Tag: Women’s Soccer

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Competing in its first regular season match in nearly two years, the Nova Southeastern women’s soccer team overcame an early deficit en route to a 1-1 double-overtime stalemate against Lynn in head coach James Moore‘s debut on Friday. Dani Correa registered her first career goal on a penalty kick in the 30^th minute, while keeper Natalie Robayna collected four saves in a rare non-conference bout between.the two Sunshine State Conference rivals.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Score: Nova Southeastern 1, Lynn 1 (2OT)
Records: Nova Southeastern (0-0-1), Lynn (0-0-1)
Location: NSU Soccer Complex | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Get Social: Twitter – @NSU_WSoccer | Instagram – @nsu_wsoccer | Facebook – /nsusoccer

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Unbeaten at home since Sept. 2018, the Sharks faced a bit of an uphill battle after Lynn’s Anniina Sankoh snuck a left-footed strike into the corner of the net in the 17^th minute.
• NSU nearly knotted up the match just moments later when Lily Truong flicked a shot attempt towards the goal, only to have it knocked away on a diving save by Fighting Knights’ keeper Sofia Manner.
• In the 30^th minute, Truong forced the action once again, this time drawing a penalty inside the box after being checked from behind by a Lynn defender.
• Correa confidently converted the ensuing penalty kick, evening the contest at 1-1.
• Still 1-1 in the 59^th minute, Lynn worked its way into point-blank position, yet Robayna swallowed up the attempt to keep the Sharks tied.
• The Sharks strung together opportunities down the stretch of the second half, but were unable to to break through. Sydni Bostick’s shot attempt off a bouncing ball sailed high in the 80^th minute, before Correa had a chance deflected away in the 84^th minute and another ricochet off the left post in the 86^th.
• Still finding their legs, both sides visibly appeared gassed in extra time, as limited opportunities resulted in the eventual draw.

STATS OF THE NIGHT:

• NSU tallied 17 shots on the night, including six on goal, while Lynn put five of its 11 total attempts on target.
• Both sides recorded an equal seven corner kick attempts.

UP NEXT:
The Sharks face a quick turnaround, as they welcome Maryville (Mo.) for an 11 a.m. kickoff on Sunday at the NSU Soccer Complex. For complete coverage of the action, visit the schedule page on NSUSharks.com or follow the Sharks on Instagram and Twitter at @NSU_WSoccer.
 
 

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MELBOURNE, Fla. – Quickly closing in on the start of the much-anticipated 2021 campaign, the Nova Southeastern women’s soccer team has been projected to finish third in the Sunshine State Conference following the release of the SSC Preseason Coaches’ Poll on Thursday.

The Sharks collected 80 total points in the voting process, trailing only Embry Riddle and Rollins. ERAU topped the poll with 89 points and five first-place nods, while Rollins reeled in 86 points and two first-place tallies. Barry earned the four remaining first-place votes, yet was slotted fifth overall.

The COVID-19 pandemic kept NSU off the pitch in 2020. The year prior, however, the Sharks ripped off a historic run, knocking off ERAU in the Sweet 16 en route to capturing the program’s very first NCAA South Region title.

As part of a four-game homestand to open the season, James Moore will make his head coaching debut when the Sharks kick-off on Fri., Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. in a non-conference clash with SSC rival Lynn.

To stay up-to-date with the Sharks throughout the season, follow them on Instagram and Twitter at @NSU_WSoccer.

Below are the full results of the 2021 SSC preseason coaches’ poll. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their teams (points: 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1, first-place votes in parentheses).
 

Rank	School	Total
1	Embry-Riddle	89 (5)
2	Rollins	86 (2)
3	Nova Southeastern	80
4	Tampa	74
5	Barry	73 (4)
6	Lynn	51
7	Saint Leo	41
8	Palm Beach Atlantic	39
9	Florida Tech	25
10	Eckerd	24
11	Florida Southern	23

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The James Moore era of Nova Southeastern women’s soccer officially begins, as the new head coach leads his program into 2021 with the regular season officially set to kick off at home on Fri., Sept. 3 against Lynn.

