Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Owls Add Dominique Nelson to 2015 Signing Class
3/24/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
BOCA RATON, Fla. - The Florida Atlantic University women's soccer team welcomes Dominique Nelson to its 2015 signing class, as announced today by FAU Head Women's Soccer Coach Patrick Baker.
"We feel very fortunate to have Dominique Nelson joining our 2015 Florida Atlantic Women's Soccer recruiting class," Baker said. "She is an athletic defender that can play either outside back or center back for us. Playing for Adrian Bush and Tampa Bay United the past two years is providing invaluable experience for her on and off the field.
"Exposure in the National League games and facing such quality competition on a regular basis will help her transition into the college game. She is a shut-down defender and has playmaking abilities when she gets forward with the ball at her feet," he said. "The way we envision our team playing out of the back, Dominique possesses a number of traits that we feel she can impact our line up immediately."
Nelson currently attends East Lake High School in Tarpon Springs, where she boasts a GPA of 4.30. Nelson helped guide her club team, Tampa Bay United, to the Florida State Cup finals, Region 3 Quarterfinals and the USYS National Championship finals. On her previous team, the West Florida Flames ENCL, Nelson won 35 tournament championships over five seasons.
"I have made some incredible memories getting to this point in my life," Nelson said. "And although the journey is far from over, my time at FAU will be another great chapter. I chose Florida Atlantic University because I felt that it was the best fit both athletically and academically out of all of the schools I've visited.
"I also believe that what I can bring to the table will strengthen both of these programs. I know Coach Baker has developed some very successful women's soccer programs," she said. "I am excited that I will get to play for him and represent Owl Nation throughout my college career."
She has played nearly every position on the pitch, earning a starting role as a freshman at East Lake and led the Eagles to the State semifinals, two Nike tournament championships, earning the top spot in the district standings each of the last three seasons. A two-time All-County player, Nelson was selected as a district Senior All-Star this year.
"We are extremely proud of Dominique," said Adrian Bush, coach of the Tampa Bay United. "FAU is a great fit for her athletically as she joins one of the top rising soccer programs in the country. Her maturity and focus is ahead of her years and we wish her great success as she pursues a degree in engineering."
Off the pitch, Nelson is a member of the National Honor Society, English Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. She tutors math and is a literacy coach at Lowry Elementary School. Nelson volunteers for the Humane Society of Tampa and works with the Disabled Veterans Olympic Games.
