By: by Mark Toma
KENNESAW, Ga. – Former Kennesaw State soccer star Rebecca Nolin earned a spot on the Atlanta Beat as a defender this week as the WPS squad finalized their 22-player roster for the 2010 season.
Nolin, who was an all-conference standout for the Owls from 2003-06, made it through the final rounds of cuts, as she becomes the first Kennesaw State former student-athlete to play professional soccer.
“I was thrilled to hear that Becks had made the Atlanta Beat's final roster,” said Kennesaw State head coach Rob King. “She is a quality person and a terrific soccer player. I watched her perform well throughout the extensive tryout process and was so hoping that she'd still be there at the end. The WPS is the top women's professional soccer league in the world and to have our former captain competing at that level is truly amazing.”
A team captain and four-year starter from Windsor, England, Nolin was one of the top defenders in the history of the Kennesaw State program and was a member of the 2003 NCAA Division II National Championship squad and the Owls first NCAA Division I team.
“This is a dream come true for me,” said Nolin. “I am so grateful to be a part of the Atlanta Beat. I am also thankful for everyone who has helped me and supported me including Coach King, who opened so many doors for me. There isn’t a coach in college who takes such a caring interest in his players and their future.”
Nolin’s road to professional soccer began when she starred for the Atlanta Silverbacks of the W-League for three seasons. It was after a strong 2009 season that Nolin impressed the Beat organization and was told to pursue her soccer career, as the Beat was getting ready to play their inaugural season.
Last fall, Nolin traveled to Florida to participate in the WPS combine where she was impressive in three matches and earned an invitation to the Beat’s December invite tryouts in Kennesaw. During that time she excelled once more and earned an invitation to training camp this spring where she earned one of 22 roster spots.
“I wanted to make the most out the opportunity that was afforded me,” added Nolin. “I always wanted to play professional soccer and heading into training camp I was more focused and committed then ever before, plus playing against the top players in the world helped motivate me even more.”
As the time for final roster moves approached, Nolin, along with all of the Atlanta players were individually called into the office of head coach Gareth O’Sullivan where he would deliver the news, good and bad, to the players in regards to making the 22-player squad.
“I knew coach was going to call us in one-by-one,” said Nolin as she relived her most recent and rewarding memory. “I remember taking a breath and when Coach O’Sullivan told me I made the developmental squad. I was so excited that I was offered a spot on the team.”
“There are eight teams in the league with 22 players on each team, so to be chosen as one of 176 players league wide, is quite an accomplishment,” added King. “I was able to watch Beck's play some minutes in the Beat’s, 5-0, win over North Carolina and she looked composed and had some great touches on the ball. We're very proud of what she's been able to do and will be cheering her along.”
The Atlanta Beat kicks off its inaugural season on Sunday, April 11 when they play Philadelphia Independence. The Beat will play their home games at the KSU Soccer Stadium with their home opener coming on May 9 when they play Sky Blue FC.