“It has been a long time coming, but we cannot wait for the 2021 season to start,” said Moore. “We start the season with a very competitive out-of-conference schedule before we take on the powerhouse that is the Sunshine State Conference. We have a schedule that pushes our team and prepares them for grueling conference play.”

NSU opens up 2021 with three preseason matches, first taking on Weston FC (8/19) from the NSU Soccer Complex before traveling to Ave Maria to face the Gyrenes on Wed., Aug. 25. The Sharks conclude preseason play on Mon., Aug. 30 against the Bobcats of St. Thomas (Fla.) at 7 p.m. in a home match. The regular season will officially get underway on Fri., Sept. 3 in non-conference action against Lynn, which marks the start of a four-match homestand to open the season.

Following opening night against Lynn, the Sharks square off against Maryville (Mo.) (9/5), Franklin Pierce (9/10) and Florida Memorial (9/13) to finish the longest streak of home matches of the season. In a non-conference bout, NSU matches up against Barry (9/15) in the first away game of the campaign before traveling to Lynn on Wed., Sept. 22, to begin SSC play. NSU hosts Florida Southern (9/25) and Florida Tech (10/2) in back-to-back home matches before traveling on the road for games against Palm Beach Atlantic (10/6) and Tampa (10/9).

NSU returns home for two SSC matches against Eckerd (10/16) and Barry (10/20), followed by a contest at Saint Leo (10/23). NSU concludes its home slate against Embry-Riddle on Sat., Oct. 30, with the regular season wrapping up at Rollins (11/2).

The Sharks will then turn their attention towards the SSC Championship Tournament, which is scheduled to begin with the quarterfinal matches on Mon., Nov, 8. The semifinals will ensue on Thurs., Nov. 11, while the championship game will be played on Sun., Nov. 14. The NCAA Tournament begins on Thurs., Nov. 18, and is played through Sat., Dec. 11.

To stay up-to-date with the Sharks throughout the season, follow them on Instagram and Twitter at @NSU_WSoccer.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern women’s soccer head coach James Moore officially announced the hire of Rafael Simoes as the program’s new assistant on Wednesday. Simoes joins the staff following previous stints at NCAA Division I Marshall and Ohio.

“This opportunity means the world to me,” expressed Simoes. “I fully believe Coach Moore and I can win a National Championship with the infrastructure that NSU provides us. An advantage is that we have similar styles of play, and I think we are both focused and motivated to keep pushing the program to new heights. I am really excited to start this new chapter in my coaching career with such a prestigious program. I am tremendously grateful to Coach Moore for believing in me to help him take NSU to the next level.”

Simoes owns experience both as a men’s coach, and on the women’s side, most recently working as a member of Ohio University’s women’s staff from 2019-20. Prior to his stop at Ohio, the Brazilian spent 2018-19 with the reputable Marshall men’s program, in addition to serving as head coach within the West Virginia Olympic Development Program, where he won State Cup titles in 2019 and 2021.

“I always bring a desire to work hard and remain hungry and focused,” Simoes added. “My experience as both a collegiate athlete and coach have prepared me well for this opportunity with such an exceptional program. I have had the privilege to learn from some of the best, including my mentor Coach Chris Grassie of Marshall Men’s Soccer. I believe my experiences as a tactical player from Brazil will bring a unique playing philosophy to NSU. Coach Moore and I share similar experiences in terms of our backgrounds, and with our combined skills, I believe we will be well positioned for a national title.”

As a player, Simoes helped lead the University of Charleston to four Final Four appearances in as many years, including a pair of National Runner-Up finishes in 2014 and 2016 before hoisting the National Championship trophy in 2017.

“We’re very fortunate to have Rafa joining the coaching staff,” said Moore. “His knowledge, drive and personality are all an excellent fit for our program. Rafa has proven he’s a top assistant working with two national championship coaching staffs in the past. He has proven that his local and domestic recruiting abilities are an asset to any program. Add in his tactical understanding of the game, and that’s what makes him a great asset to NSU.

