4 Southern Lehigh Seniors Receive Scholarships to Play Sports in College

Four graduating student athletes who will go on to play sports for their respective colleges, were honored Wednesday at Southern Lehigh High School Media Day. " All four of them will have two jobs when they go to college," said Athletic Director Don Harakal. "It’s a very difficult job but they’re well-equipped to handle it."

Caitlin Bearish, who plans on majoring in graphic design, will be playing field hockey for Indiana University starting this fall. "We're extremely excited for her," said mother Pat Bearish. Some of the excitement gave way to the reality that Bearish would be leaving the field hockey team. "It's going to be a sad day for field hockey without a Bearish on the field," said coach Adrienne Searfoss. But, Bearish's mother joked, you can still watch Bearish on the field without going to Indiana. "She'll be on TV [playing for Indiana] so we'll always be able to see her."

Family will be able to watch Kaitlin Hogman, who is attending Villanova University in the fall, play soccer on television, but plan on attending as many home games as possible. "Villanova is closer than many of the games we go to now," said father Bruce Hogman. Not that travelling to games is new to the Hogman family. "Kaitlin [Hogman] has been playing since she was four years old and allowed to play," said Bruce Hogman. And with her extensive after-school activities, including National Honor Society and Key Club, Hogman set an example that coaches hope others will follow. "We could use more girls like Kaitlin [Hogman]," said Harakal. "Heck, we could use more guys like her."

Lauren Bell, who is attending Washington College on a volleyball scholarship, is another player with a lot on her plate. In addition to volleyball, Bell is also editor of the high school yearbook. "She will be deeply missed," said coach Don West. "She was a three-year starter for the team, and made the all-state tournament team." Her mother, Kim Bell, couldn't be more proud. "I am so excited to go see her play. I'm really happy for her."

Tabitha Maurer's mother shared the sentiment about her daughter's decision to play volleyball for California University of Pennsylvania. "The drive is nice and easy [to the university], so I'll be able to see her play a lot," said Kelly Maurer. "Plus she'll play several teams in the area, so I'll be able to see her play then too." Harakal couldn't resist telling the audience that Maurer was also accepted into the honors program at the university. Coach Don West hoped the coaches at California University knew what a remarkable player they were getting. "She's the best passer I've ever had."

While the girls are the ones headed off to college, it was the support structure that helped them get there. "It says a lot about the dedicated individuals such as the parents and coaches, as well as the students," said superintendant Joe Liberati.