Cornelius headed to the next level: Lady Pioneer standout signs with Kennesaw St.
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She signed Thursday, and will receive a full scholarship to play for the Lady Owls.
“My whole life I thought I would end up playing softball, it was my first love,” said Cornelius, who has also played for the Lady Pioneer softball and track teams during her WCHS career. “Then my first year of AYSO soccer they said how good I could kick the ball and I should keep playing.
“I don’t think I’d be playing soccer if not for coach (Alan) Brownyard. Playing for him made it become a passion. He pushed me in the direction to be able to play in college. He always reassured me that I could. I feel if not for coach Brownyard a lot of coaches would not have heard about me. He got my name out there.”
Cornelius, who was named soccer’s District 7-AAA MVP this past season, will become an Owl in August when she starts practice. In addition to her MVP award she has also been All-District in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002. She earned All-Region 4-AAA honors in 2000, 2001 and 2002. She has been playing soccer for seven years and plans on majoring in medicine.
“I have seen Linsey play for the past several years and her abilities on the soccer field are truly outstanding,” said Kennesaw coach Rob King. “She is a very hard worker and not just a soccer player, but an athlete.
“We have a solid soccer program at Kennesaw State, with players from all over the world. Linsey is the type of player that when she is surrounded by the high quality players she will be playing with, she will work very hard to take her game up to that same level. Linsey will be awarded with the highest scholarship given to players in the United States by Kennesaw State.”
Kennesaw State is a NCAA Division II school, and a member of the Peach Belt Conference. Coach King led his team last year to an 18-1 record with a regular season PBC championship as well as the conference tournament championship.
PHOTO INFO:
Linsey Cornelius, center, is joined by her parents Jay and Lori Cornelius as she signs a soccer scholarship with Kennesaw State Thursday afternoon. On hand to witness the signing are, standing, from left, Kennesaw head coach Rob King, WCHS coach Alan Brownyard and WCHS athletic director Andy Jacobs. (Dale Stubblefield photo)