Published: April 19, 2008 12:45 am            

Marshall next for soccer star Tabler

RUSSELL — Megan Tabler didn’t really see Division I soccer in her college future.

That’s all changed.

Russell High’s senior dynamo signed a National Letter of Intent with Marshall University on Friday afternoon.

Tabler, a first team All-State selection the past two years, looked at some smaller colleges including Georgetown (Ky.) and Concord (W.Va.).

But her West Virginia Rowdies club team coach, Peter Underwood, also a graduate assistant for Marshall men’s soccer, talked to MU women’s head coach Chris Kane about Tabler.

“I was not thinking I could get anything like that,’’ Tabler said. “When Marshall offered, it’s something you can’t pass up.’’

Tabler said the chain of events shocked her.

“I always thought about Division I,’’ she said. “Not being from a larger area like Lexington or Louisville, I didn’t think I would get the chance. But it happened. It’s amazing.’’

Amazing also describes Tabler’s career at Russell. A forward and midfielder, she amassed 74 goals and 36 assists and was a driving force behind the Lady Devils’ streak of four regional championships. Her goal total would have been even higher, but Tabler moved from forward to center midfielder for her last two seasons.

“Megan came in here as a freshman and made an impact right off the bat, then continued to elevate her game,’’ said Russell coach Joe Grizzle. “She’s just like a stick of dynamite. You can always count on her to give you that 100 percent.’’

Grizzle shares Tabler’s joy about her opportunity at Marshall.

“I think it’s well deserved,’’ Grizzle said. “Megan is the caliber player that can play at that level and I think once given a chance will prove that. She’s got the work ethic and determination.’’

Tabler, voted the area Player of the Year as a junior and senior, knows that the challenge of competing on the Division I level will be great.

“It’s going to be way more than Georgetown or Concord,’’ she said. “I can’t wait. That’s what I want to do. You can have the talent but if you don’t have the heart to be there, you shouldn’t. It’s so demanding.’’

Especially for someone who also plans to major in pre-med.

“It’s going to be really hard, but I’m really looking forward to it,’’ said Tabler, whose grade point average is close to 4.0. “High school has been fun. I’m not going to forget it, but there are bigger things out there.’’

Tabler said she wouldn’t be in her current position without help from many, including her coaches.

“Coach Underwood has done a great deal for me, and Joe Grizzle really put my name out there,’’ Tabler said. “I can’t thank them enough.’’

Tabler, who scored 23 goals for Russell as a senior, will be playing with the Rowdies team into the summer. Then it’s on to college. She has met some of Marshall’s players and likes the campus.

“I just think the atmosphere, with ‘We Are Marshall’ is special,’’ Tabler said. “Marshall really has a lot of heart. Their (soccer) game is improving. They had a couple of rough years. I think I can come in and contribute in years to come.’’

Marshall went 4-13-1 last season, including a 1-7-1 mark in Conference USA.

ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.

        

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