TOWSON, Md. - With the new academic year approaching, the Landmark Conference is revisiting stories and highlights from our members during the 2022-23 year in the league's #LandmarkRewind Series.
2022-23 Landmark Conference Yearbook
From the moment she stepped on the field as a freshman, Teresa Hegarty ’23 elevated The University of Scranton women’s soccer program to the next level.
A 2021 United Soccer Coaches (USC) All-American selection, Hegarty was also a two-time All-Region and All-Landmark First Team honoree. The Bryn Mawr, Pa., native started 56 of the 59 career games she played and tallied 33 points on 11 goals and 11 assists as a central midfielder.
During her career, she helped lead the Royals to three Landmark Conference Championships, five NCAA Tournament victories, and consecutive Sweet 16 appearances in 2021 and 2022. The Royals posted a staggering 46-9-8 record for a winning percentage of .794 and an 18-2-1 (.881) mark in Landmark games.
To go along with her excellent play in the midfield, Hegarty was extremely well-respected among her coaches and peers as she served as a three-time team captain including a solo captainship during her senior season.
“Teresa is a leader both on and off the field. She leads with grace, humility, and empathy and during some of our toughest games, she would know exactly what to say in order to motivate us and leads us towards success,” teammate Noelle Walker ’23 said. “Teresa is not only a great captain, but also a great teammate and friend. Teresa is always there when you need her, whether it be for advice, a shoulder to cry on, or just a good laugh. She is our woman of the year!”
In the classroom, Hegarty held an impressive 3.91 GPA as an Accounting major and was named to the Dean’s List in all eight semesters. A three-time member of the Landmark Academic Honor Roll, she also earned both USC Scholar All-East Region as well as CSC Academic All-District honors during her senior season.
“Not only is Teresa an amazing athlete, but her leadership on the field is unmatched. Her leadership is a huge reason Scranton Soccer has been so successful in our past few seasons with her and why she wears the captain band. No matter the game, Teresa has a positive attitude and is the first person to pick you up when you’re down. She makes sure you know you have an impact on the field and fills everyone with confidence,” fellow teammate Emily Bannon ’25 said.
“She is one of the hardest working players on the field at any given time and never takes any credit for herself. Her tenacity and work rate is a threat to all opponents and is a model for the rest of the team to follow,” Bannon continued. “Teresa brings the energy and mindset of a champion to every game and practice and it is definitely contagious. Scranton Soccer would not be where it is today without the impact she has left on this program. We are truly grateful for all she has done.”
Along with her excellence on the field and in the classroom, she was extremely involved on campus as an active member of Scranton’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Chapel Choir. Additionally, she spearheaded a yearly cancer fundraiser for the women’s soccer program to help children and families in need.
Hegarty’s career culminated this spring as she was selected as the recipient of the University Athletic Department’s Carlesimo Award, which is presented annually to one male and one female senior student-athlete for outstanding athletic and academic achievement.
She was also chosen as the Scranton & Landmark Conference NCAA Woman of the Year nominee, a prestigious honor given annually to graduating female student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in the areas of academic achievement, athletics excellence, service, and leadership.
Hegarty marked the first Scranton student-athlete to be chosen as the Landmark nominee since Rebecca Russo in 2020.
“I am thrilled that Teresa has been selected as The University of Scranton & Landmark Conference NCAA Woman of the Year. Teresa exemplified what it means to be an NCAA DIII student-athlete. She was an exceptional student, an All-American athlete, and a three-year captain,” Head women’s soccer coach and Assistant Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator Colleen Pivirotto said. “Teresa is one of the best leaders I have ever had because even in the most difficult circumstances, she will lead with grace and put the team on her back to meet our goals.”
This fall, Hegarty will embark on a new journey as she begins her professional career as an Audit Associate at KPMG and an assistant coach for the women’s soccer program at Haverford College.
“Division III athletics has allowed me to live out the dream I have had since I was just a little girl. I have had the opportunity to play soccer with my best friends, excel academically, and get involved in school activities all while keeping my love for the game at an all-time high. My decision to step into a coaching role at a DIII program this season is motivated by my enthusiasm to help many more girls live out that same dream,” Hegarty said.
Teresa’s actions while at Scranton inspired others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more. For that, she truly embodies what it means to be a Royal.