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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – St. Francis seniors Marlee Nicolos (Santa Clara) and Taylor Simpkins (Point Loma Nazarene) each signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer next fall in college at a ceremony at the school Wednesday morning.

Nicolos, who currently is the leading scorer for the Troubadour basketball team, is recognized as one of the top goalies in Northern California. She plays for the San Juan Soccer club and was a member of the St. Francis soccer program for two seasons.

“I am so thankful and grateful to continue my soccer experience in college,” said Nicolos. “I am happy I chose soccer even though I have played basketball in high school (the last two years). I see it as a way to stay in better shape for soccer, the sport I love so much. At Santa Clara, I will be in an environment where everyone wants the challenge, we all try to make each other better and will work together to win championships.

On the court, she helped the Troubadours to the CIF Division I State Championship game as a sophomore. She is averaging 14.7 points and 9.5 rebounds this season, leading the team in both categories.

“Marlee is as competitive as they come,” said St. Francis Basketball Head Coach Vic Pitton. “She will compete in every minute of every game. Santa Clara is going to be very happy with the addition of her to their program.”

Simpkins will join a program under the direction of new head coach Krista Kiely, who was recently named the third head coach in school history. She comes to the Sea Lion program after coaching at Arkansas and helped lead the Razorbacks to the NCAA Tournament.

“The soccer program is amazing,” said Simpkins. “There is a new coach coming in and she is super nice and open. She wants to work with everyone. The athletic program is going to be really good. Boys did fantastic and the girls did pretty well, too. I feel with the new recruits coming in we will be super good.”

Simpkins played three seasons in the St. Francis program, accumulating 24 career goals and 14 assists. She led the junior varsity as a freshman with 19 goals before playing for the varsity team. She has concentrated on her play with her San Juan ECNL squad this season.

The 2018 senior class now has nine student-athletes signed to participate in their sport at the collegiate level this fall with the spring signing date still ahead in April.

Name, College/University (Hometown)

Marlee Nicolos, Santa Clara (Elk Grove)

Taylor Simpkins, Point Loma Nazarene (Roseville)