Athletics

News

Former Mansfield Christian Standout to Transfer to MVNU
written by Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio - The Mount Vernon Nazarene University women’s volleyball team has added another important recruit for the 2006 season with the addition of Audrey Rider, who has decided to further her education at MVNU and continue her volleyball career with the Lady Cougars.

Rider, a 5-foot-8 middle hitter from Mansfield, Ohio, spent her freshman year at Asbury (Ky.) College where she played in 43 matches and registered 214 kills, 91 blocks, 121 digs, and nine aces in helping the team to a 27-18 record while being named to the National Christian College Athletic Association Mid-East Region Team. As a former standout at Mansfield Christian High School, she was an All-District Honorable Mention selection as a senior in 2004 as the team went 19-5, won a sectional title, and finished as the district runner-up.

"We are very pleased that Audrey is joining our volleyball program,” said MVNU head coach Paul Swanson, who is the active leader in the NAIA with 779 career victories. "She is a high quality person who will add much to our campus spiritually, academically, and athletically. She is an experienced and versatile volleyball player. She is joining us after helping a vastly improved Asbury team last year. She was definitely one of the players that helped them improve.”

In addition to playing volleyball, Rider earned honors in both basketball and softball while at Mansfield Christian. She was also recognized as a Marine Corps Most Distinguished Athlete in 2006 and was a four-year scholar-athlete award recipient. She was a member of National Honor Society, and she also served as class secretary for two years.

"There are several reasons why I chose MVNU,” said Rider of her college choice. "MVNU is a good Christian liberal arts school where I can obtain a well-rounded education. It is close to home, and it also has majors in which I am interested.”

MVNU posted a 42-12 overall record in 2005 and has finished as the NAIA Region IX Tournament runner-up for the fifth time in the past seven years.