Deetz signs to play soccer for Saint Mary’s College

The REPORTER

Hamilton Heights senior Savanah Deetz has signed a letter of intent to play soccer for Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame this fall. Saint Mary’s College is a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) Conference and an NCAA Division III athletic institution. She is the daughter of Scott and Lynn Deetz.

Deetz was drawn to Saint Mary’s because of its amazing and small campus within close proximity to and partnership with Notre Dame University (i.e., to take classes, dine, and purchase student-priced tickets for sporting events). She also liked how each student is recognized for their own uniqueness and not treated as just another student.

“I felt at home here,” Deetz said after her campus visit. She plans to major in business management and graphic design and minor in chemistry. She would like to design promotions and own her own business one day.

A multi-sport athlete (track), Deetz is as strong in the classroom as she is on the field. She was a four-year member of the varsity team and team captain, was named Defensive Player of the Year and All-Conference, and All-Conference Honorable Mention. In addition, she is a member and vice president of the National Honor Society, a Husky Ambassador, and is active in her church.

“I fell in love with soccer when I was four years old,” Deetz recalled. She worked hard to prove herself as a great player who could do great things. She took training seriously and surrounded herself with encouraging teammates, who push her every day. It paid off.

Deetz said it is her parents and high school team who have been a major influence in her development over the years.

“Without them, I wouldn’t be signing to play college level soccer and wouldn’t have the amazing life I do now,” she added.

“Savannah has shown tremendous growth during her time in the program,” Hamilton Heights Women’s Soccer Head Coach Travis Kauffman said. “She has always been a passionate soccer player with talent but what has grown and helped her make such a huge difference in our program, is her maturity, approach to the game, and soccer IQ. The mark of a great player is how they leave the program after their time in it. Savannah has been instrumental in creating an encouraging team culture that everyone can buy into. She also has helped create a culture where teammates are pushed to be their best and to earn each and everything they, and the team, get. She has earned the respect and appreciation of her teammates and has earned the many accolades that are a part of her high school career. Coach Handy and I have so much appreciated her on-field talent, toughness, and team-first attitude that has made her teams better.”

“Savanah is one of those student/athletes who quietly goes about her business and just gets things done,” Hamilton Heights Athletic Director Kurt Ogden said. “She’s extremely competitive, both on the field and in the classroom. It’s through that drive and determination that she has put herself in a position to continue to play the sport she loves. We wish her the best at Saint Mary’s College.”

After graduating from college, Deetz said she would like to live somewhere warm and make a difference in the world. “I’m excited for the next chapter of my life,” Deetz noted.