“On the field, Rafa brings a great playing background being a part of a national championship-winning team. I’m very excited to add him to the program and look forward to working together alongside him.”

Simoes owns a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Physical Education and Coaching. He holds a USSF National C License.
 

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Wrapping up the 2020-21 academic year on a high note, Nova Southeastern women’s soccer players Kaitlyn Chomko and Brianna King have been named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team.

The Sharks’ two honorees rank tops among the 11 schools in the Sunshine State Conference.

Together throughout their careers, both Chomko and King have helped lead NSU to an impressive combined record of 42-15-5, which included the program’s first-ever NCAA South Region Championship in 2019 in addition to an SSC Regular Season title in 2017.

Chomko concluded her playing career with a collective seven goals and three assists, none more memorable than her score in the Sharks’ Round of 32 upset over Mississippi College in the 2019 NCAA Tournament.

Off the field, the Chicago native recently graduated with an impressive 3.60 GPA in Biology, with plans to further her education at NSU’s College of Dental Medicine. Chomko was also a 2019-20 D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award recipient, a member of the Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society, and a three-time Fall SSC Commissioner’s Honor Roll selection.

King, meanwhile, played an instrumental role on NSU’s South Region Championship defense that surrendered just 0.595 goals per game in 2019 as part of a program-record 14 shutouts.

Just weeks removed from graduation, the Canadian earned her bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a 3.52 cumulative GPA. She has been a four-time member of the Fall SSC Commissioner’s Honor Roll, and like Chomko, is a part of the Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society.

Taking advantage of the NCAA’s added year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic, King will be back with the Sharks in 2021.

Both Chomko and King will now advance to the CoSIDA Academic All-America ballot. First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America honorees will be announced in early July.

For a complete list of the 2020-21 Academic All-District teams, click here.

About the CoSIDA Academic All-District Awards Program
The 2020-21 Academic All-District Women’s Soccer Team, selected by CoSIDA, recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. The CoSIDA Academic All-America program separately recognizes soccer honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.
 

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MELBOURNE, Fla. – Voted upon by league administrators and head coaches, former Nova Southeastern midfielder Emma Heikkila was officially named as a first-team member of the Sunshine State Conference Women’s Soccer All-Decade Team on Wednesday.

“I feel very honored for this recognition by the SSC, and for being considered as one of the best players the conference has seen over the past 10 years,” expressed Heikkila. “Throughout my college career, I had the pleasure of playing against and alongside many talented players, which makes this honor even more special.”

Throughout her storied, four-year career, Heikkila was no stranger to the big stage, guiding the Sharks to the NCAA Tournament in every season from 2016-19. The Tornio, Finland native saved her best for last, tallying four goals during NSU’s 2019 postseason run in which it earned the program’s very first NCAA South Region Championship. She also paced the team in both goals and points as a sophomore, as the Sharks won the program’s first outright SSC regular season crown in 2017.

Overall, Heikkila was twice recognized as an All-American, collected five All-South Region honors, and became the first player in NSU history to be tabbed First Team All-SSC in three consecutive seasons. In addition, she was a three-time SSC All-Tournament Team selection. Her career numbers place her among the Top-3 in the program’s record books in career goals (34), game-winning goals (10), assists (17) and points (85).

Heikkila closed her career with a combined record of 54-19-8, including 28-5-6 in SSC play.

“I would like to take the time to thank everyone who contributed to the successes of the NSU soccer program over the years,” Heikkila added. “It fueled me to become the SSC First Team All-Decade player that I am today. Thank you!”

In all, seven different programs were represented by 23 student-athletes. Saint Leo’s Arielle Kabangu was selected as both Player and Offensive Player of the Decade. Rollins alum Azure Dorsey earned Defensive Player of the Decade, while former Barry head coach Denis Brolly was honored as Coach of the Decade.

