begun for the state-of-the-art Arnold Health Professions Pavilion, home to the Athletic Training, Exercise Science, and Physical Therapy programs. During the spring semester of her freshman year, Bridgett refined her career path and entered the Exercise Science Program with plans to become a collegiate women's soccer coach. "I also had the opportunity to continue my soccer career if I transferred," said Bridgett. "Playing soccer is a huge part of my life, and I wasn't ready to give it up, and I love being a part of a team. I knew LVC was right for me, academically and socially."

The transfer process for Bridgett was quick and easy, to her surprise. "When I first transferred to LVC, I was commuting from home, so it was slightly difficult to acclimate. However, after we started doing workouts and practices, I instantly clicked with the team. I had met with Head Coach Leah McDermott about being a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), since I was previously chosen to be a part of it at DeSales. She gave me the opportunity to represent LVC women's soccer, and after being welcomed on my team and in a group like SAAC, I knew I made the right decision."

Not only is Bridgett, who was LVC's leading goal-scorer in 2019, a key part of LVC's SAAC, she was also chosen to serve on the National SAAC. "It's been an absolute honor to be chosen for the NCAA Division III SAAC. Being a voice for more than 194,000 student-athletes is extremely powerful, and I'm so grateful that I'm able to do this over the next two years. One fundamental lesson I've learned from National SAAC so far is that you grow as a person when you're out of our comfort zone. For example, I'm not a big fan of public speaking, but since I'll be speaking in front of large groups, I'll hopefully become more comfortable with experience. I know I'll reach the highest level of what I aspire to do or be."

Two weeks ago, Bridgett attended the NCAA Convention in Anaheim, Calif., where she learned how the entire legislative process works, from the institutional, conference, and national levels. "I now understand how impactful student-athlete's voices are when it comes to enhancing the collegiate experience for others. She also learned that the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) is the largest and oldest conference in the NCAA with 18 institutions, 19 this fall when York College of Pa. joins the league. "Lastly, I learned a lot about networking in a professional environment," said Bridgett. "These experiences will better prepare me for finding a job by gaining new insights and knowing that I'll be an asset to whichever organization I'm a part of."

"Overall, my trip to the 2020 NCAA Convention was an unforgettable experience that I encourage others to attend if they have the opportunity," said Bridgett. "There was a significant amount of networking events throughout the convention, and I was able to take advantage of all of them. I feel like I never truly understood what it meant to be a member of the NCAA until I attended the convention. After reflecting, I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity, and I can now say I understand how much of a privilege it is to compete in the NCAA Division III." Bridgett brought her excitement back east, and is honored to represent her DIII teammates. She' also looks forward to hearing from athletes about issues so she can help make positive changes.

          

LVC is a special place where students can think critically, interact with others, and display their true potential. With an extensive array of programs at The Valley, as well as extracurricular activities, it's easy to be who you are. "You will not regret your decision if you transfer to LVC," said Bridgett. I've made lifelong friendships, amazing connections with professors and administrators, and I'm proud to say I'm receiving my bachelor's degree from the No. 1 school in Pennsylvania for job placement directly after college.

After graduation in May 2021, Bridgett plans to get her coaching license, and take the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Exam and Personal Trainer Certification Exam. Her next step will be coaching collegiate women's soccer as an assistant to gain experience before acquiring a head coaching position. Ultimately, her life goal is to be the best person she can be and positively affect the lives of those close to her.