FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Amassing a signing group from seven states and providing solid representation in distance, sprints, hurdles, jumps, throws and vault, the Nova Southeastern track and field and cross country teams have announced their initial 2019 class under the direction of 11th-year head coach Bryan Hagopian.

"We're really excited about the big crop of freshmen women distance runners that are coming in," Hagopian said. "We're really pumped up. This will end up being the biggest women's recruiting class in our history, so it's really exciting. We will definitely be turning a lot of heads at conference and Regional because of the caliber of athletes that are coming in, and they are really committed to the Sharks' way of competing."
  Jack Hayes – St. Augustine High School – St. Augustine, Fla. (Cross-Country)
Hayes on his signing: "I chose Nova because of its evident innovation curriculum. Being on campus, there's new things happening everywhere. The buildings, all modernized like no other school, the technology being used for everything, efficiency shown through student shuttles, and a simple campus layout. Not to the mention, the wide diversity of students, shows the ability to expand and open the mind to ideas from all different cultures.

"NSU is constantly looking to move into the future, rather than stay in the past. Athletically, it provides me with the best competition from all major conferences within collegiate divisions. The experience of former collegiate and professional runners, as coaches is huge in the development of me as an athlete. Certain goals require certain training plans and I can trust NSU knows how to get an athlete to any goal they have in mind. A young competitive team provides me with an opportunity to learn as well as eventually lead. The atmosphere of the team is a huge upside, and definitely something I can't wait to be a part of."

Megan Fleming – Des Moines Roosevelt High School – Des Moines, Iowa (Cross-Country / Track & Field - Distance) -
Fleming on her signing: "I chose Nova Southeastern University because I love the positive energy everyone has there."

Kiara Rand – Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School – Parkland, Fla. (Track and Field - Sprints)
Rand on her signing: "I chose Nova Southeastern for many reasons! NSU's Huizenga Business Innovation Academy will allow me to earn an MBA degree in my fourth year at university and will help me be a true girl boss when I graduate. I also loved meeting the track coaches and my future teammates who have been so welcoming. I love competing in track and field and am excited to do so in college. I also wanted to stay to close to my family in Parkland and be able to continue to give back year-round to our South Florida community. Go Sharks!"




Christina Adams – Lower Cape May High School – Wildwood Crest, N.J. (Cross Country / Track & Field - Distance)
Adams on her signing: "Nova southeastern was my first choice for a long time, but when I went down there to meet the team and coaches it became more than a first choice, it became home. The team was so kind and welcoming and Coach Rose was so incredibly devoted to me and the team the whole time. I committed by the end of my visit." 

Lauren Breski – Seneca Valley High School – Cranberry Township, Pa. (Cross-Country / Track & Field - Distance)
Breski on her signing: "I chose to attend Nova Southeastern University because whenever I first visited, it felt like home. I immediately realized how nice everyone on the campus was and the positive atmosphere that it created. I am looking forward to the warm weather and sunshine all year round that I don't get in Pittsburgh, PA. I also plan to continue my academic career in nursing, and NSU has one of the best programs to offer. I am so excited to continue my passion of running cross country and track as I make NSU my new home in the fall."

Sophie Leto – Western Brown High School – Mount Orab, Ohio
(Cross-Country / Track & Field - Distance)
Leto on her signing: "NSU was an easy choice for me. When I met the team, I instantly felt comfortable and like I was at home. Everything fell into place when I found out they had the exact major I wanted with an excellent program. But for me, the team sealed the deal and I can't wait to be in Florida with my friends this fall!"

Isabella (Bella) Aristizabal – Western High School – Davie, Fla.
(Cross Country / Track & Field) 
Aristizabal on her signing: "I had several options on where to attend college but it wasn't until my first visit to NSU that I realized this was the perfect fit for me. Not only did NSU offer me a spot on the cross country/track team, but also being accepted in the dual-admission program for dentistry are both dreams that are finally being fulfilled. On that first visit, I felt like I was ready to spend the next 4-8 years at NSU, without a doubt. Even now before officially starting, I have already met extraordinary people that I know I can count on and have made this pre-experience a place that I can already call home."
 

Grace Moriarty – Loveland High School – Loveland, Ohio
(Cross-Country / Track & Field - Distance)
Moriarty on her signing: "I chose Nova Southeastern because of the atmosphere created by the team. When I came to visit the coaches and teammates were welcoming and made me feel like I belonged there. Not only does Nova have a great environment but the academics are stellar. I know I will graduate in four years and I will be prepared for my next chapter in life."


Tiffany Salm-Khiamdavanh – Whitesboro High School – Utica, N.Y.
(Track & Field - Pole Vault)
Salm-Khiamdavanh on her signing: "I chose Nova Southeastern because of the vast opportunities that this school has to offer. It has amazing academic and athletic programs. The campus is beautiful and is in such a great area! I am excited for the warm weather as I am from upstate New York, where winter time is very cold. I cannot wait for the fall, go Sharks!"

Aliza Richard – Burrillville High School  – Burrillville, R.I. 
(Cross-Country / Track & Field - Distance)
Richard on her signing: "I chose Nova Southeastern because of all the opportunities it has to offer both academically and athletically. As well as the exciting campus life because of the location being in such a beautiful spot. I look forward to building my career path as well as my track and cross-country career!"