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Pagano, a midfielder from Findlay, Ohio, will join the Lady Cougars after playing for Toledo Christian School. She scored three goals and added one assist in her final season as she helped her team to a NWOHSSL Division I runner-up finish after claiming the NWOHSSL Division II title in 2002. She was an All-Conference First Team selection in 2002 and was an All-District Honorable Mention pick in both 2002 and 2003.

"I am happy to have Jessica commit to playing for the Lady Cougars in the fall,” said MVNU head coach Jonathan Meade. "She has proven to be very dedicated to the game of soccer and I look forward to having her bring that same dedication to the team next year. She will add depth to our midfield and forward spots.”

"Jessica wanted to play soccer at a small Christian university that would be close to home and that would challenge her in her athletic, academic, and spiritual growth,” Meade added. "I think Jessica and MVNU are a perfect fit.”

In addition to playing soccer, Pagano excelled in the classroom as she was a member of the honor roll and an honors graduate. She was also the vice president of the Kappa Alpha Chapter of National Honor Society.

"There are several reasons why I chose MVNU,” said Pagano of her college choice. "I wanted to attend a small Christian college that was close to home. MVNU also has a good soccer program and a nice coach.”

MVNU finished the 2003 season with a 20-3-1 overall record and won the National Christian College Athletic Association national title in only the program’s fourth season as a varsity sport. The Lady Cougars also captured the American Mideast Conference South Division title.