FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern University cross country and track and field head coach Bryan Hagopian has released the signees in the 2015-16 NSU recruiting class.
The Sharks will bring in 12 new athletes for the upcoming fall, specializing in several different events. Below is a list of signees and why they chose NSU:
Heather Keck
Eugene Ashley HS – Kuro Beach, N.C.
Pole Vault
"Nova is a great fit for me both athletically and academically. I wanted to find a school that challenged me in both areas so I would stay motivated, and Nova offered that. After meeting the coaches and some of the athletes at a recruit day, I knew Nova was where I wanted to be. With a beautiful campus, an ideal location and a variety of majors, Nova was definitely at the top of my list. I am extremely excited to continue my pole vault career here. There was definitely passion on the team and within the school, and I am excited to pursue and explore mine here at Nova."
Janelle Shipotofsky
Timber Creek HS - Sicklerville, N.J.
Cross Country"Fast forward to the fall, Nova is the school that has the best opportunity for me as a pre-physician assistant major. Studying for the six year program in biology will be very beneficial for my future. Originally, I had planned on attending college in North Carolina, however once I saw the campus, met the cross country coaches and visited the trainer, I knew Nova was the school for me! Nova has all the qualities I want in a school: the warmer climate, an ideal location and even the iguanas. NSU took every aspect of my dream college and created this school. I can't wait to run cross country and track as a Shark and be a part of this team and school."
Paul-Ann Gayle
Edwin Allen HS - Clarendon, Jamaica
Throw"Nova Southeastern University is a noble institution. It continues to be one of the dominant schools in academics, and also growing in athletics with wonderful coaches who have proven to help athletes improve. I chose Nova because, whether your engaging yourself in extracurricular activities, it ensures that no matter what you're on top of your academics, therefore always maintaining or improving academically, so I believe that this is the best institution for me in furthering my education and athletics."
Beau Doyle
Venice HS - North Port, Fla.
Jump"I chose Nova preferably because it's a private school with my major, exercise and sport science, and the track and field program. Being a private school, it gives benefits of smaller classes with one-on-one time with teachers for better academics and understanding in the classroom. It is also a better advantage of becoming closer with classmates and getting to know each other by working in a smaller community. With Nova also being a Division II school with NCAA sports, it also fulfills my interest in competition for track and field. Having track be my main and most competitive sport throughout high school, I wanted to continue that through college, and Nova providing that has made it a complete package for me to commit and attend."
Meghan Hass
Jeffersonville HS - Jeffersonville, Ind.
Pole Vault, Hurdles"I chose Nova Southeastern University because it is a school that not only suits me academically, but athletically as well. I am able to be a part of the Razor's Edge program, which gives me the ability to employ my leadership skills and give back to my community. Attending Nova will also give me the opportunity to major in biology, as I plan to become a surgeon, and to fulfill my dream of running track and field at the collegiate level."
Tyler Johnson
Robert Morgan Educational Center - Miami, Fla.
400m/200m Dash"Nova Southeastern University is the perfect school for me. I believe attending this school will not only develop me into a great athlete but also into a great citizen. I'm super excited to be attending NSU and I'm a Shark for life."
Christian Oppel
Westcoast University of Applied Sciences - Lautertal, Germany
Cross Country"I chose NSU because it can offer me, on the one hand a great opportunity to do my beloved sports in a sophisticated environment and team, and on the other hand, I can gain a good education in the Sunshine State as well. For me as an international student at Nova Southeastern University, it will probably be one of the best and excited times of my life."
Chris Horn
Leo HS - Leo, Ind.
Jump"I chose Nova because the environment is the right fit for me. Coming from Indiana, I think the change will be positive. I feel like I will be able to utilize the nice facilities and campus. Nova's track and field program seems to be a great fit for me, along with great coaches. Nova is an all-around great school that seems to fit my wants and needs."
Sydney Murrin
Fountaineblue HS - Covington, La.
Jump"The reason I chose Nova was because it is in the south. I used to live up north, but for a while I have lived in the south and did not want to go back up to the cold weather. I used to live in Florida and I've missed living there. I also chose Nova for its marine biology program, and it is close to my aunt's house, so I am close to family."
Ashley Discoll
Notre Dame Academy Hingham - Kingston, Mass.
Cross Country"I chose Nova Southeastern for its beautiful location and the overall positive atmosphere of the school. The students are kind and welcoming from the start. It is nice to feel like a part of the community before move-in day. I also chose Nova Southeastern for the wonderful opportunity I will have to pursue my running career and to continue my education."
Kyle Forsythe
Mt. Vernon HS - Fortville, Ind.
Pole Vault"I didn't only choose NSU for the amazing weather, but also for the school's educational service. I feel this is a place where I can further my education and gain real life experiences in the line of work that I want to do for the rest of my life. I also feel glad to be able to continue my track career here. The facilities are outstanding and I think I'll be able to obtain new personal records while I'm here. In all, excited for school and track and field to start!"
Blake Riley
Riverside HS - Sarasota, Fla.
Cross Country"There are many reasons that led to my signing at Nova Southeastern University. After my first visit in December I immediately fell in love with the campus. Compared to some more classic campuses I've visited, I truly enjoyed the modern campus of NSU and the many beautiful views it offers as well in being in the gorgeous city of Ft. Lauderdale! As well as the warm welcoming of the NSU cross country team, I immediately felt at home and all the runners made me feel as if I was already a Shark and showed me much kindness. Another great factor that led to my decision of being a Shark was the athletic facilities. As a runner with such high ambitions as myself, I was looking for a college that could take me to the next level and not only compete, but win. With all the athletic resources NSU offers, I feel I can become the best possible runner that I can be! Overall the wonderful campus, location and friendly student-athletes allowed me to make the best possible college decision and that was to become a Shark."
