Swihart Something Special Here is my story: There are many All-District players and even quite few All-State players, but there are very few All-American high school athletes from North Central Ohio. However, Clear Fork senior Deijah Swihart continues to separate herself from just about everyone around her. She is a four time district player of the year and four time All-State soccer player. She helped lead her team to two Ohio Cardinal Conference titles, four sectional titles, three district titles and three district runner-up finishes. You can now add to that National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-American. Deijah was one of only 44 individuals to be honored at a banquet this past Saturday in Philadelphia. She said the ceremony made her feel a bit like a movie star. When we walked into the place were the banquet was held I felt like I was at the Oscars it was awesome, she said. Deijah, likely the best all around female athletic to ever play at Clear Fork, is humble and soft spoken. But, Swankonsports found someone that cant stop talking about Deijah, and with good reason, her soccer coach Brittany Bechtel. Deijah is one of the most humble players I have ever met. She carries herself in such an honorable way which is great when it comes to getting her teammates to buy in. Shes not a vocal leader, but has lead for all four years by example. Its no mistake Deijah has found the success she has with her teammates as well as her individual stats and awards. She has put in time outside of Clear Fork soccer with club ball, college clinics, futsal, camps, etc. which in return has helped elevate her game to the highest level. What you see on the field on game day is also recognized in practice each and everyday as well. Since she is not one to vocalize when she feels frustrated she tends to elevate her skill in hopes of bringing the play up around her which creates a higher level atmosphere. That level of team play has then built a legacy to remember at Clear Fork. She helped put Clear Fork Soccer back on the map as she led her teams to championship status, said Bechtel. In her soccer career Swihart might have been able to score more goals herself, but Bechtel says she always knew what was best for the team and that was what was most important to her. Deijah separated herself from many other players that I have coached, because she was a true teammate whom always put her team first. She sacrificed herself for what was best for her team, and she never questioned it or looked back. The passion she has for the game and her team live within her and she doesnt bottle that up; instead, she uses it to fuel those that surround her. Id like to think she gets a little bit of that passion from me, she said. Deijah says she really didnt have much of an awareness of soccer, or any sport for that matter, until she started playing in the fourth grade. When I was growing up I really didnt know what sports were. My mom was like, do you want to play soccer? And I said sure and thats how it all happened, she said. Well, there was someone watching Deijah play soccer from an early age. Bechtel says as a young teacher she couldnt help but dream a little bit. I remember looking out my classroom window which faced the space where the 5th graders used to play soccer. On occasions, I would take a peek at what they called soccer and would watch with a smile at that 5th grade group of girls. I could tell even back then that Deijah and her crew would be something special. My first soccer experience actually occurred that year when I asked Deijah and Camryn Crill to be ball girls for our first High School Columbus Crew game when they were only in 5th grade. I had asked them about being ball girls that year at our little kids camp. Ill never forget a moment from that day at the Crew Stadium. I walked away for just a few minutes during warm up and when I came back there those two were in the actual warm up drills with the high school girls. Not many would be brave enough to tackle that! Deijah continued to find involvement with the high school team year after year. She went to multiple games and often rode the bus and sat on the bench with the team. Its a no wonder I feel like Deijah has been a part of this team since the beginning of my coaching career, said Bechtel. Swihart is also a state qualifier in track and, oh yeah, will finish her career as one of the best basketball players in the history of the school. She says she likes soccer and basketball about equally. They are both the same. I dont like either one more. I enjoy both of them, she said. It may be a cliché, but Deijah may be a better person that she is an athlete, at least according to Bechtel. I have described Deijah, the person, a few times when describing her soccer career. Deijah the soccer player is no different than Deijah the person. What you see is what you get. Deijah embodies many characteristics which include being selfless, humble, caring, passionate, hard working, dedicated, respectful, responsible, friendly, easy going, goofy, and one who enjoys her sleep. I often thought Deijahs hibernation occurrences on bus rides was a tactic in conserving her energy for the upcoming game. Deijahs selflessness was not only displayed on the field but off the field too. In high school, many athletes are egocentric and focus on themselves, rarely seeing the bigger picture. Deijah often thought about everyone else, including the coaching staff. Very few players see the stress and recognize the trying times that a coach can go through too as well as notice the added things that need carried when left behind before and or after games, but Deijah always did. When most after a game were looking for the quickest way to the car, Deijah stuck around waiting at the field for everyone to clear out. Then she would help me take the left over equipment to my car where I would often have to fight her from attempting to carry it all. Her compassion for others was revealed in times she earned things and gave them up to people she felt needed them more. Her humble attitude was revealed from beginning to end as she never gloated about her accolades; she rarely acknowledged them at all. Her dedication to her team and to getting better each day was shown for four years rarely missing a day from June 1st on. Deijah is easy to talk to and very well liked by all that are lucky to get to know her. I personally enjoy Deijahs goofy side, which is fun loving with a little added sarcastic edge. Whats there not to like? said Bechtel. Published 1/22/15 (C) Swankonsports Comments can be e-mailed to swankonsports@gmail
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 22:17:29 +0000
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