Llewellyn caps record-setting campaign with 3rd straight All-MIAA nod

Matthew Monroe|November 14, 2007

Junior mid-fielder Nikki Llewellyn runs the ball down the field in a game against Washburn University on Oct. 26. Llewellyn broke the school record for most goals in a career the next week.

Junior mid-fielder Nikki Llewellyn runs the ball down the field in a game against Washburn University on Oct. 26. Llewellyn broke the school record for most goals in a career the next week.

Junior mid-fielder Nikki Llewellyn came through in almost every aspect on and off the soccer field this year.

She was named first team All-MIAA for her third straight year. She was named Daktronics All-Central Region first team for her second consecutive year.

Llewellyn also received NSCAA All-American Honors and was placed on the MIAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll, but all of this fell short to the ultimate goal in every player’s mind: to break a record.

“I wasn’t even thinking about it at the time, said Llewellyn. “I was only concerned about going to nationals. I didn’t want the season to end.”

Llewellyn broke the Missouri Southern’s record for the most goals scored in a career with 38. She surpassed Ashley Munnelly, who scored thirty-six goals in 2002. Llewllyn scored the two record-breaking goals against the Emporia State Hornets on Senior Day, Oct. 27, at Hal Bodon Field. Her first score came on a penalty kick in the 18th minute and then added another from 20 yards out only 6:20 later to put the Lions up 2-0. The Lions finished the game by winning 6-0.

Llewellyn led the MIAA in goals with 18, in game winning goals with five, and overall points per game with 2.05. Llewllyn had a tremendous year, and the best part about it is that she has a whole other one just around the corner.

Despite all of her rather remarkable accomplishments, Llewellyn appeared humble and said that one of the hardest things she had to deal with this season was the loss of her seven senior friends and teammates. She said there has never been such great chemistry on and off the field, which in itself is a wonderful attribute to a team.

“This is a team and we were all so close. There is no way I could have done any of this on my own,” Llewellyn said.

The Lions finished this fall season with eleven wins, four losses, and five draw matches.

They took the second place ranking in the conference, but because of the extreme talent in the MIAA did not find a national tournament spot. Llewellyn and the Lions hope to avenge this year’s season by getting into a spot next year.