#NationalSigningDay2021: Erika Moore defends a spot on the Rams soccer team!

Erika Moore signed to the Shepherd University Division II soccer team on November 10, 2021. She has been playing on varsity for three years. In addition she plays on the club team, Baltimore Armour, for four years. Her coaches and teammates know her as an outstanding athlete.

“I remember Erika’s freshman year when she showed up to tryouts. She always stood out. The attitude and drive reminded me much of my own, back in high school – you know, the ‘I’m here to win, so what’s your plan coach’ type attitude,” said Coach Paige Pohopin.

Moore had eight assists and one goal this season. Not many outside backs can accomplish that.

“I’ve been playing for 14 years and want to continue, even if I do face a lot of struggles and challenges in college.”

Erika’s said her club coach, Sam Haddad has pushed her the most to play at a college level.

Josie Beezel, her friend and biggest fan, is going to be attending Shepherd University with Moore and they will be supporting each other.

“One of my biggest supporters is Josie now that we are going to the same school together. We’ve always been together. My parents and my club coach were also big

supporters. They gave me positive feedback on what I need to improve on,” said Moore.

Her father, Brian Moore, said, ”I think she’ll be doing the same she did at Linganore. That’s the kind of person she is. She’s very excited and she thinks it’s a huge privilege to be signing to the college of her choice.”

Juggling academics and a sport can be a struggle.

“I will be balancing and managing my time wisely like I’ve been doing, which is a big factor for doing well in both academically and athletically,” Moore said.

“It is a lot of work, but she loves to play the game. She puts her heart and soul into it,” said Brian Moore.

“I’m somewhat nervous to play at a higher level. When going into high school soccer, I was scared to play against 18-year-olds. Now I’m scared about playing against 22-year-olds. I’m sure I will adjust well, just like I did in high school.”

Erika’s coaches watched Erika grow as an athlete and young adult over the past four years and say, “She is nothing short of an outstanding athlete.”

Erika was a part of the 2019 Regional Champion team.

“Their head coach, Sam Odell of Shepherd University soccer team came to one of my club games and he was very interested in the way I played, including two other players, and he emailed with an offer to give me a tour of the school and information about the soccer program there. I really liked the coach. He was a really encouraging guy.”

Erika hopes to be an asset.

“I think I’ll bring some good chemistry to my team. Looking at how Shepherd did this season, it wasn’t too good. So I think I can help get some more wins.”

Picking colleges might be hard in the long run. Most colleges have pros and cons. Choosing Shepherd University was Moore’s best choice because of the different programs and opportunities it gives you.

“I had two other offers from two schools that were both Division III and were really far away. I didn’t know if I wanted to be far from home so I turned them down,” said Moore.

Moore plans to major in exercise Science. She said, “I really like their program in exercise science. It helps you become an athletic trainer or a physical therapist.”

“I’ve been thinking about going professional after I graduate college, but I haven’t figured it out,” said Moore.

“Erika – We would both like to congratulate you on an incredible soccer career thus far. You’re everything a coach drives for in a player. Never lose your gift. We are excited to see what the future holds for you and wish you all the best. Can’t wait to come watch you and Josie kill it out there in West Virginia. Go Rams,” said Coach Paige.