Deborah Anne Stuhldreher Lewis
Class of 1973
Field Hockey & Softball
 
Education
Bachelor of Science in Education – Concentration in Art
Master's Degree from Hofstra University – Nursery-12 Reading Consultant
 
Athletic Bio
Two-Year Field Hockey Captain
Two-Time Field Hockey Most Valuable Player
First Player to Score 20 Goals in a Season
Tied for 7^th in Career Goals at Time of Induction (42)
 
Professional Bio
Substitute Teacher – K-12, Suffolk County, 1969-77
Women's Sports Official – Volleyball & Basketball
Reading Consultant – Half Hollow Hills Elementary School
U.S. Postal Service Letter Carrier, 1984-2014 (Port St. Lucie, Fla)
 
Personal Reflections
My athletic experience in High School was so fulfilling that I had to get involved at Oneonta.  The funniest incident was when a teammate fell, her head near the ball, I yelled "don't hit her", ran over and picked her up, whispered in her ear, "Are you okay?".  There was no whistle, play the ball! Everyone was caught by surprise.  Field Hockey was so much fun.  I was known for my aerial dribble.  One of our best moments was a 1-1 tie with Cortland.
 
Springtime was softball season.  I played shortstop or second base.  Easter break 1973 we paid our own way to play in Bermuda.  The natives were so hospitable, we stayed in their homes in groups of 3 or 4.  It was one of the best experiences of my life!
 
I wanted to pursue sports because I loved the camaraderie of team sports.  It wasn't always popular to be a "jock" back then.  I am very happy to see athleticism and fitness are accepted and popular now.
 
My High School coach taught us to always play "up at your level" and not to "sink to your opponents Level".  I try to use this philosophy every day.
 
Stuhldreher Lewis, along with three former student athletes and one Honorary Inductee will be part of the 18th SUNY Oneonta Athletics Hall of Fame class to be inducted on Saturday, Sep. 17.  This year's class will bring the number of inductees to 131 individuals including 10 honorary inductees.  The induction will take place in the Dewar Arena of the Alumni Field House and will begin at noon.  The induction is free and open to the public.