Derstine is right at home on hockey field

Player Profile:

Stephanie Derstine

Field Hockey
Sophomore Midfield

Sometimes athletes just need to feel they belong. EMU sophomore Stephanie Derstine felt welcomed the moment she joined the Lady Royals’ field hockey team.

"Last year, the team really welcomed me. It was really easy to play," said Derstine.

And play she did.

Derstine broke onto the collegiate scene last year, scoring six goals and recording eight assists. Old Dominion Athletic Conference coaches took notice. Derstine was one of three EMU players to be voted onto the all-conference team, joining Jonalyn Denlinger on the second team. ODAC player of the year Kristin Moyer was a unanimous firstteam selection at forward.

Derstine’s comfort level rose again when Brenda Bechler was named head coach in the off-season. Bechler coached at Derstine’s alma mater Christopher Dock High School. The pair also attend the same church. Bechler’s coaching style is also popular among the team in general.

"She’s very flexible," said Derstine. "She’s understanding towards all of us. She knows schoolwork needs to come first."

Derstine was excused from the Sept. 6 game versus Dickinson to attend a close friend’s wedding. Other players have been excused as well. Goalkeeper Emily Chamelin is a member of the Godspell cast, and also serves as a Ministry Assistant. To accomodate her schedule she splits time in goal with Katie Moyer.

Bechler’s philosophy comes with a strong work ethic. Assistant coach Mary Davis provides strength training regimens, and players spend time in the weight room outside of practice. Derstine admits that the self discipline is difficult, but sees a vast improvement in her fitness level from last year.

Her physical improvement has come with a new approach to hockey. She’s worked to shed her defensive mindset and now attacks from her position of right midfielder. In a Sept. 17 game versus Bridgewater College she scored two goals, and was instrumental in Sep. 20th victory over Franklin & Marshall. For her efforts, Derstine was named ODAC player of the week.

The accolade came as a surprise to Derstine. She was not a huge scorer at CDHS and did not receive post season awards in high school. Her support and praise has come mostly from family.

Her mother Linda traveled from Telford, PA to watch Wednesday’s game in Lynchburg. Derstine’s sister Lauren, a sophomore at CDHS helped her with stick handling skills during the summer.

With the support of her teammates, Derstine should have no problem fitting into her new role as one of the ODAC’s premiere players.