The Mount Vernon Nazarene College men's soccer team has landed its first recruit for the 2001 season as the Cougars have announced the signing of Jamie Hilen.
Hilen, a defender from West Chester, Ohio, helped the Lakota East High School soccer team to back-to-back district titles in 1999 and 2000. The team also won the regional championship in 1999 and advanced to the state semifinals in Division I. During his career, Hilen helped the Lakota East defense post 42 shutouts.
Hilen, who was a four-year varsity letterman, was the captain of the team as a senior. He was named to the Cincinnati All-City First Team, the Greater Miami Conference First Team, and the Butler County First Team following the 2000 season. As a junior, he was an Honorable Mention All-GMC selection, and he earned GMC Second Team honors as a sophomore.
"We are very excited to have Jamie joining our program," said MVNC head coach Paul Furey. "It has been nice to tap into such a strong high school program as Lakota East the past two years. Jamie's competitive high school and club play has helped to prepare him to have an immediate impact on our program."
"In addition to his outstanding ability as a soccer player, Jamie brings the character and spirit consistent to what we are looking for at MVNC," Furey added. "He joins his brother (sophomore-to-be Jeremy) here, and together they will have a rewarding experience as they continue to make this program a successful one."
Besides playing soccer, Hilen is a three-year varsity letterman for the Lakota East basketball team. He has also been active in the school's show choir that has earned a top rating in the state for three years. In addition, he is an honor student who has been recognized as the Kiwanis Club Student of the Month once and a Lakota East VIP student six times.
"There are many reasons why I have chosen to attend MVNC," said Hilen of his college choice. "My parents attended there and encouraged me to go there, and my brother, Jeremy, has also encouraged me to join him there. Several of my friends from church also attend there."
"The fact that MVNC is a Christian college with a Christian atmosphere also influenced me," Hilen added. "Coach Furey's interest and recognition of my soccer abilities as well as the opportunity to play alongside my brother in a solid soccer program again also made me choose MVNC."
The Cougars are coming off a 16-7-1 season in 2000. The team advanced to the National Christian College Athletic Association for the third straight year where MVNC finished third.
