National Veterans Appreciation Month - Rachel Ledbetter '15

Rachel Ledbetter, Dracut Mass., Class of 2015

Women's Soccer & Basketball | Criminal Justice 

In honor of National Veterans Appreciation Month, Salem State Athletics would like to recognize former women's soccer and basketball player Rachel Ledbetter '15. Ledbetter is an Executive Officer with Attack Company 1-67AR, 3D ABCT, 1AD. She has served in Korea and is currently stationed at Fort Bliss (Texas) awaiting assignment to the Maneuver Captains Career Course. She was a starting goalkeeper for the Vikings and a two-time All-MASCAC selection in women's soccer. Ledbetter also played three years as a guard on the Salem State women's basketball team.   

Best Memory as a Viking:

That's a tough one to answer, Probably the buzzer beater vs Bridgewater State on a catch and shoot inbound play. Still insane that it went in. 

Why did you decide to serve?

I decided to serve because combat arms had finally become open to women and I knew I had the potential to set the example and standard for women in that role.

What experiences as a student-athlete helped prepare you for military service?

So many facets of being a student-athlete shaped me into the soldier and commissioned officer I am today. I learned discipline, accountability for hitting my marks; fitness. I remember playing in a conference game after feeling pretty sick most of the day before. I knew my team needed me and that I had to show up for them despite my own struggles. That type of commitment to others and mental toughness helped me become a better team player. It taught me how to be a leader and now I lead a company of soldiers. The values of integrity and honor were emphasized to me as a Viking, and are the same values held as critical in the military.