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For: September 09, 2010
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Nucilli to play soccer at WVU
BYNICK CAMMUSO TIMES WEST VIRGINIAN
FAIRMONT — is undoubtedly one of the best players in the history of Fairmont Senior soccer.
On Wednesday morning, he added another chapter to his Polar Bear legacy, becoming the school’s first male athlete to sign a letter of intent to play soccer at West Virginia University.
“We’ve have kids in the past play at some smaller schools, but Brooks is the first to go to a major university,” Fairmont Senior coach Jim DeNardi said. “I think it’s a reflection on him and how much time and effort he’s put into it and just our whole program. The kids in our program have really devoted themselves to soccer.”
Nucilli, who will play forward or midfield in college, is at the forefront of that devotion. He led the Polar Bears to a 19-2-2 record and the state semifinals as a senior last season. Along the way, he scored 49 goals, had 20 assists and was named the West Virginia Sports Writers Association Class AAA state player of the year.
A three-year starter at Fairmont Senior, Nucilli finished his career with 93 goals and 77 assists.
“No one works harder than Brooks does,” Fairmont Senior assistant coach Darrin Paul said. “He’s led by example, and I think he’s a good example to our team and the players that are coming after him. When they pick up the paper (today) and turn on the news, they’re going to see that his commitment and hard work has paid off.”
Nucilli realizes the huge opportunity in front of him, too.
“He’s talked about it,” Paul continued. “He knows what a huge opportunity this is and he realizes how much work it takes. Brooks is on the team, but he’s not going to settle for that. He wants to play.”
The chance to play for a major college program has given Nucilli the incentive to work harder than he’s ever worked this offseason. It’s been a winter filled with indoor competition and training intended to build strength and maintain his balance and flexibility on the soccer field.
“It’s more training than I’ve ever done in my life,” Nucilli said. “I’ve always done it, but never so hardcore.”
Added DeNardi: “It takes a little time to get there, but Brooks has got the work ethic and if he keeps it up, I think we’re going to be seeing him on that pitch playing for WVU.”
Suiting up for the gold and blue also means playing with and against some of the nation’s top talent. But whether it’s soccer or working toward a degree in engineering, Nucilli is certainly up for the challenge.
“It’s going to make me better,” he said. “I have to play my best just to compete in practice.”
And whatever the future — and that first Mountaineer practice — holds, he’s ready to get started.
“It’s going to be an experience playing with a Division I school. It’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I can’t wait,” he said.
WFHS TV NEWS thanks the Times West Virginian for the collaborative partnership since 1999.
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