"Lady Cougars Sign Amelia High School Soccer Standout"

written by Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

   The Mount Vernon Nazarene College women's soccer team has signed one of its top recruits for the 2002 season with the addition of Kristen Votapek.

   Votapek, a striker from Amelia, Ohio, was a two-time Fort Ancient Valley Conference First Team selection while scoring 61 career goals with 29 career assists at Amelia High School. In addition, she was an Honorable Mention All-District pick in both her junior and season seasons, and she was the Most Valuable Player of the East-West All-Star match.

   "I am very excited about Kristen signing with us," said MVNC head coach Jonathan Meade. "It just seems like a perfect fit. She has a fun personality that has already meshed very well with the team. She will also make an immediate impact on the field with her outstanding speed and scoring ability."

   "Kristen is the type of player that will leave her imprint on the game," Meade added. "When the game is over, she will be someone that people will remember as they drive away. It will not just be for her talent, but for her determination and her ability to make players around her better."

   In addition to playing soccer, Votapek is a two-year member of National Honor Society and a three-year member of Foreign Language Honor Society. She was also a member of the varsity basketball and track teams for four years, and she was selected to the Winterfest court.

   "There are several reasons why I chose to attend MVNC," said Votapek of her college choice. "While visiting there, the people and staff were so friendly. The campus is beautiful. It is so clean and refreshing. I enjoyed going to chapel because I believe strong values are essential in my life. I believe that I will be able to succeed at MVNC, and I hope to have a great learning experience."

   "I respect Kristen for her decision to pick MVNC," said Meade. "She could have played at a higher level but took more into consideration than just soccer. She wanted a Christian atmosphere, a small campus with professors that really show concern for their students, and a beautiful campus. I could not be happier to have such a quality person and player join our team."

   The Lady Cougars finished the 2001 season with a 14-9 overall record and a 10-6 American Mideast Conference mark in just their second varsity season. MVNC also won the National Christian College Athletic Association East Region title and advanced to the NCCAA National Tournament in Kissimmee, Florida.