When Madalyn Dyer and Tommy Flud take the field this spring, their athletic futures won't be an issue. Both seniors have committed to attending a Division II university.
            Dyer, a pitcher on Upper Perkiomen's softball team, will attend Shippensburg University. She received an offer despite missing all of her 10th grade season with an injury.

            Flud, a javelin thrower, will attend Hillsdale College in Michigan. He described it as the best option for him to maximize his performance. "I am going there 100 percent to be the best thrower I can be," Flud said.

Madalyn Dyer

            Despite missing her entire sophomore year with a rib injury, Dyer remained hopeful she

Madalyn Dyer, between dad Christopher and mom Jennifer.  Standing is Dean Sullivan, Upper Perk- iomen's softball coach.

could earn a college scholarship. Before throwing a varsity pitch, she caught the eye of Shippensburg University coaches during an exposure clinic at Kutztown University in January 2021.

            Last season, Dyer finally made her debut for the Indians. The junior didn't disappoint, helping to lead the Tribe to the PIAA playoffs.
            The Marlborough resident committed verbally to Shippensburg in June after making a visit. She had lunch with former teammate Morgan Lindsay, who transferred to the Raiders from Colgate. Dyer said she is looking forward to playing with Lindsay, a power-hitting catcher.

            "The softball team was so welcoming," she said.

            Dyer received significant interest from Bucknell University, a Division I school that participates in the Patriot League. She also talked to coaches from Monmouth, which competes in the Division I Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and Wilmington University, in New Castle, Del., a Division II school.

            However, Dyer expressed a preference for an environment that would provide a more balanced experience. She will pursue a business management degree.

            "I'm going to college to get a degree," said Dyer, who lauded Shippensburg's business program. "So that comes first."

            On the field, Dyer made a significant impact during her debut season. She pitched the Indians to another Frontier Division title, back to the Pioneer Athletic Conference championship game and a third-place finish in the District One Class 5A playoffs.

            During the off-season, Dyer – who plays for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms Gold 18U – attends private pitching lessons at least once every two weeks. She said she's constantly working on improving her changeup, and hopes to add a few miles per hour to her fastball.
            Most importantly, Dyer hopes to improve her mental toughness. In the spring, she expects to be the only senior on the softball roster.  "I need to take the leadership role so we can be the best team we can be," Dyer said.

Tommy Flud

            Flud will be attending college approximately eight hours from home. However, 

Tommy Flud, center, with his mom Rebecca, left, and dad Tom Flud will attend Hillside College in  Michigan.

he said the benefits of Hillsdale, a small, Christian, classical liberal arts college in southern Michigan outweigh the drawback of going to school so far away.

            The Pennsburg resident fielded interest from other Division II schools, such as Lock Haven University. He also had conversations with coaches from Division I programs, including High Point (N.C.) and the University of Maryland.

            Flud described the Hillsdale College campus, located south of Lansing and near the borders of Ohio and Indiana, as an ideal fit. Flud – who hasn't chosen a major, but thinks he'll eventually settle on economics – said the relatively small class size at the college played a significant role in his decision.

            So did the Chargers throwing coach. Flud said he had multiple phone conversations with assistant track coach Jessica Bridenthal during his junior season. He claims her details-oriented coaching philosophy fit his priorities.

            "We clicked on the phone, as much as that is possible," Flud said. "Our conversations were awesome."

            When the two met in June during an official visit, Flud became convinced she was the ideal coach for him. Though she had never been a throwing athlete, Bridenthal claimed to have learned all disciplines to break down every aspect of each, according to Flud.  "She's got a very hands-on approach," Flud said. "I'm sure I'm going to learn a lot from her."

            Before enrolling in college, Flud looks to make a splash in the PIAA Championships in the spring by winning a gold medal. He expressed disappointment in his seventh place finish last season.

            Flud said he is working to improve the "small things" in his delivery. He's begun throwing now, instead of waiting until later. His weightlifting is focused on building up muscle groups that enhance his ability to throw longer.  "The goal is a state title," Flud said.