By Eduardo Cuan, Contributing Writer
Hudson – Two Hudson High School (HHS) athletes – soccer standout Nicole Sloan and track star Nicole Mooar – have formally agreed to accept scholarships to continue playing their sports at Massachusetts colleges. On Feb. 12, the two young women participated in a National Letter of Intent (NLI) signing event at the school, surrounded by school officials, faculty, family and teammates. The event was held a week after the official National Letter of Intent Day Feb. 5 because of a snowstorm.
The NLI signing event is when a college prospect moves from verbally committing to a college and its athletic program to officially agreeing to attend the institution full-time for one academic year. In return, the institution agrees to provide financial aid for the same amount of time.
The two Nicoles were the center of attention in the packed cafeteria, as they signed their letters of intent and lined up for congratulations and pictures.
After graduation, Sloan will attend Division II Assumption College in Worcester, where she is expected to continue terrorizing goalkeepers on the soccer field. She was Hudson High's MVP this year and is a two-time Midland Wachusett League All-Star, All-State All-Star, and a member of the Telegram & Gazette Super Team. She also plays for the FC Stars of Massachusetts elite soccer club, which holds a national ranking.
Mooar signed on to run track at Division II Merrimack College in North Andover. She is a four-time Midland Wachusett League All-Star, two-time indoor hurdle champion, three-time outdoor hurdle champion, and currently holds five school records in track and field. For the past three years, she has also finished in the top 10 in the state in hurdles.
“I am really proud of these girls,” said Spencer Fortwengler, HHS's women's soccer and track and field head coach. “They both have shown constant dedication and hard work and deserve everything they are now receiving. It's been a wonderful experience to be able to coach both Nicoles in their respective sports and I look forward to them continuing to exceed expectations and do fabulous things in college. I am a lucky coach and thank them both for all the hard work and leadership.”