In addition to being one of the Lions' top defenders, Tharpe contributes on the offensive end. She's already notched three goals and four assists this season.

Tharpe's skills are diverse enough to attract attention, which is precisely what she did in a summer tournament for FC Frederick in Greensboro, N.C.

The head women's soccer coach at Campbell University, Todd Clark, happened to be watching the tournament and noticed Tharpe. And it wasn't long before he offered her a scholarship to the Division I program located in Buies Creek, N.C.

"It was just kind of a fluke thing," said Tharpe, unaware that playing in that tournament was going to produce such an opportunity.

Tharpe has been a three-year starter at Walkersville . She is a central defender and a captain this season.

"She's one of my most vocal leaders," Wetzel said. "She's always organized our defense very well."

With college on the horizon, Tharpe realized her senior year was going to be an important one. So she embarked on an intense regimen over the summer with a personal trainer. Her workouts included the usual amount of distance running (often 4 to 6 miles a day), as well as weightlifting, which she had never done on a regular basis.

"I just feel a lot stronger," she said. "My kicks seem to be traveling a lot farther."

The improved fitness serves her well when she is running up and down the field, transitioning from defense to offense.

Wetzel said, "She's in the best shape I've ever seen her in."

That allows Wetzel to keep her on the field for entire games without worrying about getting her rest, which ultimately gives Walkersville a better chance to win.

In addition to her athletic scholarship, Tharpe will be receiving some scholarship money for her fine academic work. As a result, most of her tuition should be covered.

"I love the school," she said of Campbell. "Everyone was very welcoming. The soccer team is pretty good, too."

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