Where Are They Now -- Megan Leonard Doerfler

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 Megan Leonard Doerfler graduated from Effingham High School in 2001 where she played volleyball, softball and ran track.

As an athlete at EHS, she garnered setting and serving awards multiple times in volleyball and was named the Most Valuable Player her senior season for the Hearts. She was also on several all-tournament teams and named to the Decatur Herald & Review All-Area Volleyball Team.

"I started in sports in the Effingham Park District and in school," said Doerfler. "I started softball in Small Fry and continued playing in high school. I was on girls teams and travel teams in addition to playing on a women's league team. I started playing basketball at the Effingham Park District. I started volleyball and track in sixth-grade. Like most little girls in Effingham, I went to Jansen's for dancing and tumbling too."

After graduating from EHS, she went on to play volleyball at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville for one semester before transfering fo the University of Illinois at Springfield. During her college stint, she majored in BS Biology, MA Teacher Leadership and MA Educational Leadership.

That led to her current job as the principal at Riverton Middle School, a position she has held for the last two years. Prior to that, she was the Principal/District Athletic School for the New Berlin school district and she resides with her husband James and 10-year-old twin daughters Addyson and Bryleigh in Williamsville.

"I was fortunate to have some amazing teachers that led me to the profession," said Doerfler about her career choice. "My favorite teachers wre Mrs. Hunzinger and Mrs. McDonald. Both encouraged my love of science and led me to the teaching profession. After five years as a teacher, I pursued an administrative license and became an administrator. I manage a middle school building with students in grades five through eight."

During her high school career, Doerfler talked about some of her memories in volleyball.

"I think the regional championship my junior year at Edwardsville stands out. We were under-ranked and Edwardsville thought they would come in and walk into the sectional. Instead, we won the regional and a first-round sectional game against Sacred Heart Griffin before losing to a very good Jacksonvile lteam. And, of course, another good memory is any match I got to play with LeAnn Schroeder and Kindra Westendorf."

Memories during her college career included a program that was just developing.

"College was hard because I left a high school program that won multiple matches, tournaments and had long posteason runs and went to a developing program where wins were hard to come by. I was able to bring high school teammates Lauren Sanders and Christine Wenthe into my college program and also encoruaged some former competitors to join us. The last match at every level always was memorable. In college, though, the last match meant my competitive days were done."

Doerfler talked about what athletics has meant to her.

"Even now as I watch my own children engage in athletics, my feelings on what athletics means to me remain the same. It's a way to connect with others and create a sense of camaraderie. The bond between teammates and coaches is a bond that doesn't fade. Some of my best memories come from practices, games and trips with my teammates and coaches.

"I met people and families I would never have known if not for athletics. Many of those friends are lifelong. So, beyond the court, many bonds and friendships continue. In addition, it was an opportunity for my mother and me to travel together and spend time together both doing things we loved."

Although Doerfler doesn't follow pro teams unless her husband has a Bears game on, she is learning to enjoy soccer but, 'volleyball will always be my favorite.'

"Advice I'd give athletes that could help them in their high school and college careers is, you can always work harder. Do more even when you don't want to. The time you will have as an athlete is limited, give it all you have while you are young and able. Study and work hard at academics as well. That's the future for most athletes. Find a college that fits your needs and field of study. Don't discredit a junior college as there is no need to put yourself into substantial study loan debt."

"And, last, work hard, follow your dreams and cherish the friendships you make."