Britta Denny said she has always wanted to play college soccer, and doing so at the University of Maine was always in the back of her mind.
That will become a reality next fall.
The Rockport native and two-time All-Northern Maine attacking midfielder from Camden Hills High School in Rockport verbally committed to play for the Black Bears earlier this summer.
“I’m so excited,” said Denny. “I get to represent the state and stay close to home so my parents (Eric and Andrea) can come to games.”
Denny scored 31 goals two years ago and Camden Hills head coach Meredith Messer said Denny had around 20 last year “but had more assists” than the previous year.
She will be the third Camden Hills product to play for head coach Scott Atherley’s Black Bears over the past eight years.
Charlotte Messer, Meredith’s daughter, played in 13 games at UMaine before transferring to Division III Husson University in Bangor where she was a three-time All-North Atlantic Conference player including a two-time first team selection.
Kristina Kelly helped lead UMaine to its first America East championship and NCAA Division I playoff appearance a year ago.
The speedy midfielder was named to the All-America East and All-Region second team.
The Central Connecticut State transfer is back playing at UMaine for her final season this fall.
“Those are two great players from my school. It’s going to be hard to fill their shoes,” said Denny.
Kelly is one of six in-state players on the current UMaine roster.
Denny said Atherley reached out and expressed interest in her via email last summer.
She also had other schools pursuing her.
She came on an official visit to UMaine last fall and spent a couple of days with the team.
“I followed them around and got a feel for what everyday life is like,” said Denny, whose older brother, Nick, is a UMaine graduate.
“I just loved it. It’s a great program. (Atherley) is a very good coach and they have an amazing quality of players and amazing leaders between the coaches and the captains,” said Denny.
She also knows that there are plans for a new artificial-turf soccer facility thanks to the $170 million gift from the Harold Alfond Foundation for upgrades to the school’s athletic facilities.
The soccer team currently plays on Mahaney Diamond, the school’s baseball field.
“Who wouldn’t want to play on a new field? There are so many things to be excited about,” said Denny.
Meredith Messer said there is no doubt in her mind that Denny will be a productive player at UMaine.
“She has all (the skills) she needs. She has the field vision and the attitude. She really wants (to be successful) and will work hard for it. She has always been the kid who sees things no one else sees,” said Messer.
Denny said she is going to focus on becoming stronger because college soccer is more physical than high school competition.
“I have to build my strength up so I’m ready to face these 22-year-old girls who go to the gym every day,” said Denny.
But, for the time being, Denny is just honing in on the upcoming high school campaign.
“This is my last season and all I’ve ever wanted to do my entire high school career is win a state championship. And I really believe we’re going to do it,” said Denny.
Denny’s coming to UMaine is dependent upon her being admitted to the school and meeting NCAA eligibility requirements.
