BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The next alum in the Moravian College Department of Athletics & Recreation's Get to Know Series is former women's soccer student-athlete Kirsten Schall from the Class of 2015. Schall was selected as the Landmark Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2014 and the Co-Offensive Player of the Year in 2012 while making the Landmark All-Conference First Team in the same seasons and the Landmark All-Conference Second Team in 2013 and 2011. Schall, who was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Mid-Atlantic Region Third Team as a senior, had 35 goals and 18 assists for 88 points in her career, and she needed nine game-winning goals. She was also a three-time member of the Landmark Conference Spring Academic Honor Roll as well as the Landmark Conference Women's Soccer Senior Scholar Athlete in 2014 and toe CoSIDA Division III Academic All-District Team.
Kirsten Schall
Class: 2015
How did you choose the sport you played when you were growing up? Coming from a soccer playing family, kicking the ball around in the backyard was a daily activity. My parents signed me up for our local recreation team and I've loved the game ever since.
Why did you choose to come to Moravian College? When I walked on campus for my tour it immediately felt like home. I loved that the soccer field was in the middle of campus and everyone was so welcoming.
What experiences as a student-athlete at Moravian helped prepare you for life after college? With soccer being a team sport, being a student athlete helped me transition to effectively work with others in my field. In my department, working with my co-workers to help our students succeed is something we can only accomplish as a team. Being captain of the soccer team for 3 years helped my leadership role in my career. It helped me effectively communicate and lead group discussions.
How did you get into your current occupation? Throughout grammar school, high school and college I volunteered at a nonprofit early intervention school for children with disabilities. From this experience, I knew that I always wanted to work with kids and help them reach their full potential. After doing research in the field, I learned about becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and was able to obtain my certificate. I love continuing to work with kids and their families. Seeing the children succeed is so rewarding and confirms that this was the right career path for me.
What was your favorite place on campus? As an athlete, I may be biased but the quad was my favorite place on campus. Playing soccer in the middle of campus was an amazing experience.
What activities/organizations were you involved in at Moravian College as a student-athlete? I was a part of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and was a part of a group called Moco For Coco (a group on campus raising awareness for pediatric cancer).
What was your most memorable moment at Moravian? In 2013 we played one of our biggest rivals, Muhlenberg College. After playing 90 minutes, I scored a golden goal in the first 24 seconds of overtime. We celebrated with a dog pile and earned a point towards the Matte Award. The picture of the dog pile is still one of my favorite college soccer pictures.
What advice do you have for prospective student-athletes looking to attend Moravian College? If you are looking for a school that is well respected, along with a school that wants their players to succeed in more than just their sport, Moravian College is the best fit. I was fortunate enough to experience two coaches who, each day, wanted to see me and my teammates succeed on and off the field. I was pushed each day to better myself and I thank Moravian for my success.
What advice do you have for current student-athletes as they approach graduation? Make as many connections as possible and take advantage of any opportunity that will help you reach your dream career.
What is the best piece of advice you've been given? Take time to take a step back and appreciate each moment.
Who are your role models/most influential people? Christie Rampone, Carrie Underwood
Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with? Bruno Mars, Tobin Heath, Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K from Duke)
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise most people. I love reality TV shows, including Jersey Shore.
Quick Hits:
Favorite Color – Blue
Favorite Food – Sushi
Favorite Restaurant – Xina in Toms River New Jersey
Favorite Movie – White Chicks or She's the Man
Favorite TV Show – New Girl
Favorite Musical Artist – Bruno Mars
Favorite Athlete – Ronaldinho
Favorite Pro Team – US Women's National Team
Hobbies – Being at the beach, hanging with family, friends, and my dog Mochi
Most Prized Possession – Photographs from meeting Tobin Heath and Christie Rampone
Ideal Travel Destination – Anywhere with a beach!
Your Spirit Animal – A puppy
Superpower you'd Like to Have – Teleportation
