Feb. 9, 2002
Texas A&M couldn't get Jennie Nobis on campus.
That's because the University of Missouri won her heart.
The Quincy High School goal-scoring whiz signed a national letter of intent to play soccer for Mizzou.
"I feel like it's the place for me," said Nobis, a 5-foot-7 senior forward. "I felt more comfortable there than anywhere else. I can live there for four years and really enjoy myself."
So Nobis canceled her visit to Texas A&M, the program ranked seventh nationally with six straight NCAA Tournament berths and one Big 12 Conference championship.
"I always wanted to go to North Carolina," said Nobis, who also visited Iowa State and Illinois. "That's every soccer player's dream. But going to a big-time program really wasn't one of the important things I looked at. I wanted to feel at home."
Missouri's coaches made her feel that way.
"They're strict and they want discipline," said Nobis, who plans to be a pre-dental major. "I like that. I really liked them. We talked once a week on the phone. They came here and went to classes with me. They were really interested in me, not just as a player but as a person, too."
The player could have a huge impact.
Nobis scored a school-record 43 goals last season, finishing with 18 assists and 104 points as the Blue Devils went 18-4-2. She currently ranks second in school history with 87 goals, 43 assists and 217 points.
Becky Peterson, who played at A&M, is the school record holder with 106 goals, 47 assists and 259 points.
"The Missouri coaches were looking for someone with drive, someone who is going to take their team to another level," Nobis said. "I hope I can make an impact."
She'll have every opportunity.
Started in 1996, the Missouri program was ranked as high 12th nationally in 2000 after an NCAA Tournament appearance in 1999. The Tigers started 5-0 this season - the best start in school history - and were 6-3 and 1-1 in Big 12 play when Nobis made her commitment.
The Tigers were ranked 10th in the NSCAA/adidas and SoccerBuzz Central Region polls.
"I'm so excited," Nobis said. "A big part of my decision was whether I'd get along with the girls. I really felt comfortable with them on my visits. I'm so ecstatic that I can't wait. I want to get down there."