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The Mount Vernon Nazarene College women's soccer team has signed three more recruits as the Lady Cougars begin their final preparations for their inaugural season as a varsity team in the fall of 2000.
MVNC has added Nicole Markel, Kristi Tuck, and Emily Snyder to its roster as the Lady Cougars prepare to take the step from club team in 1999 to intercollegiate squad in 2000.
Markel, a midfielder from Coshocton, Ohio, was a First Team All-League and All-Eastern Ohio District as a senior in 1999 at River View High School. In 19 matches, Markel recorded two goals and three assists.
"Nicole is a young player in years of experience, but she has excelled quickly into a fine player," said MVNC head coach Jonathan Meade. "The more I watch her playing the game, the more I see her tactical knowledge of the game improving. With her skill and speed, coupled with her personal integrity and determination, I know that Nicole will have a very rewarding career as a Lady Cougar."
In addition to playing soccer, Markel was a member of National Honor Society and the Lettermen's Club at River View.
"There are several reasons why I chose to attend MVNC," said Markel. "It is a small Christian college that is not too far away from home. It has good educational programs, and I am also able to continue my soccer career."
Tuck, a goalkeeper/central midfielder from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, scored 18 goals and recorded 31 assists as a senior at Johnstown Christian School. She was a four-time Allegheny Christian Athletic Association All-Star, and she was selected to the ACSI All-Tournament Team in 1999.
"Kristi brings an interesting combination of versatility, skill, and a heart of gold personality to the Lady Cougars," said Meade. "She is the type of player who will give you 110 percent no matter where she is playing, and she will shine doing it. She will definitely be a spark for our team. Her strong commitment to Christ, refreshing spirit, and grit will be an exciting and enjoyable experience for our team."
Besides playing soccer, Tuck has been active in student council and served as the senior class president. She was also a member of National Honor Society, the tour choir, and the basketball team.
"I wanted to attend a small Christian college that was not too far away from home," Tuck said of her college choice. "I look forward to being able to play on the women's soccer team. I thought that MVNC had a beautiful campus, and the people seemed friendly and lots of fun."
Snyder, a forward from Tipp City, Ohio, played soccer for three years at Tippecanoe High School. She was also a four-year member of the track team.
"Emily has proven in high school to be able to maintain high academic and moral standards while being very active," said Meade. "I am excited to know that she will bring that leadership to the Lady Cougars. She has good field vision and distributes the ball well, which has opened the door for her to be a scoring threat as well. I look ahead with anticipation knowing that I will have the opportunity to coach such a fine young lady."
In addition to playing soccer and running track, Snyder has been very active in the band program at Tippecanoe. She has also been a member of National Honor Society and the Octagon Service Club.
"I am looking forward to attending MVNC," said Snyder. "The main draw for me is the quality education with a Christian atmosphere."
The Lady Cougars posted a respectable 4-7-1 overall record in 1999 as a club team playing mostly varsity competition. MVNC will be one of 12 schools competing for the American Mideast Conference women's soccer title in 2000. The AMC is made up of NAIA schools from Ohio and Pennsylvania.
