Loretto, PA. - After an early-morning practice on November 12, Saint Francis women's volleyball freshman Maggie Means received an email that was a game-changer.

Means, a libero and biology major in her first year in Loretto, was accepted into the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine early acceptance program after applying prior to the start of the fall 2020 semester where her application qualified her for an interview. With COVID-19, a virtual interview was conducted and Means eventually received notification she was accepted into the program. After completing her four years at Saint Francis in good academic standing, Means will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and have a seat waiting for her at LECOM with the ability to forgo taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

"I am really excited to be in the LECOM early acceptance program because it allows me to focus on and enjoy my time as a student athlete at Saint Francis University," said Means. "It has definitely lifted a weight off my shoulders and I am extremely grateful for the staff at SFU that helped me explore the opportunity."

Doctors run in the Means family. Maggie's father is currently a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) and her older sister is in her second year of medical school. This offered Maggie a chance to get all the help and advice she needed throughout the process. Means is interested in going down a few potential routes with interests in anesthesiology or even pediatric surgery.

"We're very excited – LECOM's early acceptance program is very exclusive and offers the unique opportunity to be accepted to medical school during a student's freshman year," said Dr. Justin Merry, Means' freshman biology seminar course professor. "Maggie can now look forward to focusing on and enjoying her courses here at Saint Francis while being a student-athlete, knowing that she has a seat waiting for her at LECOM. We look forward to her time here, and to the day that we can call her Dr. Means!"

Means is looking forward to working hard this semester on the court as well as in the classroom to prepare for her first in-season college experience as a Division I volleyball player in fall 2021. Head coach Sara McMullen says Maggie's hard work on the court and in the weight room is a reflection of all her hard work in the classroom. "Maggie is an attentive, resilient worker and a great learner, I would not be surprised if she is the same way in the classroom. We are proud of Maggie for achieving this great accomplishment!"

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To learn more about Saint Francis University, visit francis.edu.