Corona soccer ace signs with Indiana State
By Brian Gomez
Following a star-studded four years at Corona del Sol High School that included more than its share of memories, senior forward Nichole Tiggs will continue her career by playing soccer at the collegiate level.
The four-time letter winner and two-time team captain inked a national letter of intent with Indiana State late last month.For Tiggs, the signing was just another step in her lifelong dream of becoming a professional soccer player.
"I've always seen (playing in college) as an option and have worked hard to get here. It's always been in my mind," Tiggs said."Hopefully, building my skills in college and getting seen by coaches will help with (going pro)."
Tiggs considered attending Northern Arizona University, the College of Notre Dame and UC Riverside, she says, but ultimately chose Indiana State because of its political science program and study program for student athletes.Tiggs plans on majoring in political science, with a minor in psychology.
While at Corona, Tiggs earned all-region and all-city honors for four consecutive years. She was also a member of the state's Olympic Development team in 1998 and 2000.
Tiggs helped lead Corona to a 15-5 record last year and a first-place Central Region finish.The Aztecs were state runners-up in 1999, but were bounced in the state quarterfinals in their 2002 campaign by Phoenix Horizon.
However, Tiggs did her part by scoring 13 goals on the season. Her ability to find the net is probably her biggest strength and it is what will allow her to achieve success in the years to come.
"I like fighting for the ball up top and will do anything to get it," Tiggs said. "I'm expecting to go out there, show I can start and be a big powerhouse."
Tiggs joins a host of other Indiana State signees, including Megan Morris (Terre Haute, Ind.), Kate Schneider (Evansville, Ind.), Elaine Carlier (Pickerington, Ohio), Becky Pittman (North Vernon, Ind.) and Regan Smith (Scottsdale).The Sycamores are led by freshman forward Claire Hemkens, who set three single-season school records last year in goals scored (six), assists (six) and points (18).
Head coach Vernon Croft guided Indiana State to a 6-13-2 mark this past season (1-4-1 Missouri Valley Conference) in just its second year at the Division I level. The Sycamores made their second straight appearance in the MVC Tournament.Croft is optimistic for the upcoming season, especially with the presence of Tiggs, after not having any upperclassmen on last year's roster.
"Nichole is going to be a great addition to our program. She brings a knack for scoring goals," Croft said.
"She is what we call an opportunist. She takes advantage of each opportunity given to her, and more often than not, is capable of finishing those chances."
The Sycamores are slated to begin their 2002 season Aug. 30 in the Southeast Missouri Tournament.They will face Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau, Mo., before taking on Murray State the following day. Indiana State's home opener is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 6 against DePaul.
Reach the reporter at brian.gomez@wranglernews.com.
