Rhodes, a defender from Beavercreek, Ohio, started 18 matches and helped Beavercreek High School post nine shutouts during her senior season. For her efforts, she was selected to the Greater Western Ohio Conference Second Team and the All-Miami Valley Third Team following her senior season. She was also a GWOC Honorable Mention pick as a sophomore.

“The team and I are very excited about Kelci’s commitment,” said MVNU head coach Jonathan Meade. “She is a talented player who has played for some exceptional teams. I believe that she can have an immediate impact for us next year.”

“Kelci has many characteristics that sparked our interest,” added Meade. “Besides being a smart and competitive player, she is the type of person who wants to grow in her faith and be challenged in the classroom. Kelci really encompasses what we look for in a student-athlete. She will be a good fit with our team and I am looking forward to coaching her.”

In addition to playing soccer at Beavercreek, she has played club soccer for the Ohio Galaxies Futbol Club and was part of the team in 2007 that won the Buckeye League championship. She has also been involved in student council for two years and has been a member of the Link Crew as a senior.

“There are several reasons why I chose to attend MVNU,” said Rhodes. “It is a nice, friendly, safe campus. I really liked Coach Meade, and the school has a good accounting program. I also like the fact that it is close to home.”

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).