Vanguard University

The Athlete: Marissa kept her number but changed her name for her final season at Vanguard?married VU men's senior goal keeper Chris Swift over the summer?established herself as an All-GSAC goal keeper in her first year as a Lion last year...played nearly 850 minutes in goal last season, notching 32 saves, one shutout, and a 7-3-1 record in goal?transferred to Vanguard from UC Irvine?played two seasons for the Anteaters?earned Freshman of the Year award at UCI?named Big West Player of the Week?recorded the most saves in a Big West season (118) in 2003 with a .79 goals against average?played for VU coach Randy Dodge at Aliso Niguel High School?graduated from ANHS in 2003 where she also ran track and field?was an All-League and All-CIF as well as team and Sea View League MVP as a senior?2003 ANHS Athlete of the Year?competed in club soccer for the West Coast Stingers?has played the sport for 17 years?has a calm presence in the goal?brings NCAA Division I experience into the goalkeeper position?expected to provide senior leadership in 2006?Swift will be counted on for a strong senior season in goal.

The Person: Marissa Ann was born on March 3, 1985 in Beaufort, South Carolina to her parents Gordon and Jen Welliver?has two sisters and a brother?is a Religion major at Vanguard?sports hero is Ronaldinho?likes to eat pizza?loves the movie "How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days"?watches "Dawson's Creek" on television?favorite color is red and prefers the number three?cheers for the Barcelona FC?enjoys spending time at the beach and coaching soccer?would like to meet Jesus Christ?favorite book is "Mere Christianity"?feels that her VU team will be strong because of the talent, unity, and upperclassmen?has learned from life that God will always provide?competing in soccer has taught her about perseverance?wants to become a College Professor.

Marissa's closing thoughts: I chose Vanguard because of the Christian environment and the Religion program. It is a very good institution and my hope is that I will be known as someone who always worked hard.