Spotlight Athlete: Kristina DeMarco, Perrysburg

11/9/2017

DeMarco, a three-year starter, has played attacking midfield and forward for Yellow Jackets coach Jorge Diaz. The senior leads Perrysburg in scoring with 47 points thanks to 13 goals and a team-high 21 assists.

DeMarco scored the game-winning goal in Perrysburg's 1-0 win in overtime in a Division I state semifinal Tuesday against Massillon Jackson. She has helped lead the Yellow Jackets to the state title game as well as a seventh consecutive Northern Lakes League title.

In her career, DeMarco has 92 total points. She ranks third all-time in program history with 36 assists, and has tallied 28 goals.

As a junior, DeMarco had 10 goals and seven assists. As a sophomore, she finished with four goals and six assists.

She has been named the Northern Lakes League player of the year twice (2016 and 2017). DeMarco also was named the district player of the year and earned second-team All-Ohio honors last year.

Diaz said what makes DeMarco a special player is her ability to make other players better and stepping up when it counts.

“She has scored versus our toughest opponents or created assists against them,” Diaz said.

He said DeMarco, who also is a starting guard on the basketball team, has great leadership skills. DeMarco will play soccer next season at Miami University.

“She's smart,” Diaz said. “Kristina creates lots of opportunities for goals, either through assists or creating her own goals. She makes other players better. She has good speed. She is very fast, especially with the ball at her feet.”

Diaz said DeMarco makes other teams change their schemes.

“She works very hard, and she is a great competitor,” Diaz said. “As a captain, her leadership is unmatched. Players listen to her and don't want to let her down. She has earned respect.”