Marcum signs to play soccer for Anderson University

The REPORTER

Hamilton Heights senior Natalie Marcum has signed a letter of intent to play soccer for Anderson University in Anderson, Ind., this fall. The university is a member of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) and an NCAA Division III athletic institution. She is the daughter of Shawn and Brenda Marcum.

Marcum, who is undecided about her career plans at the moment, chose Anderson University because it is a faith-based institution of higher education with good academic options and where she can play soccer at the collegiate level.

Marcum, who was named a Top Team Player, a member of the All-Conference Team and All-Academic team twice, Offensive Player of the Year, and MVP, is as strong in the classroom as she is on the field. She has played soccer since the age of five, playing high school and club soccer throughout the year. She also participated in gymnastics for 12 years.

It is her high school and club soccer coaches – Hamilton Heights High School Head Girls Soccer Coach Travis Kaufman, Assistant JV Coach Diane Handy, and Sean Yau of the Hamilton North Futbol Club – Marcum credits as being influential in her development as a player.

“For four years as a varsity player, Natalie has been a constant for our program,” Kauffman said. “Her on-field skills always impacted our offense as she consistently scored and was a team leader in assists. As she continued to mature on the field, her role in the program continued to grow, too. She has been the kind of teammate, leader, and captain that I love to have; she is confident, focused, consistent, and very individually talented but what has made her so special is the respect she’s earned from her teammates and the leadership she’s provided.”

Kauffman continued, “She has been a trusted voice on the field and has always been a supportive and encouraging teammate who has made others and the team better by her effort. Natalie has been part of the heart of this team and the culture that we’ve tried to create. Her absence will most definitely leave a huge hole to fill but I’ve no doubt that who she’s been and what she’s done for the program has been an example others will want to emulate.”

“We are very excited for Natalie and the opportunity she has in front of her to continue her soccer career at Anderson University,” Hamilton Heights Athletic Director Kurt Ogden said.  “Natalie has been an outstanding role model for other athletes both on and off the field and we’re certain that she’ll do the same for the Ravens as well.”