Cardinal Star Athletes Announce College Choices

On National College Signing Day Wednesday, three standout Upper Dublin athletes announced their choice of colleges.

Andrew Derr announced he will play football for West Chester University, while field hockey star Emily Hitchings will take her talents Bucknell University, and soccer standout Erin Lafferty announced she will become a Temple Owl.

For more on each student-athlete, see their bios here:

Andrew Derr

Parents:  Dave & Andrea Derr
School:  West Chester University
Anticipated Major: Business
Other schools considered:  Millersville, Kutztown

Why he chose West Chester:  Andrew says that he really liked the current members of the team and the coaching staff, as well as the environment of the school.

What Coach Bret Stover says about Andrew:  Andrew Derr QB/FS has been the cornerstone for the Upper Dublin football program the past 4 seasons.  A rare 4-year varsity letter winner and 2-year captain here at Upper Dublin, he leaves with the school record in attempts (512) completions (251) yards passing (3899) and TD passes (31) to name a few.

Andrew’s drive to be the best player in Southeastern Pennsylvania is unlike any other player I have ever coached. His commitment, work ethic and leadership that he brought to the field everyday will serve as a blue print for those who come after him on how to not only become a successful football player, but a success in life.  As a senior Andrew received 2nd Team Suburban 1 American Conference, 2nd Team Norristown Times Herald All-Area and Honorable Mention Honors All-State as quarterback.

Emily Hitchings

Parents:  Brian & Susan Hitchings
School:  Bucknell University
Anticipated Major:  Elementary Education
Other schools considered:  Lafayette, Ursinus

Why she chose Bucknell:  There is a family legacy at Bucknell for the Hitchings family; Emily will be the 14th member of her family across three generations to attend.  Emily was impressed with the high level of play that Bucknell offers, but that they offer prioritize academics.  She also really liked the current players on the team, as well as the coaching staff.

What Coach Heather Boyer says about Emily:  Emily has been a 4-year Varsity starter and leaves Upper Dublin in 2nd place on the all-time leading scorers list in Upper Dublin HS history with 66 career goals.  Emily has had quite an impact on our program, and has been a tremendous leader by example for the younger players in the program.

She is a very versatile player and can play just about any position on the field, but her natural ability is as an offensive player.  Emily is very talented with creating shooting opportunities and is distributes the ball very well to her teammates.  Her tenacity and intensity in the circle is second-to-none, and she has an extraordinary work ethic that has helped her developed into a complete player.

She has received numerous accolades for her efforts including team MVP & outstanding offensive player (2 years in a row); 1st team All-League for the SOL American Conference (2 years in a row), and 1st team All-State for the PA HS Field Hockey Coaches Association.

Erin Lafferty

Parents:  Greg & Penny Lafferty
School:  Temple University
Other schools considered:  Virginia Tech, UConn, Rutgers, Seton Hall
Anticipated Major:  Undecided

Why she chose Temple:  Erin really liked the current players on the team and the coaching staff.