October 28, 2008

Winston-Salem, NC - Salem College is celebrating three seniors this week for their accomplishments as athletes in their respective sports. Rachel Fichthorn (cross country, swimming), Katie Lineberger (volleyball), and Kayla Stover (soccer) have all played a major impact on the fall sports programs at Salem, and they are all a major part of Salem's athletic success. All three seniors will be strongly missed by their programs in the future. Here is some information on all three:

Rachel Fichthorn

Cross Country

-Three time N.C. State Champion (2006, 2007, 2008)

-Led the team to the N.C. State Championship title in 2007 and 2008

-Three time Association of DIII Independents Runner of the Week in 2008

-Hometown: Nokesville, VA

Head Coach J.P Widner says: "Rachel Fichthorn was the first cross-country recruit for Salem College when the college changed to NCAA status. Rachel finished 2nd overall as a first year in the North Carolina State NCAA Division III Women's Cross-Country Championships. Fichthorn holds every cross-country record at Salem College and has been the team captain for the past three years. It has been a privilege and honor to have coached Rachel at Salem College."

Katie Lineberger 

Volleyball

-Association of Division III Independents Athlete of the Week (2008)

-Current season leader with 281 kills and 213 digs. Both are Salem records.

-Spirit Classic All-Tournament Selection (2008)

-Hometown: Maiden, NC

Head Coach Amanda Ziemba says: “Katie is a quiet leader. I have enjoyed seeing her grow into a mature adult and leader for this program. She will be missed very much upon her graduation. I wish she had a few more years to stay at Salem and could continue to help our program grow, but I know regardless of where Katie is she will be successful.”

Kayla Stover

Soccer

-Three-Year Captain (2006, 2007, 2008), Team MVP (2005)

-Started all 48 career matches (22-9-2 record in past two seasons)

-Meredith College All-Tournament Team (2005, 2006)

-Hometown: Sturgeon Bay, WI

Head Coach Jay Callahan says: "Without the work and play from Kayla over the past four years, we would not have a soccer program at Salem. She has been the anchor of our team for four years, and it will be very difficult to not have her around anymore. She is a very bright and determined person, and I am 100% sure that she will do extraordinary things after college. We will miss her!