Grantham, PA – Messiah College women's soccer is set to open the 2016 season this week when they travel to PSU-Berks for a game on Thursday evening. The Falcons are primed for another big year, and senior
Marisa Weaver is just one of the many reasons why. Weaver is the Falcons' returning leading scorer and she's combined for 76 points over the past two seasons.
We got together with Marisa to hear more about her Messiah College experience in this inaugural edition of #WhyMessiah.
Tell us a little bit about your family, and something unique about them that you'd be willing share.
My parents are Scott and Lorelei Weaver, and I also have a sister Leanne who is starting her first year at Messiah and is also running cross county. Both of my parents were born in the Philippines and grew up there, so we eat rice at home all the time.
Why did you come to Messiah, and why do you love being here?
There are incredible people here at Messiah. From coaches to alumni, teammates, and peers, the people here at Messiah really care about each other.
You're a nursing major—why did you choose it, and why have you enjoyed the program?
I picked nursing because I love talking to people and caring for people, and I think it's a unique way to influence others. I haven't particularly enjoyed the studying because of how difficult it is, but I have especially loved my time spent in clinical with patients!
What is your dream job for after Messiah?
Nursing in another country and culture.
Who is your favorite Messiah professor and why?
Dr. David Schenk (Department of Philosophy). He was my first year seminar professor, and he really made me think.
How do you balance your academic work and your commitment to the women's soccer program?
With a lot of help from my friends. My friends have literally made me peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before practice for when I have had to come straight from clinical. And I've also spent a lot of time with (teammate) Missy (Biener) doing homework.
Who has most influenced your life and why?
My Grandma. She cares about people more than anyone else I know, and she always sees value in others for who they are.
What is one thing about head coach Scott Frey that those outside your team may not know?
Sometimes all he eats for lunch are a few peanut M&Ms.
What is special about your coaching staff and teammates that you would want to share with a recruit or someone outside the program?
We have four coaches and each of them has a special gift that in unique. I think the same could be said about my teammates; everyone has different strengths and gifts and I think we do a good job at appreciating what's different about each other.
What is one of your favorite team traditions and why?
Singing in the locker room before games. We sit in the locker room and sing really loudly and laugh at each other, and we are just really excited to get on the field.
Who is the funniest person on your team and why?
(Senior defender)
Kayla Deckert. She does the best impressions.
Do you have a program ritual or habit?
(Senior forward)
Erin Sollenberger and I go through the first part of warm-up together the exact same way.
If you didn't play your current sport, what would you play?
Field hockey. I used to play in high school and I really enjoyed it!
What is the toughest part of being a collegiate student-athlete? How do you live or grow through this at Messiah?
The demands that are asked of you are high. I think the hardest parts are those days when you don't want to do the training anymore because it is so hard. Those are the days you need your teammates to pick you and keep going, and I have great teammates.
What advice would you give to younger student-athletes looking to play a sport in college?
Always enjoy the game. When it gets really hard and you feel like there's so much pressure, remember what made you first love to play the game.
If you had to answer #WhyMessiah what would you say?
You won't leave as the same person that you came in.
