"Sarcastic.”

"Country girl, but with a ghetto side.”

"Buckeye fan at heart.”

Erin Miller, senior midfielder for the Lady Cougars, used these phrases to describe her life outside of soccer as that of any usual girl her age. She likes to shop, spend time with friends, rollerblade and drink hot tea.

She said her "typical day consists of class, studying, maybe an occasional nap, practice, homework, friends…oh, and eating. You can’t forget that one.” In fact, she always likes to "get a good steak and potatoes meal” at Texas Roadhouse.

However, when it comes to soccer, Miller is beyond typical. She said she has been playing soccer since she could walk. Encouraged and inspired by her athletic dad and supportive mom, Miller was always on recreation soccer teams as a child and various club teams around Columbus as she grew older. The Hilliard native competed for the Lady Eagles at Grove City Christian High School.

Miller attended The Ohio State University as a freshman, but transferred to Mount Vernon Nazarene University the following year in search of a smaller, Christian environment and in hopes of meeting new people. The vast difference between the two schools was immediately evident, and she appreciated the smaller classes and availability of professors at MVNU. She also enjoyed the closeness of the soccer team.

"It was like coming into a new school but gaining a whole new family,” Miller said.

Miller is a significant asset to the Cougars as a now two-year starter at midfielder. During her career, she has posted 10 goals and 11 assists. This year, she was named to the American Mideast Conference Second Team. She leads the team with eight assists and is third on the team in scoring with five goals.

"Erin brings intelligence, leadership and a physical style of play to our team,” said head coach Jonathan Meade. "She has come on strong this season as a midfielder who can both score and create scoring opportunities for others.”

This year, Miller and her fellow seniors, defender Kelly Sgambellone and forward Page Miller, took on a leadership role to 11 incoming freshmen. Miller aimed to be viewed as a role model by her young team.

Meade said Miller has succeeded in this goal.

"She likes to keep soccer fun, and a big part of her belief in keeping it fun is to play at her best,” Meade said. "That's a great example to set for younger players.”

"Erin has helped lead the team this year by keeping a positive attitude at all times,” said freshman forward/midfielder Erin Washington. "If we were down at halftime, she was always the one to stay positive and encouraging. She always believed in the team no matter the circumstances.”

The Lady Cougars are currently 12-7-1 overall after posting an AMC record of 9-3-1. Although her senior season is rapidly coming to an end, Miller is not ready to call it quits yet. MVNU will travel to Roberts Wesleyan (N.Y.) College for the National Christian College Athletic Association East Region Tournament this weekend with hopes of posting two wins and advancing on to the NCCAA National Tournament in Orlando. The Lady Cougars will take on Nyack (N.Y.) College at 2:00 p.m. on Friday in the semifinals.

Even after her soccer career has ended, Miller intends to stay involved in athletics. She will be graduating with a major in marketing and a minor in sports management. She hopes to find a job in the sports marketing field, possibly working for a professional sports team.

The Lady Cougars will certainly miss Miller’s ability on the field next year as well as the positive attitude she brings to the team huddle.