Monroe Township High School’s Erin Seppi, who will enter her senior year in the fall, has provided strong leadership for the Falcons’ soccer and basketball teams. Erin Seppi, a rising senior and two-sport standout at Monroe Township High School, possesses many attributes, but the greatest is her ability to inspire others.
That’s the observation of Kathy Dillon and Leigh Vogtman, girls soccer and basketball coaches, respectively, who have watched Seppi develop into a dynamic leader for their teams.
“I can’t say enough good things about Erin as a [goalkeeper], student and person,” Dillon said about Seppi, who has started in the nets since she was a freshman and recorded 74 saves last season. “She is one of the most wellrounded athletes I have had the privilege of coaching the past 23 years. Erin leads by example, works hard to be the best and, in turn, pushes everyone she plays with to achieve the same. That’s why Erin’s teammates hold her in such high regard.”
“Erin is such a dynamic individual on and off the court or playing field,” said Vogtman, whose team finished 21-6, won the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) White Division title and made it to the conference tournament championship game with Seppi averaging 10 rebounds a game at center. “She is exceptional when it comes to being aware of what it takes to be successful, both as an individual contributor and teammate. Erin always gives 110 percent in practice and in games, and is a leader and motivator through her words and actions. I’m excited for her senior year.”
These accolades suggest Seppi is a born leader, which may be true, but she has never taken that gift for granted and knows how important it is to demonstrate leadership, whether playing soccer or basketball.
“I believe a leader should not be afraid to bring their voice,” she said. “That can be one of the most valuable assets I can provide. I’ve also learned that leaders don’t automatically get labeled with that title but need to earn it.”
For that reason, Seppi has worked hard to gain her teammates’ trust and respect so they will feel confident depending on her, especially in tight situations.
Because Seppi displayed her ability early in her soccer career, she attracted the attention of colleges as a freshman. When the University of Maryland offered her a full scholarship as a sophomore, she didn’t hesitate to accept.
“[Maryland] is the place I aspired to go since I was young,” Seppi said. “The program is awesome. When I visited the school, the players were so friendly and the coaches showed how passionate and dedicated they are to the game.”
Seppi enjoyed soccer and basketball as a youngster, although she admitted her father was only a casual observer of soccer but still attended every match she played in. Seppi continued to compete in both sports when she entered high school because she enjoyed their fast pace and team orientation.
It’s not coincidental that goalie and center are her favorite positions in each sport.
“Both require close communication with your teammates,” she said. “Where I’m positioned on the backline playing goalie, I can see the field like no other player. I’m constantly talking, which I think is critical to preventing opponents from scoring.”
Seppi speaks about other aspects of being in the net.
“Goalkeeping involves a lot of technique,” she said. “You have to play angles and quickly position your body to stop the shot.”
That’s why Dillon called Seppi her “maestro” on the field.
“She ‘orchestrates’ our defense through constant communication with the backs and midfielders while directing the forwards into usable space.”
Seppi said being the center on the basketball court is not unlike playing goalie.
“You’re also positioned on the back line,” she said. “So, again, I’m in a good place to communicate with my teammates.”
Seppi has aspirations of playing soccer even after college but aspires to become an NCAA Division I college coach once she concludes her career.
Besides her parents and a brother who have been major supporters, Seppi praised Dillon and Vogtman for putting her in positions to succeed.
Seppi manages a whirlwind routine of playing sports year-round (she’s also a member of a club soccer team in Pennsylvania) while achieving good grades.
“Maintaining my grades has never been a problem, even though I take a lot of honors classes and have received mostly As,” she said. “For some reason, I work better when I’m under pressure.”