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St. C.’s Malin to play soccer at Walsh University

MACY MALIN

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Macy Malin always dreamed of playing college soccer. Those dreams nearly came crashing down when she injured her knee prior to her senior season at St. Clairsville.

However, with a determined work ethic and constant support, she will realize that dream this fall.

Malin recently signed her National Letter-of-Intent to attend Walsh University in Canton to continue her academic and athletic careers. The Cavaliers play in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference and are members of the NCAA Division II.

“It was always my dream. I was hoping I would receive the opportunity,” Malin said. “Walsh took a chance on me after coming back from my surgery, so I’m just thankful I’m able to play.

“No, I didn’t think I’d be back so soon. But coming back so soon and being able to play some basketball gave me hope that I could eventually play college soccer.”

St. Clairsville head coach Wes Stoner had no reservations about his 3-year standout playing at the next level.

“Her work ethic and mentality. It’s the same way she was on the practice field. It’s the same way she was in a game,” Stoner said of Malin’s drive. “She put it into her rehab. She got to play a little bit this winter in basketball, so that shows you what type of athlete she is.

“It’s all her. All her hard work,” he continued. “She was focused on what she needed to do to get better, and she did it.”

“The only time she missed a practice was when she had to travel to Columbus for surgery appointments and then the actual surgery,” Stoner noted. “Other than that, she was at practice on crutches doing rehab on the sidelines and icing her knee. She worked with her physical trainer on the sidelines.”

Malin entered her senior season with 59 career goals. Stoner and Edison’s head coach got together before the first contest and agreed that the Wildcats would let her get her 60th, if the Red Devils allowed them to score and start 1-1.

“Absolutely,” Stoner remarked when asked if Malin was a coach’s dream-player to coach. “Unfortunately though for her and us, we didn’t get to have her for her senior season, but I’m very glad to see her get a chance to continue her soccer career.”

Stoner said Malin will be amazing in college.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if she went there, started as a freshman and was one of their best players,” he allowed. “She’s got to get back in shape, which she’s doing right now with leading our current team.”

Malin was quick to hand out kudos for those who helped her in her time of need.

“My family. My friends. My physical therapist Justin and our (St. Clairsville) trainer Kate (Tomczak). We worked countless hours so that I could come back. Even during basketball season I was doing therapy five days a week just so I could get strong enough to run up-and-down the court, and the mental side of it.”

Malin actually competed in the Eastern District 12 All-Star Basketall Game at Buckeye Trail High School a couple of weeks back.

“There were some local college coaches that were interested in me,” she said of the recruiting process. “I used to play for West Liberty’s head coach (Barry Christmas), so he and I are pretty close. They were one of my top choices, but I decided to go to Walsh.”

Why Walsh?

“I really liked the campus and the distance it is from St. Clairsville,” she admitted with a laugh. “I really like (head) Coach (Laurie) Lewick. She’s really sweet and nice.

“I’m super excited to be going there.”

Malin will major in nursing.

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