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Lady Cougars Sign Strongsville Soccer Player for 2006
written by Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio - The Mount Vernon Nazarene University women’s soccer team has added a key recruit to its roster for the 2006 season with the addition of Nikki Bruscino.

Bruscino, a forward/midfielder from Strongsville, Ohio, scored one goal and added six assists in 22 matches during her senior year as she helped Strongsville High School finish as the Ohio Division I state champion and the Pioneer Conference champion. The team also finished as the state runner-up during her sophomore year and won the district championship during her junior season.

"The team and I are really excited about Nikki’s commitment,” said MVNU head coach Jonathan Meade. "She has had a lot of high level soccer experiences that will help her make a quick transition to the college game. I expect her to make an immediate impact with the Lady Cougars. She brings a lot to the field with great speed and one-on-one ability as well as having good soccer smarts and decision-making. However, the thing that really makes Nikki such a great addition is her work ethic. When she plays, you know that she is going to give you nothing less than 100 percent. That is the greatest winning quality for any talented player.”

"This will also be a great fit for MVNU and for Nikki,” Meade added. "The faith-based education and mission of our university is something that Nikki is attracted to, and MVNU will be getting a student-athlete who is always striving towards excellence.”

In addition to playing soccer at Strongsville and for the Cleveland Futbol Club, Bruscino has also been an honor roll student and was named to Who’s Who of American High School Students.

"There are several reasons why I chose MVNU,” said Bruscino of her college choice. "During my visit to MVNU, the enthusiasm of the players towards the University and the friendly Christian-like warmth made me feel very welcome and wanted. My interest in teaching children along with my desire to help those less fortunate seems like a perfect fit with the Christian values and missionary work available through MVNU.”

"As an athlete, I have had the opportunity to compete at the highest level in both club and high school soccer,” Bruscino added. "Winning at that level required dedication, determination, and great teamwork. After working out with the players at MVNU, I came away with the same feeling about the team that I had about my high school and club teams. They were talented players willing to work hard to reach lofty goals while still knowing how to have fun. They also really care for each other off the soccer field. I hope that I can have a positive impact on the team and help the team continue to be successful.

MVNU finished the 2005 season with a 12-6-1 overall record that included a runner-up finish in the American Mideast Conference South Division. The Lady Cougars have posted a 80-39-3 record in their six seasons as a varsity sport with two AMC South Division titles and one National Christian College Athletic Association national championship.