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VanPelt, a forward from Maryville, Tennessee, has twice been an All-Conference and All-District selection at William Blount High School. As a junior, he scored a school-record 20 goals in 15 matches to also make the All-Region Team - becoming the first player in school history to earn that honor before his senior year. VanPelt, who also holds the school record for most goals scored in three years, will close out his high school career this spring, which is when soccer is played in Tennessee.

"I am really pleased with what Josh will bring to our team," said MVNU head coach Paul Furey. "He has led his high school team to much success playing in the midfield and up front. He's quick and crafty, and he will work hard to get the job done."

"Josh really fits in well with our team as a player and a friend," Furey added. "He's also a great fit to our institution spiritually and academically, and he will be a welcomed addition to our campus and to our soccer program."

VanPelt has been selected to National Honor Society and Who's Who Among American High Schoolers. He has played on the East Tennessee all-star soccer team that competed for three years in the TNT competition at Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.) University, and he also competed in club soccer for both the Vulcan Soccer Club and the Smokey Mountain Soccer Club.

"The reason that I have chosen MVNU is because that is where I feel that I should go," said VanPelt of his college choice. "Out of all the universities that I have to decide from, this is the one that I feel the most privileged to have to chance to attend."

The Cougars finished the 2002 season with a 15-8-0 overall record. MVNU also finished third in the National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament as the team made its fourth appearance in the event in the past five seasons.