Dec. 12, 2003

Columbia, Mo.-Dominating the midfield this season, the Mizzou soccer team wasn't surprised to see continuing accolades roll in for freshman Elyse Nikonchuk. Stepping forward as one of the finest players to wear the Tigers' black and gold, Nikonchuk has earned national recognition as a selection to the U.S. Under-19 National Team.

Receiving her second invitation to join the prestigious program--Nikonchuk turned down her first offer last year because camp interfered with her school schedule-- the midfielder is on her way to the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles, Calif., to train with the finest young athletes in the country.

"I am really excited," Nikonchuk said. "I was asked last year, but I couldn't go because of finals. But, I hoped I'd get asked again."

The New Lennox, Ill, native is Missouri's first soccer player to be selected to a U.S. national team. Joining the program, Nikonchuk will attend a two-week training camp in January to prepare for monthly international matches beginning in February.

"I'm a little nervous," Nikonchuk admitted. "But I know a few of the girls that are on the team and my mom and sister are going to be in Los Angeles with me. I'm excited to play."

Nikonchuk's appointment comes on the heels of an impressive freshman season at Missouri. Despite several injuries that sidelined the midfielder at various points during the year, Nikonchuk came in to spark the Tigers to a 5-4 come-back victory over #4 ranked Texas A&M. Scoring Mizzou's first two goals against the Aggies, she also aided the Tigers defensively making a team save in the game.

After awakening during Big 12 play, the midfielder extended her scoring drive putting in the game-tying goal against Iowa State. The win advanced the Tigers to the league championship where the freshman continued to thrive.

Carrying her momentum into the Big 12 Tournament, Nikonchuk scored the game-winning goal against then #5 ranked Colorado marking the first time in Big 12 Tournament history a No. 8 seed had beaten a No. 1 seed.

Leading the Tigers against #21 Nebraska, Nikonchuk again helped Mizzou reach a milestone as the Tigers claimed their first victory over the Cornhuskers with a 3-2 victory. The win advanced Mizzou to the Big 12 Tournament Championship where Nikonchuk put in Mizzou's first goal against tournament champion Oklahoma State.

Recognizing her tremendous performance, Nikonchuk earned All-Big 12 Tournament honors. Overall, the freshman recorded five goals against Big 12 opponents and finished the season ranked fourth on the team scoring 10 points.