When you think of being a great teammate and a fierce competitor, what comes to mind? Does being a good teammate mean just having everyone on the teams' back just when you're in practice or a game? Or does it come from a developed friendship and trust that builds throughout the course of that season? Does being a fierce-competitor mean that you are "the person" the team looks to when they need something done? Or that you never take a play-off whether it's in practice or a game?

Well Jenni Marck knows what it takes to be both of these things and much more for her soccer team here at Wilmington. Marck comes from Wyoming High School, where she played forward with Bonnie Grace, who is still a teammate and friend to date. Playing forward in high school has given her the aggressive mindset to be able to get it done on both ends of the field.

"This position is all somewhat new to me to be honest," Marck said of her move to defender. "I came into college as a striker and moved around until spring season coming into my junior year. The experience I have that has helped me a lot this year comes from Margaret Fox and Sammi Miller. Now that I am a senior, I know my role as a wingback defender and my experience in other positions helps me with knowing when to make runs and when to hold back."

After coming into the season with two career goals and one assist, Marck has scored six goals and dished out two assists, but she gives the credit to her team. Four of her six  goals have been of the game-winning variety.

"As for scoring game winners or just goals for that matter, I do not feel anything other than excitement and accomplishment with my team after any goal," said Marck. "It takes us all the get that ball in the back of the net and without the work from our goalie, midfielders and forwards, I would not have the goals that I do."

She adds that there have been plenty of teammates that she looks up to, which in turn, gives her more confidence when she steps onto the field. Some of her teammates and close friends have dealt with injuries, which have kept them off of the field so she uses their energy and love for the game as guidance and motivation.

"It is my last year of competitive soccer and I can only be happy that I am able to play the sport that I love," she said. "We all don't get the chance to do this, life has a funny way of planning out our lives and we can't take that we are able to play out on that field for granted. I think I have gotten more aggressive because I am playing to have fun and also, for those who can't play. I am really close with Sammi Miller, who has had two ACL repairs in our junior and senior year. I think I have gotten my aggression from her. Most importantly, we work hard at practice so that we can have fun during the games and I can say I'm having fun this season because my teammates are doing a great job!"

With four conference games left, the Quakers are looking to advance to the tournament and continuing to have success. There are

two more home games remaining, and Marck encourages everyone to come and cheer them on. "Come support our team as we continue in our Ohio Athletic Conference games!" the senior implores. "Just like any sport, we thrive off of the energy on the sidelines and in the stands. Hearing those whom support our program pumps us up and gives us the extra boost of energy we all need! GO QUAKERS!"

Written by Christian Patterson, Senior WC Intern