West Windsor, N.J. – Samantha Hirthler, of Columbus, played two seasons of stellar defense for the Mercer County Community College (MCCC) women’s soccer team. On Feb. 1, her efforts were rewarded as the student athlete representing MCCC at Women in Sports Day.

The annual event, held at Seton Hall University, is hosted by the New Jersey Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women as part of the observance of National Women in Sports Day. More than 800 guests attended the luncheon ceremony.

Hirthler was among 15 Garden State Athletic Conference students to be honored. The players were also recognized at halftime of the Seton Hall women's basketball game versus Saint John's.
 
Accompanying Hirthler to the ceremony was her proud coach, Michelle Ogborn-Haywood, who presented her with the award.  “It was an awesome day.  Samantha is a great athlete, a terrific student and a special person.  This was a wonderful way to acknowledge her contributions to Mercer and to women in sports.”

Hirthler served as one of three team captains for the 2014 soccer season.  Ogborn-Haywood praised Hirthler for her consistency and leadership. “Samantha was an outstanding defender who could deliver the ball exactly where we wanted it every time.  She set a high bar for excellence that pushed other players to be their best," she said.

Hirthler was named to the 2014 All-Region First Team, along with two of her teammates. (The Vikings' final record was 11-3-2 record; their combined record over Hirthler’s two seasons was 21-10-3.)

Hirthler is a top student who is completing her A.S. degree in Exercise Science. She will transfer to Rowan University in the fall to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training.