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The Mount Vernon Nazarene College men's and women's soccer teams have each added a new recruit to their rosters for the 2000 season, and the two players are very familiar with each other.
Karen and Marc Stasiowski, twins from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, have signed letters of intent to further their education and continue their soccer careers at MVNC.
Karen, a defender, helped Canon McMillan High School post a school-record 38 shutouts during her four season as a member of the varsity team. As a junior, she helped the team post a school-record 11 shutouts and set another record for fewest goals allowed in a season (10). As a senior, she was an All-Section honoree as well as the team captain.
"Karen adds an important combination of skill and toughness to our defense," said Lady Cougars' head coach Jonathan Meade. "She comes from quality high school and club programs which will serve her well at MVNC."
"Our program will continue to take positive steps forward with quality players like Karen signing with us," Meade added. "I look forward to the character and determination that she will bring to the Lady Cougars."
In addition to playing soccer, Karen has excelled in the classroom as well. She is a two-time member of National Honor Society.
"I believe that keeping God number one is important when thinking of the future," explained Karen of her college choice. "For this reason, I chose MVNC. When I visited the campus, I felt very welcome, and I enjoyed the campus and the fellowship. I like (the fact) that I will be able to continue playing soccer, and I am anxious to grow both mentally and spiritually. I feel that MVNC is where the Lord wants me to go."
Marc, a defensive midfielder, helped Canon McMillan post 26 shutouts during his three seasons on the varsity team. As a senior, he led the team with seven assists to go along with nine goals as he was selected to the All-Conference Team and the Washington County All-Stars. He was also a team captain in 1999.
"Marc's versatility should make him a valuable player for us next fall," said Cougars' head coach Paul Furey. "His ability to play in the midfield and go forward or as a marking back should add depth to our squad. He has size and a good touch on the ball, and he can certainly develop into a fine collegiate player."
"I admire his determination to attend a Christian college," Furey added. "It is important to me to see players embrace the mission and values of a place like MVNC."
"I chose to go to MVNC because it is a Christian college and I will be in good surroundings," said Marc about his college choice. "I also wanted to go to MVNC because I was made to feel at home when I visited there by the people around me, the soccer team, and the coach."
The Lady Cougars posted a respectable 4-7-1 overall record in 1999 as a club team playing mostly varsity competition. The team will move to varsity status in the fall of 2000 and will compete for the American Mideast Conference women's soccer title.
The Cougars posted a 17-5-2 overall record in 1999, and the team finished second in the NCCAA national tournament in only the program's second appearance.
