TAYLORVILLE &8212; Comparing participation numbers from the National College Athletic Association, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the National Federation of State High School Associations one in five students bridge the gap between playing women&8217;s soccer in high school and college.

Former Tiger striker Megan Keen made that jump following graduation from Demopolis High School in May and is now an important facet to the Shelton State Community College squad, said SSCC head soccer coach Nellie Christian. For Keen&8217;s part, the offer to play at SSCC was an important one not just for the chance to play on the pitch at the colligate level but also as a way to reach other goals.

Keen said when she visited the SSCC campus Christian took her out to the field after touring her around the facilities. She said standing on the field Christian asked her to play for the team and offered her a scholarship.

When Keen showed up for practice during the summer she found herself on a 22 player roster with nine returning sophomores, which meant at least two spots where open for grabs though one was reserved for a goalie.

Keen worked hard and secured a starting sport on the SSCC team for her freshman season, first at striker where she recorded five goals for her group and then moving to left wing.

Christian said Keen&8217;s work at the dual roles has a lot to do with the attributes she brings to the team. The left footed play, on which Keen has a monopoly on the team, is important to a left wing and Keen&8217;s striking ability lends itself to the forward position, said Christian.

The reason Keen hasn&8217;t been on the field recently is a knee injury she sustained this season.

Christian said the trainers advised that Keen not return to the game and Keen has been working to rehab the injury in the time since. Keen said she is back from the injury, but her coach said it is one where time out, even after the pain has subsided, is beneficial.

In any case, Keen and her coach both agree she is getting back. Which is a good thing for Keen and the team, as the group is quickly approaching their district tournament in Orlando, where they can qualify for nationals.