Kelly Rulison
Sports Editor
Sophomore Lewis and Clark student and soccer athlete, Nicole Howard, is taking the next step to becoming a pro soccer player by signing with the Louisiana State University Tigers.
On January 28, Howard visited the LSU campus and made a verbal commitment to accept a scholarship offer and play for the LSU Tigers in the Fall of 2016.
“I chose LSU because I just really felt comfortable with the coaches and the campus, and they have a well known soccer program in the SEC,” L&C athlete, Nicole Howard said.
Howard continued, “What I am looking forward to most about LSU is all the soccer stuff, the new friends that I will meet and living in the south! It will be a big change but I can’t wait for all the new experiences I will have.”
On February 3, Howard will sign a national letter of intent, making the agreement official.
“She and I were talking about playing at LSU,” Head Soccer Coach, Tim Rooney said. “And she’s going to be expected to do a lot of different things. She’s going to have to work on laying balls off and working in turns. And she’ll have to hit the weights and get stronger. She’s going to be playing with a lot of great players there.”
Last season, Howard had gotten the women’s L&C soccer team back in the National tournament. She had scored 100 points for the Trailblazers, and had a best-in-the-nation 40 goals to go with 20 assists.
Despite having medical issues to slow her down, Howard kept going. She suffered from compartment syndrome, which was causing muscle inflammation during last season and required post-season surgery. She was relieved to have only lost minimal playing time.
Currently, Howard is finishing up her Associate’s in Science Degree at L&C, and will graduate in May. She will then be heading to LSU to further pursue her major in Sports Management.
“What I will miss most about L&C is the soccer program and all the friends that I have made here. Oh, and Jared who works with student activities because he is awesome,” Howard said.
For more information about Nicole Howard or the soccer teams, email Head Soccer Coach Tim Rooney at trooney@lc.edu.
