Vanguard University

The athlete: Nikola will be a sophomore this season, after playing in all 22 games as a freshman?scored one goal for VUSC in 2010?came to the Lions from Rancho Bueno Vista High School in Vista, California?played for Coach Whiddon and Saldana at RBVHS?was named MVP both his junior and senior season?led his squad to the Avocado League Championship three season in a row?played six years of club soccer for San Diego Surf?has played the game of soccer for 14 years?left-footed?very skilled?knack for scoring goals?gained valuable experience as a frosh, and will build on that this season.

The person: Nikola "Nik" Ilich was born in Granada Hills, California, on March 13, 1992?parents are Dusko and Verna?has two younger sisters who both play soccer?majoring in Bio Chemistry at VUSC?likes to eat at "Chipotle"?enjoys watching "CSI Miami" on TV?favorite movie is "Remember the Titans"?roots for Arsenal and Zidane?most respects his dad for shaping him into the man he is today?thinks honesty is important?soccer has taught him to work as a team?wants to become a dentist.

His thoughts: I love the community at Vanguard.

Coach Dodge's comments: Nick will be one of our most skilled players. He is a future star in our program.