Heart of EH Girls' Soccer College Bound

The human heart is comprised of four chambers, but the heart of the East Haven High School girls' varsity soccer team had two main valves.

Now, these two main valves were not entirely responsible for the team's success this season, but they will certainly be missed.

Both Megan Rea and Amanda Cesare are set to continue playing soccer at the collegiate level and are East Haven High's only seniors receiving athletic scholarships this school year.

For that reason, East Haven Patch has decided that on this Valentine's Day some appreciation was due. We would like to thank Amanda and Megan for winning the hearts of East Haven's sports faithful with their on-field competitive spirit.

"It's going to be upsetting leaving East Haven," said Rea. "But I know I'll make friends with some of my new teammates and have a lot of fun. Me and Amanda have played together since we were like six years old."

"It's really sad because I feel like we've been together forever," chimed in Cesare. "Most of us have been playing together since middle school. Now we're all separating and it's tough."

The road ahead looks promising for both footballers, who spoke highly of their respective school choices.

Rea will be attending Stony Brook University on Long Island. She will join a Seawolves team coached by Sue Ryan who is in her 25th year with the program.

"The first time I went over there I met with the coaches and I hung out with some of the girls on the team," said Rea. "The next morning I went to see a practice, got a tour of the facilities and they were awesome. Then I saw some other schools and the second time I visited, I just knew the moment I set foot on campus that this is where I want to go."

Cesare will be attending the University of Bridgeport. The Purple Knights will be looking to make their fifth straight appearance in the NCAA Division II Championship Tournament this coming season.

"My new coach wanted me to go there from like day one," said Cesare. "I kept my eyes open and went to see other schools. When I met up with the coach, Magnus Nilerud, I just loved the whole environment of the program and the campus."

As for their Valentine's Day plans, both were quick to point out that their parents were most deserving of some love.

"My mother deserves something good," said Rea. "My parents have put in a lot of time and traveling to help me out with soccer and school so they deserve good Valentine's Day gifts." 

"I'm going to buy my mom flowers and actually clean my room," said Cesare. "Something good like that. I want to show appreciation to both of my parents for all they've done for me."

Suck ups.

As for now, the chocolates are on us. Congratulations!