Heather Riefenhauser: High School Athletics Prepares you for the Collegiate Transition

The transition to college athletics can be difficult, but for rising sophomore Heather Riefenhauser, being a three-sport athlete in high school has made the transition easier.

The five-foot six-inch attacker from Cortlandt Manor, NY was a three-sport athlete at Hendrick Hudson High School, where she picked up multiple accolades.

Photo Courtesy of Robert Isacson

As a member of the Sailors athletic program, Riefenhauser was a member of the girls' basketball team, the girls' soccer team, and the girl’s lacrosse team.

During her time playing soccer, Riefenhauser was named a 2019 All-League Honorable Mention, while also being named a 2018 All-League Honorable Mention for her play during the 2018 lacrosse season, where she collected six goals and two assists, before being named to the 2019 All-League team as junior, collecting 21 goals and seven assists.

While playing three sports in high school, Riefenhauser has learned the importance of time management, which has helped in her transition to college.

Riefenhauser said, “I learned to balance academics and athletics. Going from school, right to practice, to go home was quite exhausting but I knew how to get my work done.

“Being a three-sport athlete meant that I barely got a break during the year, but it also kept me in shape which I was very thankful for so I came into college in the best shape I have ever been in. High school helped my transition to collegiate athletics because as soon as I stepped on the field, I was ready to compete and do my best to make each season successful and that is what I did in college, I was ready to compete every game.”

When it came time for Riefenhauser to find her next stop in her athletic career, she knew Susquehanna was the spot for her.

“I chose to come to Susquehanna to continue playing lacrosse in college because Coach Randall, Coach Hag and the team were all so welcoming,” Riefenhauser said. “I did an overnight (visit) right before I committed where I got to meet my class and I knew I would be able to build friendships with all these girls. I just felt like this was my home once I stepped onto campus. Choosing to play at Susquehanna will forever be the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Riefenhauser was able to make an immediate impact during her first season as a member of the River Hawks women’s lacrosse team, playing as an attacker, even though it was not a traditional season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Helping the River Hawks to a 4-5 record and a place in the Landmark Conference Semi-Finals, Riefenhauser tallied 14 goals and four assists across the season, with twice scoring a season-high four goals against Elizabethtown (March 27) and against Juniata (April 7).

With the difficulty of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the uncertainty that it brought, Riefenhauser learned some valuable lessons.

“What I have learned from this season is just to enjoy every moment and have fun because it will be over before I know it. I had one of the best seasons in my lacrosse career this year and through hard work and dedication, I hope to build off this season and make myself better and help my team go to the Landmark Conference finals and win it all,” Riefenhauser said.

With her first year at Susquehanna behind her, Riefenhauser is poised to continue making a strong impact with women’s lacrosse team and trying to lead them to the Landmark Conference final.