Chippewa Valley sophomore ‘Didi’ Dedvukaj earns MVP honor By Christian Davis After a teammate went down early in the 2009 soccer season with an injury, Clinton Township Chippewa Valley sophomore Diana “Didi” Dedvukaj knew her role on the team would change. “Didi had to take on more of a scoring role and pretty much had more responsibility getting goals,” said Chippewa Valley coach Gerry Haggarty. “From there, she pretty much took it on her shoulders and did what she had to do as far as scoring goals for us to win.” Dedvukaj led the Big Reds to a 17-2 overall mark and a Macomb Area Conference Red Division championship. In the process, she netted 23 goals along with six assists and was named the MAC Red Most Valuable Player. “I was surprised, but I had a really good season, so it was good to be rewarded for how the season went for me,” Dedvukaj said of the honor. The forward said her season was even more satisfying considering she spent most of her freshman campaign on the sidelines with injury. “I think she was more determined this year because she probably knew what to expect and was determined to show she was a better player,” Haggarty said. The coach added that he knew Dedvukaj had the talent to have a season like this, adding that he recognized her potential when she was still in middle school. “I saw her play as a seventh- and eighth-grader, and I could tell then that she could come up and start for us and basically help us,” he said. “She was just very mature and composed as a younger kid.” Dedvukaj’s older sister, Daniela, who was a junior when she joined the squad as a freshman, helped ease her transition into varsity soccer. “She’s a great athlete; I loved playing with her,” Didi said of Daniela, who was also a first-team All-MAC selection this season. “She helped me be confident, and she told me to keep going. She believed in me.” You can reach Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1062. |
