Debra Larson, a 1989 graduate of Berlin High School, at the time was considered the finest all-around athlete ever to come out of Berlin High School. She was All State in basketball two times and in softball three times and also played volleyball.

During her basketball career Larson averaged 15.2 points, 6 rebounds, and 7.8 assists. She was the second girls player to top 1000 points, ending her career with 1,127 points. In her senior season she led the team to an undefeated regular season and into the state championship game before the Redcoats lost to Northwest Catholic.

As dominating as she was in basketball it was softball where she really excelled. She was a four year starter at the catching position and it was from there that she called the shots, positioning her infield, talking to her pitcher, and keeping the game alive and moving. During her four years Larson batted .422, had 12 home runs, and 84 runs batted in. She was considered the best high school catcher in Connecticut. The Redcoats won three state championships during her career and she also represented Connecticut on two Junior Olympic Teams, traveling to California and Texas giving her national exposure.

During the 1988/1989 school year she was selected the State Female Athlete of the year by USA Today which bases its criteria on a participant playing in at least two state-sanctioned varsity sports and is chosen by the USA Today staff with correspondents across the USA. The male athlete that year was Scott Burrell of Hamden, putting her in great company.

Upon graduation Larson had a tough decision, not just what school to attend but what sport to play. She finally accepted a full four year softball scholarship to Adelphi University in Garden City, New York. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. She currently is in her tenth year teaching physical education in pre-k through 8th grade. She currently resides in Leominster, Mass.