by Declan O’Malley

Weekly contributor

Lopez High School senior Lilli Nichols will continue her soccer career at the NCAA Division III level with Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. According to Nichols, the opportunity came through a close connection.

“My god-sister plays college soccer there and she talked to her coach, without me knowing, telling her she should reach out to recruit me,” Nichols said.

Nichols, who plans to major in environmental science and sustainability, hopes to play left wing or left midfield but is open to filling any role the team needs.

Practice begins Aug. 17 for the Cornell Rams, facing a full slate of Midwestern Conference opponents. Fans can watch Nichols and the Rams online at cornellrams.com/watch.

Nichols expressed gratitude for her time as a student-athlete at Lopez Island High School and credits the program for sparking her passion for the game.

“My time on the Lopez soccer team gave me a love for soccer, allowing me to try a sport I had never tried before,” she said.

To future generations of student-athletes, Nichols offers this advice: “Have fun. Soccer is a fun sport that you should appreciate. Put in hard work, but also just enjoy the time you have with your high school team.”

Lopez High School is thrilled to see one of its athletes compete at the college level.

“I am so proud of Lily and her opportunity to play soccer at the collegiate level. She is a hard-working and committed athlete whose talents in soccer are only a small piece of her value as a student athlete. Her positive leadership style is going to be a big asset to the Cornell soccer program,” said Athletic Director Ginger Plumb.