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Pagano, a forward/midfielder from Findlay, Ohio, scored a school-record 16 goals and added six assists in 20 matches as a senior at Toledo Christian High School. She also set the school’s career goals scored record with 27. She was named to the Northwest Ohio High School Soccer League Second Team in Division II as a sophomore and was an NWOHSSL Honorable Mention pick in Division I as a senior.

"The team and I are excited to have Amber commit to play here,” said MVNU head coach Jonathan Meade. "Her sister, Jessica, already plays for us and has been a positive addition to the team, and I am sure that Amber will be the same. She will give us greater depth at the forward position. She is creative and physically strong, and she can do good things when going to the goal.”

"Originally, I don’t think MVNU was even on Amber’s list when she began searching for the right college,” Meade added. "However, once she came to campus and spent time with the team and the campus community, I think MVNU became exactly what she was looking for from a spiritual, academic, and athletic standpoint. Amber has excelled in high school, and I look forward to her bringing that attitude of excellence to MVNU.”

In addition to playing soccer, Pagano was a member of National Honor Society. She was also named to the All-Academic Team as a sophomore, junior, and senior.

"There are several reasons why I chose MVNU,” said Pagano of her college choice. "First, it’s a Christian college and it offers my intended major. I also like the women’s soccer team. Coach Meade and the girls are all very nice. When I came down and met some of the players, they treated me well and made me feel welcome. Coach Meade coaches the team using Christian principles, and he didn’t yell at the girls like some coaches I’ve seen.”

MVNU 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.