FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern University head coach Bryan Hagopian is happy to announce the signing of 11 newcomers for the 2017-18 season - Justin Jackson, Michelle Bauer, Abigail Kohlmeier, Tiffany Brand, Olivia B. Sullivan, Kaitlyn Campo, Kim Lizotte, Antonia (Toni) Labrador, Erika Mares, Hermano Cherilus and Edmund (Eddie) Reis.
 
With the departure of 12 seniors, the coaching staff looks to these newcomers to help the women's team defend their 2017 Peach Belt Conference Championship and win the first PBC title on the men's side.
 
"These new student-athletes bring potential to the track and field team," said head coach Bryan Hagopian. "We will have depth in events we have struggled with in the past and while the others build on our stronger events. It is all about depth and these newcomers have the talent to fill in our missing pieces."
 
Below are the newest members of the Shark family with the reason they chose NSU.
 
Justin Jackson - (Sprinter / Jumps) - Christopher Columbus High School - Miami, Fla.
 
"I chose Nova Southeastern University as my home for the next four years because that's what it felt like when I got on campus for the first time, home. The opportunity to purse a track career, study the major that I want (sports management) and experience a college life of my very own. I love the vibe on campus and all the amazing people that are there to help guide me and become the man I aspire to be. I look forward to all the amazing people I'm going meet, all the great friends and teammates I'm going to have, and all the great memories I'm going to be creating at Nova Southeastern University." 
 
Michelle Bauer – (Cross Country) - Saint Marys Area High School – St. Marys, Penn.  
 
"I chose Nova Southeastern to be my home for the next four years because of its home-like atmosphere not only in the school environment but also the team environment. From my first few minutes on campus during my visit, I felt right at home. The team treated me like an immediate member. The same occurred on the academic end. Throughout my Shark Preview weekend, I met individuals that were not only excited to be studying at NSU but were also excited for me. Everyone from the cross country team to the academic students welcomed me in to their NSU family."
 
Abigail Kohlmeier – (Cross-Country) - Cape Coral HS – Cape Coral, Fla.
 
"Running on a college team had always been a dream of mine from a very early age. However, the most important part of making that dream come true was finding the perfect college for me and Nova Southeastern University was a perfect fit. After researching NSU, I fell in love with the beautiful campus. I wanted a college that was in Florida, had a great academics program, and a running program that was thriving. When I visited the campus at the Shark Preview I instantly felt at home. I also visited the science labs and got to speak with professors who made me feel better about majoring in Biology. Talking with Coach Benassi and Coach Hagopian made me realize that the Cross Country and Track team are the definition of a team because everyone is so helpful and kind. Just talking with the coaches and some of the runners on the team, I was excited and the worry of not fitting in instantly went away. I am so excited to continue my academics in hopes of pursuing a later career in Pediatrics along with practicing and training hard to be the best runner I've ever been. I can only hope to make everyone important to me proud while attending Nova Southeastern University." 
 
Tiffany Brand – (Cross Country) – University of Connecticut – New York, N.Y.
 
"Finding the perfect school doesn't always happen on your first try, and it certainly didn't happen on mine. I originally found Nova Southeastern when I was searching for PA schools to apply to. It was not a "big name" school that I had heard of before, however, it made its way to the top of a prestigious list. Running has always been a huge part of my life from when I got cut from the soccer team in 7th grade to when I was elected track captain my junior year. I had found my niche in the athletic world and a group of people I would keep with me through my entire life. The running community is like no other I have ever known. NSU is the perfect school for me both athletically and academically and I look forward to making my collegiate cross country debut here this fall."


Olivia B. Sullivan - (High Jump / Multi-Events) - Greens Farms Academy – Norwalk, Conn.
 
"When I set out to explore the best college environment for me, three characteristics surfaced to the top of my list: diversity of the student body, access to my major of interest and student-athlete opportunities.  When I first arrived on campus, I also began to feel the lure of such a beautiful campus climate offering me an opportunity to escape from the doldrums of long winter months as a lifetime New Englander. I began to visualize myself appreciating outdoor trainings and practices as a welcomed change of pace. Since NSU draws from states across the country as well as the international community, I am certain that I will meet like-minded culturally curious peers. I've also always known that I wanted to concentrate in the field of social justice and communications. I had the opportunity to sit in on a Communications class during a Shark Preview weekend; that was interesting and affirming. NSU's small class sizes and attention to building competitive athletes, extended the qualities that I value in my current private high school. After diligently learning more about the Leadership Scholarship Program and receiving the honor of having been selected, I am confident that Nova Southeastern University is the best choice for who am I am today and more importantly, who I endeavor to be in the future."
 
Kaitlyn Campo – (Cross Country) - University of South Florida – Orlando, Fla.
 
