FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A member of the 2017 Nova Southeastern Hall of Fame class, former women’s soccer standout Shurell Reader (Burton) has been selected as the GEICO Alumni of the Month.
Reader proved to be a one-of-a-kind player during her memorable career as a Shark. A four-year member of the program under then-head coach Mike Goodrich, she continuously caused fits for the opposition and shattered more than her fair share of program records. To this day, Reader still holds at least a share of five career school marks, including: goals (40), game-winning goals (11), hat tricks (3), assists (18) and points (98). She is also tied for the NSU single-game record for assists with three. Reader’s notable numbers landed her All-Sunshine State Conference selections in 2005, 2006 and 2007. In addition, she was a three-time NSCAA All-South Region pick, while garnering Second Team All-America honors as a junior. She served as team captain during her senior campaign and was also an active member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) while at NSU.
“When I decided to come to NSU, the athletic department was still growing and I was excited to be a part of that growth,” said Reader. “Having the pleasure of playing with so many players from so many different walks of life, all brought together to play the game we individually and collectively loved so much, is what I remember most about my playing days. We were together all the time, which allowed us to become so much more than just teammates. Some of my longest friendships I have to date stemmed from this beautiful game.”
Following the completion of her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology (2009) and Master’s in Athletic Administration (2011), Reader worked in the athletic department as a Graduate Assistant before serving as assistant coach under Goodrich for the next three years. Upon returning to Brevard County, where she grew up, Reader trained several youth girls’ club teams while also becoming the Administration Director at an indoor soccer facility. She later changed courses and was hired as the Marketing Director for a non-profit resource organization for women and children who have experienced domestic violence, and now acts as the Director of Communications at Suntree Country Club, a private, member-owned golf, tennis and social country club.
“My time at NSU was phenomenal. The campus and mission were all forward moving and innovative. NSU always seemed to be one step ahead, which became the norm for me as well. Having the pleasure of living, playing and working on the main Fort Lauderdale campus, I was surrounded by diversity and opportunity, which I was able to pull from once I graduated.”
Reader earned the ultimate honor as an athlete just three years ago when she was announced as an inductee into the 2017 NSU Hall of Fame class. As just the third women’s soccer player to join the elite group, she realizes much of an impact the university has made on her life.
“It is such an honor to be recognized. I had such an outstanding time both as a student and an athlete, and being inducted into the Hall of Fame was another way to leave my legacy long after my cleats have been hung up! NSU will always have a special place in my heart, and being an NSU Hall of Famer is a true blessing!”
Reader still resides in Brevard County, and on Feb. 28 became a brand new mom following the birth of her son, William Gabriel.
