Nicholls soccer coach Dylan Harrison adds five more recruits as the Colonels continue their rebuilding efforts. The Colonels add new recruits Janelle Brandom, Christina Bilczuk, Hillary Clark, Nichole Doherty and Kelsea Nash into the Colonels’ women’s soccer program.
Brandom made her way to Nicholls from Scottsdale, Ariz., where she led Desert Mountain High School to the Arizona High School State Championship her senior year. In 2009 Brandom finished her four-year high school career by setting the single-season assist record at DMHS with 54. She had a total of 16 goals and 28 assists en route to all-state honors.
“Janelle is a player who knows how to win games,” Harrison said. “She likes to be involved at all times. She was involved in 45 goals her senior year, and we will look to Janelle to add this same dynamic edge to our attack.”
Bilczuk will become the third Canadian Colonel on the soccer team when the Oakville, Ontario native arrives in the fall. Bilczuk was a 2008 invitee to the national Canadian Olympic Development Camp and will help with the Nicholls’ defensive line. Bilczuk currently anchors the defense of the Toronto Lady Lynx, serving as team captain of the 2009 North American Finals qualifiers.
“Christina comes to us from one of the top leagues in Canada,” Harrison said. “We will look for Christina to provide a physical presence in our defense. We’re very excited about her decision to become a Colonel.”
Clark comes to Thibodaux by way of Tallahassee, Fla., from Leon High School. Clark will add a defensive presence in the midfield and bring her academic reputation with her.
“Hillary is a defensive-minded player who has a great understanding of the game,” Harrison said. “She will also join the school’s honors program as she seeks her education degree. Her knowledge of the game and her willingness to learn make her a player with a bright future.”
Doherty, a Jacksonville, Fla., native, was a three-year varsity starter. Doherty helped Bishop Kenny High School to Class 4A regional runner-up finishes in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Doherty earned the reputation as one of the most reliable scorers in her conference. She was named All-First Coast in 2008 and earned her team’s Golden Boot Award as the team’s top scorer in 2007 and 2009.
“Nikki is a very active forward who knows how to find the back of the net,” Harrison said. “She comes from a very competitive soccer background. She will also join our honors program in the fall. We’re very excited to have Nikki represent our program on and off the field.”
Nash, a Torrance, Calif., native, will be the final addition and arrive in Thibodaux after a standout career as a defender at Torrance High School.
“Coming from one of the top soccer areas in America, we will count on Kelsea to be prepared for the college game,” Harrison said. “She caught my eye as a center midfielder. Kelsea is a true playmaker that makes others around her better. We are looking forward to her arriving on campus in the fall.”
The Colonels’ five latest additions join Riley Marschalk, Amanda Bennett, Meghan Lanteigne, Melissa Pestalozzi and Kelsey Sheldon in the Nicholls soccer program for the 2010 season.
