Last season Stephanie Devita found herself in prestigious company, becoming only the fourth player to win Southern Conference Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year in the same season, and this year she’s only looking to improve on that success. The Paladin caught up with her to see what her goals are for this upcoming season and to ask her about what led to her love for the beautiful game.

The Paladin: When did you first fall in love with soccer and what occurred or led up to that moment?

Stephanie Devita: “I first started playing soccer at the age of six. I wasn’t sure how I felt about it until I scored my first goal, and then from then on I knew I loved the game.”

The Paladin: Why did you choose Furman?

SD: “I chose Furman because I knew I would be part of a great family. The team and coaches are great and I wouldn’t want to spend my time with anyone else. I also knew I wanted to stay close to home [Simpsonville] so this was a perfect choice.”

The Paladin: What are your goals for your athletic career?

SD: “I definitely have many goals in my athletic career. I want to help my team in any way I can to win a SoCon championship. Also I would love to play after college.”

The Paladin: What goals do you have outside of soccer?

SD: “Outside of soccer, I want to have a high GPA and lead FCA as well as I can.”

The Paladin: What is your proudest or most memorable moment as an athlete?

SD: “My proudest moment as an athlete was scoring the overtime goal against Clemson my freshman year.”