BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The Moravian College Department of Athletics & Recreation is starting a new series to give an in-depth look into former student-athletes each Friday. We begin the series with women's cross country and track student-athlete Emily Shertzer '02. Shertzer was inducted into the Moravian Hall of Fame in 2013, and she was a four-time All-American during her career earning a pair of top 30 finishes in the NCAA Division III Cross Country National Championships in 2000 and 2001 and seventh place finishes in the 10,000-meter run in 2000 and the steeplechase in 2001 at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field National Championships. On the cross country course, Shertzer also earned All-MAC all four years, finishing as the runner-up in the championship race each year. She was a four-time All-Mideast Region runner after finishes of tenth, third, fourth and third beginning with her freshman year, and helped Moravian win the Mideast Region titles in 2000 and 2001. On the track, she captured 16 MAC titles including 12 individual titles and four relay championships. She won the 10,000-meter run all four years, and she was also a three-time champion in the 5,000-meter run both indoors and outdoors.
Emily Shertzer
Class: 2002
How did you choose the sport you played when you were growing up? I tried the typical team sports when I was in elementary school; soccer and softball. Essentially, I was afraid of the ball so I needed to pursue a sport that didn't involve kicking/hitting/throwing/
Why did you choose to come to Moravian College? I was looking for a small school that had a strong science program (majored in biology), music program (minored in music) and a competitive running program. I was also looking for someplace that afforded me an opportunity to board my horse near campus. Moravian checked all the boxes!
What experiences as a student-athlete at Moravian helped prepare you for life after college? I spent the first few years after graduation pursuing a spot on the Olympic pentathlon team (qualified as an alternate for the 2008 games) as well as attending graduate school. My experience at Moravian helped me succeed in post-collegiate athletics and academics, and I still value those experiences as I balance work and an active lifestyle outside of the office.
How did you get into your current occupation? After graduating from Moravian with a degree in Biology I decided to narrow down the career field by getting a master's degree in Environmental Science. I started at my current place of employment (Fort Indiantown Gap/Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs Bureau of Environmental Management) as a temporary technician; I was only supposed to be in the position for a few months, but it extended to just over a year. At that time, I was able to apply for a permanent state position doing planning documents (NEPA/CERCLA). Last year I transferred from our planning section to conservation (forestry/wildlife) and am enjoying new opportunities in this position.
What was your favorite place on campus? Meeting at the 'Hounds for practice.
What activities/organizations were you involved in at Moravian College as a student-athlete? I was a member of 26 Points, Delta Omicron, Beta Beta Beta, Omicron Delta Kappa, the Grotto Club, and played in various small groups (Baroque Ensemble, Oboe Ensemble) in addition to running cross country and indoor/outdoor track.
What was your most memorable moment at Moravian? Attending NCAA championships every year with my cross country team
What advice do you have for prospective student-athletes looking to attend Moravian College? Don't discount the opportunities that small schools have to offer, both athletically and academically.
What advice do you have for current student-athletes as they approach graduation? It's ok to not know exactly what you want to do with your life/career upon graduation. Trust that what you've learned during your time at Moravian will help you find your way and be successful.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given? Your mind is a garden, your thoughts are seeds; you can plant flowers or you can plant weeds!
Who are your role models/most influential people? My parents
Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with? My great-grandmother, my former college teammates/coaches
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise most people. I was an alternate for the 2008 Olympic Team (modern pentathlon) and qualified for/participated in the 2012 Olympic Trials for the marathon
Quick Hits:
Favorite Color – red
Favorite Food – anything chocolate
Favorite Restaurant – Pizza Town
Favorite Movie – Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Favorite TV Show – Jeopardy
Favorite Musical Artist – Josh Groban
Favorite Athlete – Meb Keflezighi
Hobbies – running, riding horses, playing music
Most Prized Possession – my oboe and my road bike
Ideal Travel Destination – Alaska
Your Spirit Animal – According to an online quiz I just took...the prairie dog!
Superpower you’d Like to Have – being able to teleport
