Nicolarsen signs four to 2018 class

Bellevue University head women's soccer coach Andy Nicolarsen announced today the signing of four student-athletes to the 2018 recruiting class. The newest Bruins include Faith Smith (Madison Heights, Va./Liberty University), Sofia Colvin (Edmonds, Wash./Iowa Western CC), Saskia Pepel (Mossingen, Germany/Quenstendt-Gymnasium Mossingen), and Alexis Tolliver (Springfield, Neb./Platteview HS). 

Faith Smith

Smith joins the Bruins as a transfer student from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. She was a member of Liberty's Big South Conference championship team that advanced into the NCAA DI National Tournament eventually losing to UNC-Chapel Hill. She is originally from Madison Heights, Va. and plans to major in criminal justice.

Coaches Comments:
"Faith is a strong, versatile player with an excellent work rate and attitude. She will be able to effectively play several roles for us next year."

Sofia Colvin:

Colvin joins the Bruins as a transfer student from Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs. Last season she helped lead IWCC to regular-season and post-season conference championships and an NJCAA National Tournament berth. She plans to major in communications.

Coaches Comments:
"Sofia is a tactically smart player with excellent composure. She played outside back for the Reivers and will look to move into that role for us next fall."

Saskia Pepel:

Pepel, the daughter of Waldemar and Sandra Pepel, is set to join the Bruins from Mossingen, Germany this upcoming season. She currently attends Quenstendt-Gymnasium Mossingen and will graduate in the spring. Pepel grew up playing her club soccer with SV Eutingen under coach Roland Golz. Her SV Eutingen team won the Landesliga championship during the 2015-16 season. Pepel plans to major in health and human performance.

Coaches Comments:
"Saskia is an excellent central defensive player. She is athletic, fast, strong, aggressive and smart tactically and technically. She will have an immediate impact for us this fall."

Alexis Tolliver:

Tolliver joins the Bruins from Platteview High School in Springfield, Neb. She is the daughter of Chris and Kelly Tolliver and plans to major in biology/pre-med. At Platteview, Tolliver was a 3-year National Honor Society member and a 4-year varsity soccer starter. She plays her club soccer with the Omaha Futbol Club under coach Paul Grandgenet.

Coaches Comments:
"Lexi is a tough, quick, defensive player that can get up and down the flank. I look forward to watching her settle into the college game."

The Bruins finished the 2017 season with an 11-5 overall record and a 3-1 conference mark, advancing to the Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) Tournament semifinals.