SSC Women’s Soccer from 2010 to 2019
Over the last 10 years, nine SSC programs earned a combined 34 NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Tournament berths. Rollins led the way, representing the league eight times, while Barry gained entry six times. NSU and Tampa tied for third with five appearances, followed by Florida Tech (4), Saint Leo (3), Embry-Riddle (1), Florida Southern (1), and Lynn (1). Five SSC women’s soccer squads advanced all the way to the NCAA Elite Eight once during the decade. Most recently, NSU reached the national quarterfinals in 2019. Florida Tech made the Final four in 2010, and Rollins finished as National Runner-Up in 2014.
 

For a complete list of the SSC Women’s Soccer All-Decade Teams, click here.
 

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – One of the greatest women’s soccer players to ever wear a Nova Southeastern uniform, former All-American and 2019 NCAA South Region champion Emma Heikkila becomes the latest Shark to sign professionally after officially reaching a deal with Hibernian FC of the Scottish Women’s Premier League.

Heikkila becomes the first-ever Finnish-born player to be signed by the club.

“It means a great deal to me,” Heikkila said when asked about the opportunity to continue her playing career. “I find this opportunity as the chance for me to reach my highest potential. It’s a dream come true to be able to play the sport I love professionally, and I will surely make the most of it.”

As winners of the Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup each year since 2016, Hibernian understandably has little trouble attracting players. Even so, Heikkila admittedly leaned on the help of former NSU head coach John Constable to bridge the gap between both sides. According to Heikkila, Constable pinpointed an agent in Scotland who had been in contact with Hibernian FC coach Dean Gibson regarding the team’s need for a quality striker. In the matter of a day, and one Zoom call later, Heikkila was on her way to Edinburgh for a week’s worth of training to showcase her skills. The rest is history…

Training camp won’t officially begin for the club until January, but Heikkila has already begun counting down the days.

“I am excited to return to train with this talented group of ladies in a passionate and professional training environment,” said Heikkila. “I feel this team provides me with the opportunity to further develop, and what I especially enjoy, is the skillfulness and intensity the players bring into every training session.” 

If Heikkila’s collegiate career is any indication, she’ll have little trouble fitting in with her new club. During her four years in Fort Lauderdale, the Tornio, Finland native was twice recognized as an All-American, collected five All-South Region honors, and became the first player in NSU history to be selected First Team All-SSC in three consecutive seasons. She ranks among the Top-3 in the program record books in career goals (34), game-winning goals (10), assists (17) and points (85).

To say the least, NSU holds a special place within Heikkila’s heart.

“The Sharks spirit will always live within me – the perseverance to do and have what it takes to become a Champion for life,” said Heikkila. “The lessons learned on the field and in the classroom, and the relentless support from the NSU family, have helped to shape the person and leader I am today. For that, I am forever grateful. In my mind, I can still see the NSU shirt with the words “Prepare to Dominate”, a phrase that has left a lasting impact and given me the courage to strive for more.” 

Heikkila has been nominated for SSC Women’s Soccer All-Decade Team, which is expected to be announced by the league early next week.
 

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Joining a revamped staff, Colin Wylie has officially been hired as the new assistant coach of the Nova Southeastern women’s soccer program, announced by Director of Athletics Michael Mominey on Tuesday.

Wylie arrives at NSU after spending 2019 at Francis Marion, where he held the same position. During his time, the Patriots compiled an overall record of 8-8-1, the program’s best single-season mark in 11 years.

With NSU, his primary duties will include game day preparation/management, assisting with team practice sessions, recruiting, scouting, team academic support and the hosting of ID camps.

“I am delighted to be joining the NSU athletic department and the women’s soccer coaching staff,” said Wylie. “I am excited to work with the returning group of players this semester, as well as the incoming class of 2020 players, to help elevate the program to the next level.”

A native of Edinburgh, Scotland, Wylie spent two years as a graduate assistant in addition to two more years as a volunteer assistant coach for the men’s soccer program at his alma mater, Ottawa University, before joining Francis Marion. While there, his responsibilities included: organizing practices, recruiting, academic support, team travel, scouting, and serving as the head coach of the junior varsity squad. The Braves improved upon their previous season’s win total in each of his four years with the program.

