When a high school senior is looking for the next step in his or her education, a variety of questions are posed. The most important question to answer is where that next step takes place. For freshman women's soccer player Angela Nicholas, that answer was only 15 minutes away.
Nicholas, a native of Tonawanda, has many interests, which include reading, spending quality time with friends and, of course, soccer.
"I like to read in the time I'm not consumed with soccer," Nicholas said. "Soccer is pretty much my life while I'm at school, but I still make sure that I have time for just hanging out and relaxing."
With so much going on in her life as a student-athlete, Nicholas somehow manages to keep family and friends happy along with keeping up grades and studying. On top of her schoolwork, Nicholas is devoted to her squad, attending as many team functions as possible.
She feels that she is able to do so much because of the support of her family.
"My family is my No. 1 fan," Nicholas said. "They are always there to help me out in any way that they can. They are always supporting me at my games, and they always have. They are such a big part and help in my life."
The lifestyle lifestyle of a collegiate athlete was no surprise for Nicholas. Growing up, her entire family was involved with soccer; her siblings played soccer as well and her parents supported each of their endeavors.
"My family was always running and on the go," Nicholas said. "We would grab something to eat and run off to practice. It was always come and go."
When Nicholas is not attending practice, games, team functions, study tables and many of the other requirements that are expected of her, she likes to sit back and listen to music that gets her excited before each game.
"I love listening to pump-up music," Nicholas said. "The music we listen to right before games really inspires me and gets me motivated to do what I need to set out to do."
One of Nicholas' favorite things about Buffalo was the fact that it was a close to home. She was recruited by Niagara University, SUNY Albany, Toledo and Nazareth, but knew that Buffalo was the right choice.
One of reasons was Kelly Gillow, who coached Nicholas when she was a member of the Buffalo United Soccer Club. Gillow was a Buffalo alumna that played for the women's soccer team when she was a student. This mere connection influenced her decision greatly.
"[Kelly] has really had a great impact on my life," Nicholas said. "I am following in her footsteps and I hope that I can stay that way."
According to Nicholas, her freshman year thus far has been pretty hectic. But, she said, she would not want it any other way.
"If I did not play soccer, I would still have to find something that would fill in all the time I dedicate to soccer," she said. "I would never be able to do just school and that's it. I have no idea what else besides soccer I would do."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
