Michael Dempsey, a senior at Pine Bush High School, has signed his early letter of intent to play soccer with Division I Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

“Michael is a great player, a great person,” said Pine Bush boys’ varsity soccer coach, Marc Gittleman of his midfielder. “He is exceptional on the field, always working hard. And he works hard in the classroom.”

That he does. Michael said he was drawn to Bucknell for both their academic and soccer programs. He talked to a few schools before deciding to go with Bucknell.

“I saw Bucknell as my best opportunity as a player,” said Michael. “It’s a beautiful campus and really good academically.”

He plans to study finance.

Michael has been playing soccer since he was 6. According to his coach, his intelligence on the field coupled with his speed – “he is incredibly fast” – makes him such a valuable player.

Michael gives much of the credit for his success to his teammates. “I couldn’t have done it without them!” he said.

Michael has been a key player for the Bushmen and a major part of the team’s success the past two years. As a sophomore, he scored six goals and had two assists. Last year, he had five goals and three assists. He has the ability to ‘see’ the field and often directs the ensuing plays. Gittleman is expecting him to be a leader on the team when the delayed fall sports season happens in the spring.

“He has shown leadership in the past and I expect that for the upcoming season,” Gittleman said.

Along with Gittleman and Pine Bush Athletic Director Michael Gillespie, who congratulated Michael on this extraordinary step for him in both his academic and athletic career, Michael’s mom, Karina Dempsey, and sister, Kasey, were on hand for the ceremonial signing. Dad Bob couldn’t make it but they were all proud of Michael.  

Looking forward, Gittleman said he is proud that his midfielder is moving on to the next level of play.

“I look forward to him doing good things at Bucknell, both on and off the field.”