Megan Wiest explored a number of options to extend her field hockey career in college.

She looked at programs both within the vicinity of her Northampton-area home as well as those around the greater Delaware Valley and beyond.

But when she visited Drexel her junior year, Wiest realized her search wouldn't extend in her current senior year as a Konkrete Kid.

Wiest also made her selection due to the recruitment efforts of former Bangor High School and Drexel standout and current assistant coach Susan Ciufo.

"Things went really well on my visit," said Wiest, who scored 26 goals and had 7 assists this past season. "I liked it (Drexel); in fact, I fell in love with it. I really liked their program and I can adjust quickly with my studies there.

"(Ciufo) was my coach on one of the club teams I played on. I liked playing for her at the time, and she remembered me when I visited. Knowing she is there and the college in general seemed like a good fit for me."

Wiest almost considered Lafayette or Temple, but she liked Drexel's campus and also some elbow room along with a family atmosphere.

"I liked Lafayette, but it was just a little too close to home," she stated. "Temple was nice, but it would have not worked out with my major. Drexel has a great academic program, and the staff there made me feel very welcome."

A member of her high school's National Honor Society, Wiest will pursue a degree in Health Sciences and Health Care, as she plans to become a physician's assistant and preferably be involved in the pediatric field. She finally signed her commitment in mid-November.

Entering a new level of play, Wiest realizes there will be some notable differences. She played forward in high school, and expects to play either there or midfield in college. However, Wiest believes she can quickly adjust due to her playing with the WC Eagles in Spring City the past three seasons.

"The speed of the game will be a big difference," said Wiest. "That will be a big change. But I played with a number of girls the past three years who have received scholarships from larger schools and they were some of the best players around. It was a bit of a hike to get there, but it was really worth it in the long run for me.

"Playing with the club has really helped me. I know it won't be that much of a change now when I start playing at Drexel."

Wiest began playing the sport in seventh grade after she previously played soccer through the years. However, it was soccer that helped her transition into her new passion.

"Playing soccer helped me with the speed of field hockey," she noted. "I really liked it (field hockey), but I knew I had to work on my stick work. It was the biggest challenge for me. I also knew I had to work on my foot work.

"Things really started to come together for me my freshman year. It also helped that I played (with WC Eagles)."

Along with a sea of memories at Northampton, Wiest will also remember a recent two-week hiatus she had with her club team in New Zealand.

"It was a phenomenal trip," she proclaimed. "They didn't expect much from American hockey over there, but we held our own. There were just so many things to see playing and touring the sights there.

"Being there was such a great experience and I would definitely do it again."

For now, though, Wiest has her sights set on moving down the turnpike.

"I know Drexel will provide a great experience for me," she said. "They have an outstanding Co-Op program and major and it can really open some doors for me."

When she isn't opening doors in her major, Wiest likely will open some doors on the field.