By JACOB WEEKS/Special to the Sentinel

LINWOOD – A Linwood resident taking her field hockey skills abroad, Megan Erdman, 17, is representing her hometown as she competes for Holy Spirit High School. “Growing up [here] has taught me the importance of working hard and giving everything my all,” she said. Erdman first fell in love with the sport during her time at Belhaven Middle.“While attending middle school, I was first introduced to field hockey,” she said.  As it turns out, it would soon prove to be a match made in heaven. When it came time for her to enter high school, Erdman had a difficult decision to make. Would she follow in the footsteps of her older brother, Michael Erdman, by going to Mainland Regional, or would she challenge herself with a new environment? With all things in her life, Erdman was determined to travel down the path less taken and test herself. 

Erdman decided to attend Holy Spirit. Little did she know at the time, her choice would change her life. With some summer training with her club field hockey squad, South Jersey Edge, Erdman entered her maiden varsity campaign more than prepared. In almost no time Erdman was able to adjust to her fresh setting. She cemented her status on the team and carved out a starting position. Come her second season, Erdman developed an unbreakable bond with her head coach, John Demarco. “When coach Demarco stepped in for my sophomore year, it made me realize that I wanted to pursue field hockey at the collegiate level.” Under his guidance, she was able to improve her game and perform at an elite level.

“Coach Demarco was truly one of the best coaches I have ever had,” she said. After another promising season, things took a serious turn for Erdman and her teammates. With her junior year in sight, her beloved coach would step down. This would be a recurring issue she would have to face throughout her high school athletic career. “During my four years at Spirit, my school has experienced severe staffing problems,” Erdman said. “Each year I have to start over with a brand new coach.” With every cycle, Erdman stood tall. 

Erdman became a leader for her team, taking on the role as she smashed records left and right. “Throughout these four years, there were endless changes to the field hockey program; however, one thing that remained consistent was my passion, dedication and hard work for the Spartans,” she said. “For the past two seasons, I have led the team in both the highest number of goals and assists.” 

Her value and talent would not go unnoticed as Scranton University soon came calling. “I have just recently committed to play field hockey for the University of Scranton. I am going to major in history, criminal justice and be involved in the law program,” Erdman said. 

“I decided I wanted to go law school and become an attorney because I love helping people,” she said., “I knew I wanted a career where I could stand up for others each day.” It appears Erdman carries the learnings and experiences she took from field hockey with her everywhere. “Being a lawyer just seemed like a perfect fit for me.”