MAHER STRENGTHENED BY HER JOURNEY BACK

North Penn grad battled back from two major injuries

UPPER MORELAND » Everything happens for a reason.

It’s a mantra that Erin Maher used a lot when talking about the path her athletic career has taken since she graduated from North Penn in 2014. A two-sport standout in basketball and softball, Maher seemed on track to carry that to the next level when she signed at then-Philadelphia University, now Jefferson.

Two major injuries later, things haven’t gone as planned but the challenges faced on the path back only strengthened the Lansdale resident. She knows it’s not all going to come back, but Maher feels as good as she has in a few years on the court playing with her Rams teammates as part of the Philadelphia/Suburban Women’s Summer Basketball League.

“It was really tough, both academically and athletically, I mean two injuries and two redshirts, it’s not what I thought I’d be getting into but it just makes you realize everything happens for a reason,” Maher said. “I’m here, I have one degree and another one on the way after this year, so I can’t complain. I’ve made more friends, had more teammates and created more memories. It’s been worth it, but not what I expected.”

As a senior at North Penn, Maher helped lead the Knights to a District 1-4A girls basketball title in the winter, then excelled at the plate and in the outfield for the Knights’ District 1 runner-up and state playoff softball squad that spring. Always a competitor, Maher wanted the challenge of playing two sports at the college level while also pursuing a degree in Law and Society.

What should have been a freshman year that saw the 6-foot forward push for minutes never materialized as Maher broke her left leg in practice, putting her out for at least half the season. A handful

GENE WALSH — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA North Penn grad Erin Maher looks to pass at women’s NCAA summer basketball league.