By: Michael Pagano- Wilmington

(WILMINGTON, Ohio) - Following the historic performance from the Wilmington College women’s soccer team during their 2025 campaign, senior midfielder Jordan Snyder has been named the Ohio Athletic Conference’s (OAC) Scholar-Athlete of the Month for April. Snyder is a Exercise Science & Pre-AT major with a Coaching minor.

Snyder, a native of Fallbrook, California, admits that attending Wilmington was a long shot. “Coming from California to Wilmington, honestly, wasn’t something I had planned at all. During my college search, Wilmington wasn’t even on my radar, but Head Coach Nick Kinder convinced me to add it to my tour,” opened Snyder. “When I got to campus, something just clicked. I really connected with the environment, the community, and the idea of being part of a program rebuild.”

Bumps in the road have never been an issue for Snyder, who tore her ACL twice just two years apart. “I was coming off an ACL tear in high school, so there was a lot of uncertainty about my future in soccer. But, through my visit and conversations with Nick, he made it clear he believed in me and saw me as someone who could be a key part of the program,” Snyder explained. For missing her senior year of high school, this played a crucial role in her decision to attend Wilmington.

The senior’s collegiate career was on pause until her sophomore year since she was not cleared to play her freshman campaign due to the ACL injury. “It was a tough way to start my collegiate career, but then during my sophomore year, I tore my other ACL just seven games into the season. Going through that process again was really challenging, physically, and especially mentally,” said Snyder.

“Not being able to play or compete with my teammates was one of the hardest parts. There were times during rehab when it was hard to stay motivated, especially when progress felt slow,” Snyder recalled. “I had to learn how to be patient, trust the process, and focus on small improvements day by day. Looking back, that experience really helped me grow – especially in terms of resilience and mental toughness.”

Coach Kinder believed in Snyder as a player who could spearhead the program’s revival, and this year proved it. Snyder started 21 of the 22 games, helping lead Wilmington to a 12-6-4 overall record, a share of the regular season conference title, and ultimately conquering the OAC Tournament Championship for the first time since 2003.

“Coming back from all of that and being able to contribute to a season where we won the OAC Championship and made the NCAA Tournament made everything feel worth it. After missing my freshman year and going through two ACL recoveries, it honestly felt like everything had come full circle.”

Snyder, who scored in the OAC Championship game vs. Ohio Northern, described the victory as something more significant. “Winning the conference felt a lot more than just a result. There were definitely moments during rehab where I questioned if I’d get back to the level I was at before, so being able to step back on the field gave me a whole new appreciation for the game. I didn’t take anything for granted – every practice, every game, and just being out there with my teammates meant more because I knew what it felt like to have it taken away.”

The midfielder’s newfound appreciation was certainly reflected over the last two years. In her junior year, she started all 19 games and scored seven goals. Now two years removed from her ACL surgery, she flashed her true potential. She played over 1,500 minutes, leading the Quakers with five assists and was

second with 10 goals for the Quakers this past year. Leading the midfield into the NCAA Tournament, she was named to the All-OAC Tournament Team, Second Team All-OAC, Fourth Team All-Region VII, and 2025 Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association (OCSA) All-Ohio Second Team.

Overall, Snyder commends the team for their championship efforts. “I am really proud of our team. The commitment, resilience, and work ethic everyone brought every day is what made this season possible. A big part of our mindset was “we over me,” and I think that really showed in how we supported each other and stayed focused,” she added. “Being part of a group like that made the championship even more meaningful. It wasn’t just a team accomplishment – it felt personal too, knowing everything that went into my performance behind the scenes.”

The work beyond the field, in the classroom, has greatly impacted Snyder as well. “Academically, Wilmington has really pushed me. I first discovered athletic training in high school and knew pretty early on that it was what I wanted to do. Being able to pursue that here has made my experience even more meaningful, especially since it connects so closely to my own experiences as an athlete,” proclaimed Snyder.

“Balancing school and soccer hasn’t always been easy, but it’s taught me how to stay organized and committed,” she adds. “The same mindset I use on the field – work ethic, consistency, and accountability – has carried over into the classroom. And going through my injuries has honestly given me a different perspective on athletic training and reinforced why I want to go into the field.”

Reflecting on her time, Snyder recognizes the prospect of life after graduation. “Wilmington has prepared me for what’s next. I feel ready to take the next step and pursue my master’s degree in athletic training. The support, education, and hands-on experience I’ve had here have given me a strong foundation and a lot of confidence moving forward,” shares Snyder. “Overall, my time at Wilmington has helped me grow in a lot of ways. It’s prepared me for the future and given me experience I’ll carry with me long after I leave.”