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College Update: Pitt- Bradford’s Quinton Hepner

Editor’s note: Recently Hometown Sports caught up with former MIfflin County Husky soccer player and current member of the Pitt-Bradford team, Quinton Hepner.

We caught up with Quinton to see how he was enjoying athletics at the next level, fond memories from the past and his future.

HS: How did you feel when you got the official word that you were selected to compete in soccer at Pitt-Bradford ?

QH: For a while I never thought I was going to have the chance to play at the college level. So after finding out that I had a roster spot at Pitt-Bradford, I couldn’t have been happier.

 

HS: How much tougher is the competition compared to high school?

QH: At Mifflin County High School we played some really tough competition. The competition here is harder of course, but not as big a difference as I expected.

HS: What events do you compete in?

QH: I was recruited to play both outside back and center back. Through my whole freshmen year I was in the center but my coach is looking to move me to the outside next season.

 

HS: What’s your favorite? 

QH: Outside back is where I would prefer to play. In that position I can support the attack much better and have a little more freedom as well.

HS: What was your experience like heading on campus for the first time at the school? 

QH: When first arriving on campus, the only students here were all the fall athletes. Gave us time to get to know each other and get used to campus life before classes started.

HS: How does it feel to be playing at the next level ?

QH: Playing at the next level is a better experience than I imagined. As a freshman everything felt so new and exciting, even when it came to something simple like getting our uniforms.

HS: I know it’s early but do you have a major in mind?

QH: Ever since taking AP Psych in eleventh grade I had planned to major in psychology. Hoping to have a career in counselling psychology.

 

HS: Who has been big influences in your field career?

QH: The biggest influence on my career would definitely be my high school goalie, Conner Zimmerman. He was my closest friend in high school and was the person who really pushed me to reach the college level. He now plays college soccer at DeSales.

 

HS: What age did you start participating in track and field?

QH: I started playing soccer when I was five. Playing Rec League until I was able to play for the school.

HS: What is your favorite sports memory that you cherish during high school?

QH: Best high school soccer memory was the bus rides to away games. Just having a good time with my teammates was something I’ll never forget.

 

HS: What would you say is you biggest strength ?

QH: My biggest strength is probably my ability to stay in front of the attacker. It sounds simple but it’s one of the most important things about defending. 

 

HS: What are your individual goals for the upcoming season?

QH: My personal goal for next season is to cut down the number of goals scored by our opponents. Most of our defense was young and it led to some mistakes I’m hoping we can fix by next season.

HS: What are your goals for your college tenure? Could be athletics and/or education wise? 

QH: I’d love to win the conference within my four years here. We had a rough year this season but with the young group we have, winning the conference in the future is certainly possible.

 HS: Biggest college moment so far

QH: My favorite college moment so far was when we took the lead against La Roche right before halftime. My roommate, who is our other center back, was playing up the field and the ball was bouncing towards him about 25 yards away from the goal. He takes the shot on the volley and it was one of the best shots I’ve ever seen.

 

HS: What advice would you give to any younger athlete starting soccer ?

QH: To any young soccer players, I would just say to have fun with the sport. If you want to play at the next level you have to put in a lot of work but making sure you never lose your passion for the game is the most important thing.

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