Ricker, a midfielder from Marysville, Ohio, registered five goals and seven assists as a senior at Marysville High School while also helping the team post three shutouts. For her efforts, she was named to the Ohio Capital Conference Second Team in 2007 after being an All-OCC Honorable Mention pick in 2005.

“Courtney’s commitment to the Lady Cougars is very exciting,” said MVNU head coach Jonathan Meade. “She is a very important piece to our 2008 recruiting class. I believe she will compete immediately and help make us a better team. She is a versatile player with good speed and strength. I think that once she gets to campus and understands our system that she will excel.”

“Courtney is an all-around great person to have on the team,” Meade added. “She has done a phenomenal job in the classroom, has a great personality, and really cares about growing in her faith. These are qualities that help make a team strong.”

In addition to playing soccer, Ricker has played basketball at Marysville. She has also been active in choir, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Leo Club, and Calculator Club. She is a member of National Honor Society and the National Honor Roll, and she served as a Student Council representative and her class vice president in 2004-2005.

“I chose MVNU because I fell in love with everything about it,” said Ricker. “I love the people, the environment, and the opportunity to play college soccer. My relationship with God is the most important to me, and I feel that Mount Vernon is the best fit for me to grow in my faith. I was attracted to MVNU by its campus beauty, sense of community, excellence in athletics, and most importantly its emphasis on academics. I feel the proximity of my hometown is important so that I can stay connected to my family and friends.”

“I am also drawn to MVNU because I believe I can be successful here both in the classroom and on the soccer field,” Ricker added. “The individualized attention available from professors and being able to become very involved in school affairs will ease the transition from high school to college. I know I will be able to make great relationships. Hearing the impact of MVNU from alumni has also greatly influenced my decision to attend.”

MVNU posted a 15-7-1 overall record in 2007 and was ranked No. 25 in the final NAIA national poll. The Lady Cougars also claimed a share of their fourth American Mideast Conference South Division title in the past five years, and MVNU has won two National Christian College Athletic Association national titles (2003 and 2006).