Tag: Women’s Soccer

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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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Following the loss of 10 seniors from last season’s NCAA South Region Championship team, head coach John Constable and the Nova Southeastern women’s soccer program have begun the process of reloading the roster after officially announcing the addition of seven newcomers to the 2020 recruiting class on Friday.

“Overall, I am happy with the class we have coming in,” said Constable, who has guided the program to the NCAA Tournament in each of his first five seasons. “We have done our business pretty early, and I feel good that we are not scrambling still trying to find players at the last minute. We lost a fantastic senior class from the 2019 season. However, not only do I feel we have a good group coming in, but I am also very happy with the 21 players we have returning. The upcoming season is a rebuilding year for us, but the goals never change. We want to win trophies and compete at, and for, NCAA championships.”

The list of new players are detailed below:

Annie Bjork
Hometown: Malmo, Sweden
Position: Center Back/Outside Back
Height: 5-10
Previous School: University of Bridgeport

Constable’s Thoughts on Annie: “Annie transfers in here from University of Bridgeport having played practically every minute on its 2018 team that won the NCAA Division II national title. Her transition should be smooth to the Sunshine State Conference, and we look forward to working with her. In addition to being a good player, she also has good height, which will prove to be useful on both offensive and defensive set plays.”

Emma Brown
Position: Center Midfielder/Defender
Height: 5-8
Previous School: Middlesbrough College
Club Team: Middlesbrough Women FC

Constable’s Thoughts on Emma: “We are excited to have Emma here. She is another player that has great versatility, as she can play center midfield plus anywhere across the backline. She also has pretty good size, which is important on set plays. Emma has represented the England youth national team at various age groups and has started games for them. Players coming in here with that level of experiences have typically done very well for us. I expect no different with Emma.”

Tinotenda Chiweshe
Position: Forward
Height: 5-5
Previous School: Charles W. Flanagan High School
Club Team: Miami Lakes United Soccer Club

Constable’s Thoughts on Tinotenda: “Tino has attributes that we can work with here. She is strong, powerful, fast, quick, and she is a constant threat due to those qualities. Tino is another product of our NSU Elite ID camp. She came to the camp, performed well, and from there it was a no-brainer. We very much wanted her in the program and are glad we got her.”

Daniela Correa
Position: Center Forward
Height: 5-6
Previous School: Gulliver Prep
Club Team: Sunrise Prime FC

Constable’s Thoughts on Daniela: “Daniela is a goal scorer. Right foot, left foot, inside the box, outside the box and with her head. Whether I go watch her with Prime ECNL or with Gulliver Prep, she always seems to be putting the ball in the back of the net. She will offer something different compared to the other talented forwards we have here, as she is more of a target striker. We will be able to play balls in to her and have her hold the ball up for us to allow us to get up the field. Daniela has good size and strength. She is also deceptively quick and good in the air. We are happy to have her here.”

Paige MacRitchie
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 5-10
Previous School: Geneva High School
Club Team: Team Chicago 2002 Elite

Constable’s Thoughts on Paige: “We lose two goalkeepers to graduation after the 2020 season, so it was very important we brought someone in this year to prepare for those departures. Paige is a product of our ID camp. She has good size, good presence, and is a goalkeeper that I see a lot of potential in. She plays on a strong club team, and I’m excited to see how she grows and develops here as a Shark!”

Isabel Martinez
Position: Defender/Forward
Height: 5-2
Previous School: St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Club team: Sunrise Prime FC

Constable’s Thoughts on Isabel: “I really like Izzy as a player. I was always impressed by her when she played for (former NSU assistant coach) Cory Harbinson’s team at Sunrise, and she was one of our top performers at our NSU Elite ID camp last summer. She is blazing quick and versatile, as she can play anywhere across both the backline and frontline. Her speed and quickness allows her to attack very well 1v1 and defend well 1v1. She is also neat and tidy on the ball and keeps it more often than not.”

Jordan Scandizzo
Position: Forward/Attacking Midfielder
Height: 5-8
Previous School: West Broward High School
Club team: Sunrise Prime FC

Constable’s Thoughts on Jordan: “Jordan is a good local player that will be a valuable addition to our squad. She has been exposed to a good level of play at both Weston and Sunrise Prime, and that will help aid her in her transition here. Jordan is another player that made an impression at our NSU Elite ID camp. She has good height, size and presence. In addition, she passes and moves well, and is capable of producing offensive stats for the team.”

To stay up-to-date with the Sharks throughout the offseason, visit NSUSharks.com or follow them on Twitter @NSU_WSoccer. 
   
 
 
 

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Head coach John Constable and the 2019 NCAA South Region Champion Nova Southeastern women’s soccer team have officially announced the dates for their Elite ID camps and Junior Sharks camps on the NSU campus later this summer.

Five separate Elite ID camps for girls ages 14-18 will be held, plus two Junior Sharks camps for girls ages 5-13.

For the older campers, there will be five available options to attend: ID Camp 1 (Sun., May 17), ID Camp 2 (Sun., June 7), ID Camp 3 (Sun., June 21), ID Camp 4 (Sun., July 12) and ID Camp 5 (Sun., July 26). All camps will take place at the NSU Soccer Complex, located on the Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus. Lunch and dinner will be provided at the Elite ID camps.

Meanwhile, Junior Sharks Camp 1 will be hosted Mon., June 8 – Fri., June 12, while Junior Sharks Camp 2 will be offered Mon., July 13 – Fri., July 17.

For more information and to sign up, check out the NSU women’s soccer camp website: www.nsuwomenssoccercamps.com. For further questions, please contact Coach Constable via email (jconstable@nova.edu) or phone (954-203-2472).
 
View below for all camp information.
 
Dates:
ID Camp 1 – May 17, 2020
ID Camp 2 – June 7, 2020
ID Camp 3 – June 21, 2020
ID Camp 4 – July 12, 2020
ID Camp 5 – July 26, 2020
 
Junior Camp 1 – June 8 – 12, 2020
Junior Camp 2 – July 13 – 17, 2020

Ages:
Elite ID camps – Girls ages 14-18
Junior Sharks camps – Girls ages 5-13
 
Cost:
Elite ID camps – $240 (Lunch and Dinner Included)
Sharks Junior camps – Full Day – $360, Half Day – $260 (Camp T-Shirt Included)
 
 

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