Photo and story by Robert Whitmire

Jen Hoerter first stepped on the soccer field at six years old. 

The senior at Stevens Point Area Senior High School is now preparing to take her considerable athletic talents to the next level when she graduates this spring and moves on to Division II Minnesota State-Mankato, a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, where she will continue her soccer career while studying physical therapy. The Mavericks finished their 2013 campaign at 13-1-1 in conference play and 17-3-2 overall.

Jen is the daughter of Ken and Jackie Hoerter.

“I chose MSU because when I visited, I could see myself living in Mankato; it kind of reminded me of Stevens Point,” Said Hoerter.  “The coaches were very nice and it felt like the right decision.”

Hoerter has rolled up some eye-opening statistics during her career at SPASH and looks forward to adding that fire power to the Maverick line-up. In addition, she has maintained a 3.733 grade point average in the classroom and will graduate with honors.

She lead the Wisconsin Valley Conference with 32 points in 2011 including 11 goals (21 overall) and 10 assists (12 overall) and was the first student ever to be named both team All-Conference and SPASH Scholar-Athlete.  She followed up her junior year with 19 goals and 10 assists to lead the conference.  She was a repeat Scholar-Athlete and a 1st team WVC player and All-State nominee. During the 2013 season she lit up the scoreboard with 23 goals, including 4 game winners and 9 assists.

Hoerter attributes her success in soccer to the three coaches she has worked with since her start- Mark Peel, Craig Yonke, and Don Peel as well as her SPASH teammates.

“They have taught me so much about the game and I wouldn’t be the player I am without them. As a freshman, I was timid and nervous for every game but having my teammates by my side through it all made me feel better,” She said.

Hoerter will sign her Letter of Intent to attend Mankato on Wednesday, February 5th in the South Commons at SPASH.

“Having soccer in my life has built my character, personality and who I am as a person. Both of my brothers have also played soccer, so there wasn’t a lot of down time in my family’s life. I would like to thank my parents for everything, but mostly for being my biggest fans and supporters. Playing Soccer at SPASH has truly been a blessing and I will carry the memories with me in the future,” she said.

Jen Hoerter is A Person You Should Know.