The Bellevue University women's soccer program, under head coach Andy Nicolarsen, is pleased to announce the signing of Jessica Taylor (Hallam, Neb./Norris HS), Samantha Sacco (La Vista, Neb./Omaha Gross HS) and Heather Penc (Bellevue, Neb./Bellevue East HS) to compete for the Bruins in the upcoming 2013 season.
Taylor, the daughter of Dale and Chris Taylor and sister to Jenna, Josh and Hannah, is a transfer student from Southeast Community College in Beatrice, Neb. She graduated from Norris High School where she completed for the Titans in basketball and soccer. She was named most improved player on the Norris High School girls' soccer team in 2009 and practice player of the year in 2010 and defensive player of the year in 2011.
A three-year letterwinner at NHS, Taylor served as team captain and received honorable mention all-conference honors her junior and senior seasons and helped the Titans to two Nebraska state tournament appearances. She was also a two-time honorable mention all-conference basketball player for Norris.
An excellent student, Taylor was on the honor roll all four years in high school and plans to study psychology while at Bellevue. "Jessie is a gifted athlete who possesses speed and strength and is an outstanding person and leader," said Nicolarsen. "We expect her to develop quickly in the program and look forward to having her on the team for the next four years."
Sacco is currently undecided on her major at Bellevue. "We are pleased to welcome Sam to our team," said Nicolarsen. "She is another great athlete with a good club and high school soccer background."
In addition to soccer, Penc lettered in academics and was a member of the National Honor Society. An excellent student, Penc plans to study psychology and criminal justice while at BU. "Heather is going to be a good player for us," said Nicolarsen. "She gives 110 percent to everything and is a good teammate. Her speed and fearless nature are great additions to the team. We are pleased to have her with us."
Taylor, Sacco, and Penc join earlier signees Lauren Clark(Portsmouth, England/Mayfield HS), Tamara Webb (Whitchurch, England/Queen Mary's HS), and Alison Staub (Omaha, Neb./Platteview HS) in the 2013 recruiting class.
The 2012 Bruins finished the season with a 13-4-1 overall record, winning the MCAC Tournament title and MCAC regular season crown with a 6-0-1 league record. Bellevue advanced to the NAIA National Championships for the third-straight season.