As a coach, Wylie also worked as an assistant coach for two years with Kaw Valley FC, a Sporting KC developmental partner and USL League Two club based in Kansas City and Lawrence, Kan.

Furthermore, Wylie boasts a wealth of youth coaching experience, having served as a head coach at various levels for Sporting Kaw Valley, a youth program affiliated with Sporting KC.

From 2012-15, he worked as an assistant coach with the Neosho County Community College women’s soccer program in Chanute, Kan.

“I am delighted to have Colin join our program here at NSU,” said James Moore, who was officially named the program’s new head coach on Monday. “I feel by adding him to our staff, we have already become stronger as a program. With Colin’s background in playing and coaching, he brings a lot of experience and knowledge to our coaching staff.”

Dating back to his playing days at Ottawa University, Wylie was a two-year letterman, twice earning All-KCAC honors as a midfielder for the Braves. He was also named to the program’s All-Decade team for the 2000’s.

Wylie earned his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Ottawa in 2010, and his master’s degree in Education in 2017.

He holds a USSF National C Coaching License, an NSCAA Goalkeeper Level 3 Diploma and an NSCAA National Diploma.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Following a four-year stint as the lead assistant coach of the Nova Southeastern men’s soccer program, James Moore will now make the transition to the women’s side after officially being named the new Head Coach of the NSU women’s team on Monday.

Moore takes over a program that has collected its fair share of national recognition over the past five years thanks to five consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament, including a South Region Championship as recently as 2019.

“After an extensive national search that included very qualified candidates, James Moore has been selected to lead our nationally-renowned women’s soccer program,” said NSU Director of Athletics Michael Mominey. “Coach Moore rose above all other candidates as the process advanced, and will no doubt do great things in his new position. His passion, character and intelligence are clearly evident when you interact with James, and these innate skills will prove to be the keys to his success during his tenure as our head coach.”

Working alongside current NSU men’s soccer head coach Matt Watts, Moore and the Sharks accumulated a combined record of 33-28-4 from 2016-19. Following six straight losing seasons, including a 4-11 mark in year one, Moore helped build the program into one that has since registered three winning seasons in a row and has earned two consecutive trips to the Sunshine State Conference Tournament semifinals for the first time in program history.

During the past two seasons alone, Moore helped Sebastian Loibl become the program’s first All-American since 2004, in addition to watching the program rack up eight All-South Region honors during that same span. Since 2018, the men’s team has had three players go on to sign professional contracts, while off the field in 2019, the Sharks earned an in-season team GPA of 3.39 – the highest among all NSU men’s programs that semester.

“I am delighted to become the Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Nova Southeastern University,” said Moore. “I want to thank President George Hanbury, Director of Athletics Michael Mominey, and everyone else involved in the hiring process for putting their trust in me. It is an incredible opportunity to lead such a great program at a university that is so close to my heart. I am genuinely excited and grateful to continue to build upon the tradition established by (former head coach) John (Constable).

“I want to thank Matt Watts for the last four years with the men’s soccer program. I have been fortunate to have been a part of such a pronounced program led by an incredible coach. I am very thankful for the fond memories, and for providing a platform that has allowed me to express myself as a coach.”

Prior to his arrival at NSU, Moore, a former professional player with the United Soccer League’s Charlotte Eagles, also spent time as a graduate assistant at the University of West Florida, where he played from 2011-2013. He served as the goalkeeper coach and was heavily involved in player development and recruiting, both of which have been a big focus for him at NSU.

The English native spent eight years playing for Manchester United’s youth team and then spent a year in the Premier Development League with the Mississippi Brilla. Moore was part of the 2013 USL Charlotte Eagles team that was a national finalist before playing for the Chattanooga FC of the National Premier Soccer League. While with Chattanooga, the team was crowned the United States National Amateur Champions, two-time South Region Champions, two-time Southeast Conference Champions and Hank Steinbrecher Cup Champions.
 
Moore earned his undergraduate degree in Health, Leisure and Exercise Science, and later added a master’s degree in the same field – both while at West Florida.

 

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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.

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