The Red Life with Meghan Hungerford

By Keith Zimmer

Associate Athletic Director

 

Nebraska junior soccer defender Meghan Hungerford is leaving her mark on the Husker program as one of the most dedicated student-athletes to play for Head Coach John Walker.  An outstanding scholar, Hungerford is majoring in nutritional science and dietetics and boasts a 3.738 cumulative grade-point average with 92 hours of college completed. 

The Manhattan, Kan., native's postgraduate plans for the fall of 2008 are to attend dental school at Nebraska, which would mean following in the footsteps of older sister, Rawley, and her parents, Mark and Susan.   Mark is a dentist in Manhattan and Susan works as a dental hygienist.

Meghan said she has always looked up to her family members not just because of their career success, but more importantly for their personal qualities.

“My family is very generous and caring," Hungerford said.  "They are constantly thinking about others, which has influenced my decision to pursue dentistry.” 

Hungerford said she especially looked up to her sister Rawley, and at age 7 decided that she wanted to be a soccer player  just like her older sister.

“I'm a very competitive person and I wanted to be as good as or better than Rawley,” Hungerford said. “Soccer took me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow as a person.  Soccer has helped me mature, make good decisions and learn how to work effectively with others.” 

Early on in Hungerford's soccer career she was playing on an all boys team in order to advance her skills. 

“I was the only girl on the team and credit that experience for becoming the physical player I am today.” 

Hungerford said she attended her first Big Red Soccer Camp at age 10 and immediately was in awe of the program. 

“It was clear to me there was a strong commitment to building a nationally recognized program,” Hungerford said. 

After excelling at Manhattan High School., Hungerford left the friendly confines of the Little Apple and the home of the K-State Wildcats to become a Husker. 

“I loved the physical style of Nebraska which played to my speed, quickness and strength," Hungerford said.  "Also, I knew Nebraska would be a place I could excel in the classroom and position my self for future goals.  I thrive on academic success, as this is my opportunity for recognition. I realize I'm not the best player, but I do have the ability and control over my academic success.  I'm highly motivated considering my pursuits of dental school.”

Hungerford has earned back-to-back first-team academic All-Big 12 recognition and is a six-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll.  

Hungerford is excited for her senior season with the team reporting for training camp on Aug. 16.  Coming off a medical redshirt year in 2006, she is hungry for success in 2007. 

“I have worked hard to become healthy and strong," Hungerford said.  "Our team is very talented with lots of youth and energy.  The 2007 season looks very promising.” 

Hungerford's future off the field is equally as promising. 

“I always knew I wanted to work in a health-care profession and considered careers in radiology and physical therapy.  In the end the flexibility of a dentist with the opportunity to still have a family and travel is very appealing to me,”  Hungerford said. “Patient interaction is huge for me, and I want to be able to have a major impact on the lives of other people.  It might be taking away pain or helping create the perfect smile. Overall it comes down to improving the quality of life.” 

Hungerford would love to attend the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry and is also considering Creighton and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. 

As her academic and athletic career heads down the home stretch, Hungerford values the experience provided to Nebraska student-athletes.

“It has been truly special to be part of such an amazing tradition, have great support and unmatched facilities.  Everywhere you turn, there are people at Nebraska committed to helping you succeed.”