"My choice of grad school first and foremost involved finding a reputable and high achieving program to continue my passion for medicine as a Physician Assistant. After researching NSU's program and touring their health building I was convinced this was where I wanted to continue my education. On top of that, I was further pulled towards NSU when I started talking with the coaches of their track team. Running is another huge passion of mine and after finishing undergrad early I was thrilled to consider the possibility of completing my collegiate track career as a Shark. Being a part of two successful Nova Southeastern programs is such an opportunity and I am excited to work hard to represent them both well!" 
 
Kim Lizotte – (Sprinter / Pole Vault) - Bacon Academy HS – Colchester, Conn.
 
"The day I stepped onto the campus of Nova Southeastern University, I knew it was the perfect college for me. From the beautiful campus, to the astonishing business school and exercise science program, I knew that it was the college for me. I loved how it was a smaller school, making it the best place to make new friends and really focus on academics. I've always had a dream of getting involved in the fitness industry, whether that be being a personal trainer, owning my own business, or doing business management. I knew that a place like NSU would help me achieve those goals. Not only do I have my career goals, but I have my physical goals as well. Being able to be a part of the Nova Southeastern University Women's Track Team is an honor, and I know that being a part of such a strong, successful team will push me to be the best I can be. I'm very excited for this next chapter in my life, and it's even better that I'm starting this chapter of mine at Nova Southeastern University."
 
Antonia (Toni) Labrador – (Throws) – Kings Park HS – Kings Park, N.Y.
 
"I am very excited to attend Nova Southeastern University in the fall. I fell in love with NSU when I first came to see it in January. After spending three days there for Shark Preview in March, I knew Nova Southeastern University was the place for me. The open campus is very pleasant and comfortable. I have met many people who know Nova Southeastern University and who have only positive things to say about the school and its courses. My doctor's son goes to NSU; and he has encouraged me to attend the school because of its great academic curriculum. I would like to attend NSU for many reasons. First, I am interested in possibly majoring in biology to hopefully become a physical therapist. In addition, Nova Southeastern University offers many classes to assist me in meeting my career goals. NSU is just the right size for me; the college is a good median between a large school and a small, private school. I am also excited to be a Nova Southeastern University athlete. I have qualified in divisional competitions in shot put and discus and can't wait to participate in the sport at NSU. NSU's Track and Field program will help me improve in my field events. My job has taught me responsibility and reliability, which are important traits to have when representing a school. I believe Nova Southeastern University is the right school for me. Not only does the school have great biology program, but it is also the right size, right location and the right environment for me to excel. I am looking forward to being a Shark!"
 
Erika Mares – (Cross Country) – Palm Beach Central HS – Wellington, Fla.
 
"When I was looking for colleges, I looked towards family and friends to give me advice on places where they went to college and why they did and didn't like it. When my friend's mom, a graduate of Nova Southeastern, stated that it was the best college experience and she was happy with her career she picked by going there. I did my research and found that it has my personal requirements for a university: my intended major (Biology), in a diverse city, and I can study abroad; I was hooked! I watched the virtual tours, read the student outcomes, and statistics. I couldn't believe that I actually found a university of my dreams. What made me apply to NSU was the experience and connections I would gain that schools in my area wouldn't be able to give. Nova Southeastern University is in a city full of internships, scholarships, and other opportunities that can expand my education. This university will help me achieve that with its small student-to-teacher ratio and diverse student and educator backgrounds. I know when graduate I can use my knowledge from Nova to venture far in life."
 
Hermano Cherilus – (Cross Country) – John I Leonard HS – West Palm Beach, Fla.

"The reason why I chose Nova Southeastern University is because it felt like the perfect fit for me. The location of NSU is absolutely amazing because it is only an hour away from my home so I won't be too far away from my family. Nova Southeastern University also has an outstanding engineering program that I will greatly benefit from. The best part about being a shark is that I can continue to run with a prestigious team and not only take my running to new heights, but it can also help me mature as a young adult."
 
Edmund (Eddie) Reis – (Jumper / Hurdler) – Burlington HS – Burlington, Mass.
 
"I am glad to say I will be a Shark next year! I decided to start looking at schools in Florida once I realized the cold weather and snow was not for me. My parents would always go to Fort Lauderdale to visit and vacation. I decided this was a good area to start looking and sure enough I visited NSU and instantly fell in love with the campus with the overall atmosphere and friendliness from the students. Back in Massachusetts I did track from my freshman to my senior year and loved every second of it. I found myself being a leader sophomore year and being looked upon by peers and coaches as my skills grew. I loved competing, and I saw myself grow as an individual as well as an athlete. After many memorable experiences and journeys with Track, I realized it was coming to an end. As I approached college, my coaches urged me to find a team to join and continue track. I took this into mind, and once I found Nova Southeastern and learned of their track team, I immediately jumped at the opportunity to continue doing something I love."