Livermore Fusion SC Player Wins Two Top High School Soccer Awards

A long-time Livermore Fusion Soccer Club player has capped off a stellar high school career by winning two of Northern California's top girls' soccer honors for 2018-19. Nikki Trucco was named the East Bay Athletic League's Most Valuable Player and the Prep2Prep North Coast Section (NCS) Player of the Year!

Playing for San Ramon's California High School, Nikki scored 34 goals combined during her sophomore and junior years, then exploded for 33 goals as a senior, helping lead the Grizzlies to the NCS Division 1 playoffs.

Nikki joined Fusion in 2013 as a U12 player, transferring from another Tri-Valley Club to join her twin sister Lexi, who had moved to Fusion the prior year. Nikki will complete her seventh and final Fusion campaign this spring.

"I've really enjoyed playing for Fusion and love the coaching staff," Nikki says. "The coaches are super sweet and knowledgeable, with incredible experience as both players and coaches."

Nikki especially appreciates getting the opportunity to play for NPL Technical Director Tracy Hamm and Girls Technical Director Mary Whisler. "Before Fusion, I had never played for women coaches. Tracy and Mary are extremely relatable for female players."

Nikki also appreciates Executive Director Ben Graham for entering Nikki's teams into top tournaments and showcases that provided extensive exposure to college coaches.

"I've learned so much during my time at Fusion, both about soccer and life in general, like the importance of respect, patience and time management. The Fusion environment makes it okay to try new things and make mistakes, which has helped me become less shy and more confident. I've grown tremendously as both a player and a person."

"Fusion has really helped Nikki develop," notes Nikki's mother Karen. "The Club, coaches and players have helped her become a well-rounded, self-assured player and person."

Nikki has excelled in the classroom as well as on the pitch, compiling a 4.3 cumulative GPA, finishing in the top 10% of her high school class, and earning spots on the Principal's List and in the National Honor Society. She also won a "Perfect 4.0 Award" by earning straight A's through middle and high school.

Colleges throughout California and numerous out-of-state schools courted Nikki with soccer scholarships. She chose Cal Poly, where she plans to study Early Childhood Development in preparation for a teaching career.

"Tracy, Mary and I emphasize to our players that if you work hard on your game and your grades, you'll achieve your goals," says Fusion Executive Director Ben Graham. "Nikki is a great example of a player who combined natural talent with tremendous dedication to land a scholarship from a top college program."

"Nikki is one of the best soccer players I have ever coached," Ben added. "She has an incredible drive and work ethic, and has earned absolutely everything she has achieved. I hope that her journey inspires other Fusion players. We can't wait to see what Nikki accomplishes at Cal Poly. The sky's the limit."

"Don't worry about other people and how you compare," Nikki advises other young players who aspire to athletic and academic excellence. "Work hard on yourself and focus on reaching what you want to do."