Dec. 23, 2009
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Senior defender Megan Forester was named to the Southeastern Conference’s Soccer Community Service team for her volunteer work in the Nashville area.
Forester, a first-team All-SEC defender, worked three summers with the Martha O’Bryan Center in East Nashville teaching underprivileged kids. While working at the Martha O’Bryan Center, Forester taught lessons in math, science, geography and writing.
She also spent time providing Meals on Wheels for the elderly in the community driving door to door. She is in charge of the food program, keeping track of how many children received meals each day so the government can keep track of how much food is given out.
The Hendersonville, Tenn., native also participated in Vanderbilt’s Alternative Spring Break program where she worked in homeless shelters in Washington D.C. During her time on campus, Forester was the representative for the women’s soccer team on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. While on the committee she planned athletic fundraising events and organized volunteer opportunities on campus. The SAAC committee also dealt with any issues student-athletes have with the department or university.
On the field, Forester played an instrumental role this season as a team captain and provided leadership in the Commodores late season run to the conference tourney. She scored two goals while also recording a career-best seven assists on the year. Her assist total was fifth best in the league. Defensively she was a stalwart on the backline and helped spark the team to four consecutive shutout wins at the end of the season.
“Megan is a kind-hearted individual who enjoys volunteering her spare time in the community,” said Vanderbilt head coach Ronnie Woodard. “She has been a role model on and off the soccer field and we will sadly miss her.”
