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Tatko, a goalkeeper from Stow, Ohio, set school records at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy for saves in a season (228) and saves in a career (483) as she finished second in career shutouts with nine. She was a Tri-County League First Team selection in 2004 and she posted a shutout in the 2004 GASSC All-Star Match. A three-year varsity letterwinner, Tatko played in 56 matches during her high school career.

"I am very happy to have Whitney commit to playing for the Lady Cougars this fall,” said MVNU head coach Jonathan Meade. "She was an instant hit with our players. She loves the game and enjoys the fellowship of friends. While Whitney was visiting, I felt like she was already part of the team because she fit in so well. She is a great mission fit for MVNU. She has a big heart for service and missions, and I am sure that MVNU will give her new avenues to serve. This is the type of attitude that our team and the MVNU community welcome. It will be fun to watch her excel over the next four years.”

"Whitney is going to come in and add depth to the goalkeeping position for us,” Meade added. "She has a very good work ethic and I believe she is going to make everyone around her better. She has played with some very talented players over the past few years, and that experience will help make for a smoother transition into the college game. I am really excited to have such a quality player join our team.”

In addition to playing soccer at CVCA, Tatko has four years of club experience that includes playing on the 2004 Ohio North U17 team that won a state championship. She was also active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Ambassadors Soccer, and the Fairlawn Swim Team.

"From the moment I arrived on campus, I knew MVNU was the college for me,” said Tatko. "I was blown away by the faculty, students, and facilities. God opened up every door for me to come here. I am confident that my time at MVNU will not only prepare me for the future academically but spiritually as well. I can’t wait to see where God will take me from here, but I know for now I am where the Lord wants me to be to have the most influence for His kingdom.”

MVNU, which is an NAIA school located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, finished the 2004 season with a 19-5-0 overall record that included a runner-up finish at the National Christian College Athletic Association national tournament. The Lady Cougars also went 7-0-0 in the American Mideast Conference South Division to capture their second straight conference title, and the team was ranked 23rd in the final NAIA national poll.