Deeter is a returning all first team PSAC performer for KU.

KUTZTOWN, PA. (August 12, 2009) – Don’t let the easy-going personality of Chelsea Deeter (Langhorne, PA/Neshimany) fool you. The Kutztown University junior defender can be quite charming and downright funny. However, when the games begin, Deeter’s Colgate smile becomes a fierce scowl.  

Protecting the defensive side of the field the way the secret service guards the President, Deeter begins knocking opposing players off of the ball, encouraging her teammates and contributing to another victory.

"I don’t have a mean look on my face,” Deeter said. “I am just focused that’s all. There is a time and place for jokes, but once you step on the field, it’s all business. I do think it’s a good balance to have.”

Deeter’s personality has helped keep her teammates laughing. Her leadership, passion, determination has provided smiles for third-year Kutztown coach Erik Burstein and their fans. Deeter’s status on the Dean’s List fills her with pride. A dominant defensive dynamo, Deeter has earned the respect around the Pennsylvania State Athletics Conference (PSAC) as one of the best.

“The PSAC has some fantastic defensive players, but with Chelsea you get so much more than good quality defending,” Burstein said. “You get a player with high expectations of herself and her teammates, a brilliant organizer and someone who is never satisfied with her last performance. She just always wants to be better!"

With Deeter serving as the unofficial "Secretary of Defense" for the women's soccer team and leading a strong defensive unit, Kutztown could enjoy a special season. Deeter has high expectations as the KU women’s soccer team opened preseason practice earlier this week. While 2008 was a memorable thrill ride that included an 11-match unbeaten streak and a 12-6-2 final record, Deeter has higher aspirations.

“We want to make it to the NCAA tournament,” Deeter said. “We want to make it into the national top 25. Last year we were 23^rd in the nation. But this year, we want to stay there. That would be awesome.”

Awesome has been Deeter’s play. She is not afraid of contact and she enjoys making Brian Dawkins-like tackles in the open field to knock a defender off of the ball. Deeter’s effort was rewarded last season as she earned a spot on the 2008 NSCAA/Adidas NCAA Division II Women’s All-Atlantic Region second team.

Deeter, a co-captain led the Golden Bears defensively, helping secure seven shutouts and limiting opponents to a 1.01 goals against average. Deeter, who started in 19 games for the Golden Bears, is a two-time All-PSAC East first team member, and she was an honorable mention by Daktronics last season.

Deeter has been a rock on the back line for the Kutztown defense. A physically imposing presence with a powerful leg, Deeter has brought stability and toughness to the Golden Bears defense.

“I love playing defense,” Deeter said. “I like being able to see the entire field and being in the back. A lot of people hate defense but I love it. I like going in for tackles and fighting for your life to get the ball out of your end of the field.”

Deeter didn’t begin her soccer career as a defender. She ended up there by default. When she began soccer at the age of 9 on a travel team, Deeter was a goalie – until she shattered the growth plate in her finger. Once that healed, Deeter found her niche on the defensive side of the field.

“When I took over the program I could tell right away that she had great potential,” Burstein said. “She has continued to develop and has become a truly fantastic leader. It is her efforts that have made her what she is today, one of the best center backs in the region. This program is lucky to have her.”

A leisure and sports study major, Deeter would like to own a fitness club in the future. She is one of four siblings. She has an older brother along with a younger sister and brother. When she is not frustrating the opposition, Deeter is shoe shopping, working out, hanging with friends or singing on the bus after another road victory.

“Those are the best trips because when we win, somebody blasts their I-Pod and we all sing,” Deeter said. “I think we have well balanced team and we all get along together. We are one big family and I am glad that I came here to Kutztown.” 

--KU--