Lehigh University Athletics
Where are they now? Stephanie Digneo '03
4/8/2009 12:00:00 AM | Athletics, Softball
 |
At Lehigh, Stephanie Digneo excelled in both the classroom and on the softball diamond, earning prestigious honors in both fields. In 2003, Stephanie was not only named the Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year with a 3.87 GPA, but also broke the all-time Patriot League hit record. Stephanie went on to Lehigh’s Graduate Program earning her Master’s in Education, which complimented her B.A. in Sociology.
These degrees paved the way for Stephanie’s current position as a seventh grade math teacher at Beck Middle School in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Additionally, Stephanie is the assistant varsity softball coach at Cherry Hill West High School. Stephanie’s love for working with children is coupled by her loving duties as an aunt to her three nieces and nephew.
This young teacher provides sage wisdom for current Lehigh athletes, advocating young athletes to enjoy their time at the Division I level. “Few people get the opportunity to play at the highest competitive level in college sports and it is truly an honor. The time and dedication that you put in to your sport will make you a better person in the long run,” Stephanie said
The lessons learned in college athletics definitely transcends to life after college, according to Stephanie. “Life after college can be challenging, but the work ethic and determination you learn being a Division I athlete at a very strong scholastic University prepares you to face any challenge in the real world. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t miss playing college softball. Enjoy every minute of it and play each game as if it were your last because time goes by too quickly. “
In addition to being a student-athlete at Lehigh, Stephanie participated in a program called C.O.A.C.H., which allowed her to travel to local middle schools and teach children about the importance of determination and teamwork. It was here that Stephanie found her love for teaching; something she says she never knew existed within her.
“I am proud to say that I am a teacher today because of the C.O.A.C.H. program,” Stephanie said. She also participated in the Adopt-A-Family event to which she credits as an opportunity to really understand the true meaning of giving to the less fortunate.
With a personal athletic resume like Stephanie’s it is refreshing to see how much emphasis she puts on teamwork. Even with accolades like the all-time Patriot League hit record, Stephanie seems to only put stock in her teammates.
“My most memorable Lehigh experience was going to the NCAA tournament. It was incredible to be Patriot League champs, win our play-in series with Long Island University, and travel to Oklahoma to face the defending National Champion Oklahoma Sooners. Although we lost to the Sooners, we beat Seton Hall and got a change to play North Carolina. It was a tremendous experience.”
