The Mount Vernon Nazarene College women's soccer team has added another player to its recruiting class for the 2001-2002 season.
Sarah Helbert, a versatile player from Avon Lake, Ohio, played nearly every position during her four years as a member of the Avon Lake High School soccer team. After spending her first three seasons as a forward or midfielder, Helbert was moved to sweeper for her senior season. She helped her team post a school-record 10 shutouts and was named to the All-Lorain County and South Western Conference Second Teams as well as being an Honorable Mention All-Greater Cleveland selection.
"Sarah is a great addition to our program," said MVNC head coach Jonathan Meade. "She has been very successful in high school and we look forward to her continuing her success at MVNC. She is strong technically, and she is a very versatile player which makes it nice for the coach. I see her helping on the field in a variety of positions."
"Sarah is a very likable person and will gel nicely with the team," Meade added. "However, her appeal goes beyond athletics. She is dedicated to her faith in Christ and committed to excellence in the classroom. I cannot stress enough how important that is to MVNC and the team."
In addition to playing soccer at Avon Lake, Helbert participated in the Olympic Development Program in 1997. She ranks 13th in her class of 240 academically, and she is an honors graduate and a member of National Honor Society.
"I like MVNC's location and size, challenging curriculum, and Christian atmosphere," said Helbert when explaining her college choice. "I am hoping the Christian fellowship will help me strengthen my relationship with God."
The MVNC women's soccer team posted a very respectable 11-8-0 record in 2000 in the program's first year as a varsity sport. Only three players will graduate from the team, and the future looks bright for the Lady Cougars.
