Fulton County Ohio Media

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Madelaine Diaz, Swanton Lady Bulldog soccer standout, has chosen to continue her education and soccer career at Tiffin University in Tiffin, Ohio.   “The reason I chose Tiffin is it gives me the opportunity to pursue the passions I want to pursue along with taking them in the right direction,” said Madelaine explaining one reason for her choice. “Soccer is very important at Tiffin, it embodies everything soccer is, it’s family, it’s people coming together to enjoy something they have a mutual love for.”

Last year at this time, Madelaine was not sure she would even have a chance to play at the next level.  The Swanton girls’ soccer program had been suspended for lack of participation and the remaining roster was added to the boy’s team.  With the swollen roster and having to compete against the boys, she had significantly less playing time and was unsure if the program would be brought back for her senior year.

Fortunately, former Lady Bulldog soccer coach and alumni, Kendra Eitniear Gustafson, returned and was able to restart the once-proud program.  “I came back because it broke my heart to see there wasn’t a program for these girls to get opportunities to play where they want.  I’m happy I was able to bring it back and for Madelaine to keep going and play with the passion she has,” said Coach Gustafson who was rewarded for her efforts by being named NWOAL and District Coach of the Year.

By becoming part of the Lady Dragons soccer team, Madelaine will be following in the footsteps of Swanton Assistant Coach Arika Lutz and her twin sister Averie who signed with Tiffin University almost four years ago.  In the classroom, Madelaine will be studying for a degree in Forensic Psychology.

Click on the link above to access photos from the signing. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing abd can be downloaded and shared for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Madelaine Diaz signs with Tiffin alongside parents Shaun and April Bailey and Coach Kendra Gustafson